Anal skin tag surgery. Frightened. Any experience?

[Minime85]

I'm due to have a large skin tag removed in October. It has been making me miserable for about a year. When it's swollen it feels like I'm sitting on a golf ball! It's large enough to pull the inside out sorry TMI. It's more worse than it isn't if that makes sense. But the surgeon told me how bad the recovery is and I'm really worried about it being so painful afterwards and maybe creating other problems. I already suffer with IBS so last thing I need is to make things worse. Has anyone had this op done? Thank you

I can't edit what I said, I didn't pay attention while typing, sorry for the mistakes

Thought I’d add to this thread as I have just had this surgery and the thread scared me before I went in, although it was useful too.

Had the surgery 5 days ago, I was a day patient and had general anaesthetic. It was a quick procedure and I was able to go home once I had done a wee and eaten some food. I didn’t feel in that much pain, and the Doctor prescribed me Naproxen although I haven’t needed it.

The first poo, on day 2, was painful but not terrible pain. Quite a lot of blood. I had a shower after. I’ve washed after each poo now with soap and water and dried myself carefully, and poos are not that painful anymore. The wound is lumpy looking and very open, but it’s still early days. It’s not that sore, and I’m able to sit fine. I’ll probably go back to work in a week.

So, my top tips -

Start taking Movicol sachets a week or two beforehand. I’m now having 2 sachets a day, and probably in a few weeks will reduce to one a day for a month more.

I’ve been eating a lot of fruit and dried fruit, but haven’t needed to have fibrogel etc.

I needed some pads/panty liners for the first few days as I was bleeding, but it’s slowing down now.

My Doctor said that I don’t need to bathe in Epsom salts, and just normal soap and water is fine. My best buy has been a Sitz bath, which I use to wash myself during the day if I don’t want to start undressing and having a shower.

I bought a few extra hand towels and flannels which I use to dry myself after washing.

So I’m on day 5 but all has gone better than I thought it would. I’ll report back to thread in a few weeks....

Just found this thread, I am in the UK and having surgery to remove 3 troublesome anal skin tags hopefully in a few weeks. I have to pay for this as NHS don't fund it. I am waiting for a date for the surgery which will be done under a general anaesthetic and then left to heal without stitches. I am a wimp when it comes to anything like this and am really scared. Partly due to the op but mostly what the recovery pain will be like and how I will cope. The positive stories have helped but still frightened.

@N172C I am now 5 weeks after my surgery and completely healed up. It really wasn’t that bad. I’d definitely recommend it. A bit painful for the first few days but not enough that I even needed painkillers, and after a week started to improve. However, I only had one skin tag and not 3 like you.

My top tips are to take movicol beforehand and carry on for a few weeks afterwards. Lots of fibre/fruit. And keep very clean afterwards.

@Skintagoff Thank you so much for your reply, I was grateful to read your positive story as so many are horror stories and I almost wish I hadn't found them. Hopefully most people who have a positive experience don't bother to write about it. Still waiting for the appointment so will phone the hospital tomorrow. The tags are itchy and sore so really need to get them sorted. I can't believe you didn't need pain killers well done! I will be taking some as soon as I get home just in case!

Hi all I'm so glad I found this thread! I am booked in for surgery in a months time to get a large tag removed I'd say size of a kidney bean. Due to a chronic fissure. I'm so scared 1. The surgeon said it's being left open to heal!!!! but what I don't get is if my fissure doesn't heal well, how will this open wound heal?! And 2. My fissure at the moment has healed but I'm now scared with them rummaging about its going to re open and il be in way more pain!!
The tag to me is massive and does irritate and itch and I feel gross but I'm just so worried things will be 10 times worse than it is just now!! Is it actually worth it?!! @LadyBelle2020 I read you had a fissure too, the incision u had is probably what il get, how does that heal if a fissure doesn't?!!! Eek! Freaking out!!

@h226
I am glad we all found this forum to share our experiences. I contemplated the surgery for years. How large is the fissure? I suffered from a chronic fissure, maybe a centimeter long for years. I found relief using the Forces of Nature- Natural organic fissure care oil (ordered on amazon). But honestly, it just would come and go as it pleased.

I had all the same symptoms as you're describing. The tag feels so big too ughhhh. It's itchy and it made me so self conscious. I hated it. The incision is going to be scary, it's bigger than you expect it to be. I didn't look at it for a few days after. It took a good three weeks to heal to about 80% completion. Then i'd say it took another 3 weeks to heal to 100%. I think since the skin forms completely anew it heals the fissure.

I think you have to be careful and aware of your body afterwards though. Still lots of water and fiber bc that area will be weak.

Looking back, I am so glad I had it removed.

@LadyBelle2020 thank you so much for quick reply! Not sure how big the fissure is the surgeon never said. It's defo chronic as I've had this on and off for about 8 years! I thought it was piles and never seen about it until I was in extreme agony with the fissure! N then it was diagnosed! Like you I have been using natural stuff to help the fissure and its helped to heal it but now I'm thinking this surgery is going to take me back to square one! But the tag is so gross I want it off! Agh!
Oh I didn't realise they actually cut the fissure tissue off?! So do u no longer have a fissure? Did you have an open one before surgery?
Yeah i find that just now with the fissure area that once healed it's weak and easily can come back if I'm not careful with my diet!
So u do think It was worth it then! Eek I'm so nervous!

@H226 you have a kindred spirit. My procedure is now booked for 19 February and although skintagoff said it is not too bad i am still scared (probably irrationally so) already feeling off my food and not sleeping. I will be so glad when it is all over. Hoping I can also look back and say it was worth it and not as bad as I thought.

@N172C. Aw mine is 2nd march! Good luck! Would you up date us? Oh I'm getting mine on NHS, wonder why you aren't? Is yours due to a fissure? I think for me I know the agony I was in a year ago and was desperate for this procedure but but covid happened and now it's healed n I feel will this surgery put me back into that pain or worse! I suppose I just have to get on with it agh!

@H226
Hi, yes I will, I don't have a fissure just 3 tags that are itchy and sore and sometimes I get small tears. Think the NHS class it as cosmetic without any other problems. I can say for certain that I would never have anything done purely for cosmetic reasons it is all too terrifying!

@N172C ahh OK! Aw well if its itching and annoying then best too. Have u to go under general? That alone is freaking me out I'm such a wimp

@h226 yes general for me too, sort of pleased I will not be awake but also nervous at the same time. I am a wimp too. If I cut my finger I put a plaster on just to be on the safe side! I think I am more worried about the recovery. It isn't like something on your arm where you can not touch it and leave it to get better. I am still hopeful that there are a lot of people who have had it done and didn't bother to write about it due to it being uneventful.

@N172C yeah I think the exact same as you! I seen a few stories that people have had to have gauze on the area for weeks and that some wounds didn't fully close for 3 and 4 weeks, its just soo long and makes me feel sick. Trying to stay positive but its hard lol

Hi ladies. I am a longtime lurker of this thread and I have just had my surgery so happy to share my story if helpful? I went in for a skin tag removal but the surgeon also did a haemorrhoidectomy at the same time.

The short story is it's all been fine, painful and uncomfortable but manageable. Shout up if you'd like me to share!

Oh yes please! I'd like to hear it, I'm so nervous!

I'll do a proper post in the morning!

Sorry this slipped my mind! I had surgery on the 05/02 to excise an anal skin tag. The surgeon also did haemorrhoidectomy while I was there. I had a general which was my first and absolutely fine. I had a long chat with a friend who has had a few surgeries so I knew what to expect and how it felt etc. I woke up confused and a bit emotional but it soon passed and the nurses were very kind. I felt ok after and went home after a few hours where I had s bath, some soup and went to bed. I'll admit I didn't sleep too well so I tossed and turned a bit. I think my back and hips were sore form the op. Got up the next day feeling ok. Really wanted to get the first poo over and done with but no joy. Had some breakfast and waited for the pain to kick in. I'd already started taking painkillers the previous night as I knew the local anaesthetic I'd had in my bottom would soon wear off.
Slept most of the day after to be honest but felt ok, despite pain ramping up.
I did my first poo on day 3 in the morning which was actually fine. The pain was more in sitting on the loo rather than the poo coming out. Only a small poo though. It's tricky after the op as you've had a big clear out with the enema so it takes a bit to get everything moving normally again.
Pain increased and was worst days 3-8 for me I'd say. It was never horrific though. I kept taking painkillers and just resting if I was in pain. This is day 10 and I've found some days better than others really. I was in pain all afternoon but I wasn't yesterday afternoon, and I can't really explain why!
I think preparation is key for a good recovery. Firstly, plan on having at least two weeks off work. I'm currently signed off until the end of the month but may go back sooner. I started taking stool softeners a few days before as the most important thing to do is to keep your poo nice and soft. I also took fybogel those few days before. After the op I had three sachets of laxido a day for several days. I stopped once I felt it was making me poo too much. And trust me, you do not want to poo too much!!!!! You need to drink loads of water and try and eat plenty of fibre. I'm trying to stick to a simple diet with lots of fruit and veggies.

Get a sitz bath to pop over the loo to bathe your undercarriage. I was advised to shower my bum after every poo for several weeks and that is also soothing. Baths are good for you and rest is very helpful. Although getting some gentle walks is worth doing to keep you moving. This will also help your bowels.

Happy to answer any questions! I feel my experience has been painful, yet tolerable. I am taking it totally easy and I think that's really helped.

Should have added that the absolute last thing you want it to be constipated so really plan whatever you need to avoid that. Your natural motions will be a bit mucked up from the anaesthesia and the enema but it'll get going again so just focus on whatever works best for you. I'm ridiculously regular so I think that has helped. I literally wake up and have to pop to the loo.

Also, don't fear having a poo. Just go when you feel an urge and sit on the loo. Never strain, you want the poo to just slide out of you. And it will of you've kept everything nice and soft!

Thank you NoodlesMcdoodles your experience does sound more positive! Was ur tag outside or inside hanging out if u don't mind my asking? Wow three laxido a day? ! I have one n it makes me need very quickly! Did u have to do the enema at home or in tbe hospital? I'm freaking out incase ita in the hospital because how do you get a shower and be nice and clean for surgery?! What stool softners did you use the days before surgery?

Thank you for posting, hopefully I will cope well too.

Hiya, the tag was from an old prolapsed haemorrhoid so it was inside and hanging out.
I think with the laxatives it's best to try and work out what you personally need but do bear in mind you'll be a bit out of sync after.

My enema was done in hospital just before the operation. Hilariously my surgeon came to see me just as I was finishing in the toilet and so I had wiped but not washed or used wipes and he asked to see! I was horrified and said I wasn't clean enough but he told me not to be daft! Honestly, they're taking a scalpel to your bum, it'll be cleaned before they touch you with alcohol, iodine etc. They honestly do not care. Take some wipes with you but nobody will even notice if your bum isn't squeaky clean!

I had my surgery 2 weeks ago today. I had 2 skin tags removed (not 3 as I mentioned before) there was actually just one larger one and one smaller one. The small one was left open and one stitch was put in the large one. Recovery so far has been painful. The first 8 days were the worst and has since started to improve but very slowly. I have been disappointed with how slow it is. I had a few tears on day 8 as I didn't really feel like I was progressing. I have taken paracetamol and ibuprofen since the op. Still taking both but have reduced the ibuprofen. I have used a sitz bath after every poo which has been a fantastic buy. Also soaks in the bath seem to help a bit. I have one each afternoon now and they seem more soothing than having a shower. I have also had the horrible smell like others have mentioned. That is reducing now, it started after about the first week. I am now getting up in the morning and feeling a bit less sore. Then I have a poo and the soreness is back for several hours. The surgeon said I would need a day off work! That was a lie. I had a week off and only managed to do my work this week as I am currently working from home. I do 24 hours per week and it was hard sitting in front of a computer. Had to keep changing positions and getting up for a walk round. Had a look for the first time yesterday and it actually looks worse than before the op (2weeks on). Got a large lump that looks bigger than before. Had a cry and phoned the hospital. They said it is normal so I desperately hope it will go down otherwise all this pain will have been for nothing. They suggested taking the ibuprofen for a few more days. I should have asked them to be more specific really - how many is a few? I guess I will have to see how it goes. Not had any advice from the hospital about the length of time to recover or what to expect. I have got all my advice from here so thanks to everyone who has posted. I hope I get more improvement in the next week and that it will be worth the pain overall.

@N172C

I had my surgery 2 weeks ago today. I had 2 skin tags removed (not 3 as I mentioned before) there was actually just one larger one and one smaller one. The small one was left open and one stitch was put in the large one. Recovery so far has been painful. The first 8 days were the worst and has since started to improve but very slowly. I have been disappointed with how slow it is. I had a few tears on day 8 as I didn't really feel like I was progressing. I have taken paracetamol and ibuprofen since the op. Still taking both but have reduced the ibuprofen. I have used a sitz bath after every poo which has been a fantastic buy. Also soaks in the bath seem to help a bit. I have one each afternoon now and they seem more soothing than having a shower. I have also had the horrible smell like others have mentioned. That is reducing now, it started after about the first week. I am now getting up in the morning and feeling a bit less sore. Then I have a poo and the soreness is back for several hours. The surgeon said I would need a day off work! That was a lie. I had a week off and only managed to do my work this week as I am currently working from home. I do 24 hours per week and it was hard sitting in front of a computer. Had to keep changing positions and getting up for a walk round. Had a look for the first time yesterday and it actually looks worse than before the op (2weeks on). Got a large lump that looks bigger than before. Had a cry and phoned the hospital. They said it is normal so I desperately hope it will go down otherwise all this pain will have been for nothing. They suggested taking the ibuprofen for a few more days. I should have asked them to be more specific really - how many is a few? I guess I will have to see how it goes. Not had any advice from the hospital about the length of time to recover or what to expect. I have got all my advice from here so thanks to everyone who has posted. I hope I get more improvement in the next week and that it will be worth the pain overall.

Hiya!

I'm sorry to see you're having a rough time. I'm now four weeks post-op. In fact, this exact time four weeks ago, I had a team of people all staring at my bum, clutching instruments!

Anyway, I found that after two weeks, everything improved really quickly. I don't actually have any pain or discomfort when I poo now which is amazing when I think back to the first week of awfulness.

My bum also felt/looked quite messy at first and it's been gradually improving all the time so I agree that it is just swelling and will definitely improve! Hang on in there and you'll soon have a lovely bumhole.

I only stopped taking painkillers after three weeks (nepofam and naproxen so stronger than what you're taking) so I'd take them for as long as you need them.

@NoodlesMcDoodles thank you so much for your reply. It is great that you are now much better. It makes me feel more hopeful, I did think that I would only need pain killers for a few days so it is good to know that I am not alone needing them longer. I will just keep taking them and not look at the mess that used to be a bum!