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Original poster

Piles treatment

107 replies

Funnyface1 · 20/02/2017 18:10

Can anyone give me some information on any treatment you've had on the NHS? Or private actually? What stage were you at? What were your options? Did you have successful treatment?

I have my first meeting with a colorectal surgeon in 5 weeks and I just want as much information (and positive outcomes!) as I can get.

Thank you in advance, I'm obviously petrified and feel so alone to be honest.

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Foslady · 01/03/2017 22:41

I'm really dubious about baths - I had an horrendous time with BV that meant me going up to the GUM clinic for treatment at almost 50 being surrounded by teenagers and had to have the blast it away grade medication

Semaphorically · 01/03/2017 22:44

Yes I can see why you wouldn't want to repeat that! What about ice packs?

Zebedee2017 · 02/03/2017 02:43

Hi.. I'm having a Flexible sigmoidoscopy & banding in two weeks.. I've read all the horror stories but then again who would right a good review! I will be sedated.. I'm taking a week if work I'm told I won't need it but I will anyway.

Groovee · 02/03/2017 02:47

I had a skin tag removed and Piles Banded in 2011.

I was in agony for 3-4 weeks. Do not let yourself get constipated post op. Take any laxitives you are given and have a high fibre diet with lots of water?

Zebedee2017 · 02/03/2017 02:50

I've been told to take lactulose for life now.. As if I don't my piles will come back.. I've had mine for 20 years or more.. Got a lot worse after my Hysterectomy

DextersMistress · 02/03/2017 10:01

Hi op. I had my thd done on Tuesday, happy to answer any questions you have Smile

Original poster
Funnyface1 · 02/03/2017 10:17

Dextersmistress! How are you? Please tell me everything!!

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Original poster
Funnyface1 · 02/03/2017 10:22

Sorry I just have so many questions. Did they tell you how many piles were treated? Did they put you to sleep? How did you feel afterwards? Did initial pain get better or worse? Did they give you any advice? Are you taking baths? Have you had any bleeding? How do you feel now? I'm so sorry I'm just so scared and on the verge of talking myself out of it! My Thd is two weeks tomorrow.

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DextersMistress · 02/03/2017 10:30

I'm not doing too bad thanks Funny Smile

So I was taken down to theatre at around 1.30 Tues afternoon and was back on the ward, awake, by 3. I was tired and dizzy after the anesthetic but in no pain at all. They check your obs and make you eat/drink/wee before you leave and I was picked up at 6pm.

Can honestly say nothing has been unbearable, the worst part is a heavy feeling in my bum like I need to poo but I'm scared to! Don't want to strain as it might just be swelling. I've taken laxatives and drank loads so when I have been it's been ok.
Bit of bleeding when I go but that's the same as before! And slight pain which painkillers quickly sort out.

I'm going back to work tomorrow which is 8 hours on my feet so we'll see how that goes.. Grin

Original poster
Funnyface1 · 02/03/2017 10:46

Wow, that's amazing to hear and I'm so pleased for you! I suppose the only difference is I'm having the skin tag removed so I'm expecting some pain with that but if the rest of it is bearable then I will hopefully cope!

I suppose I'm just scared that I will hand over loads of money and be no better or even worse! Though the surgeon assured me that won't be the case. I'm just going to have to be brave like you. I really hope you continue to improve and that work goes well, take it steady. And please continue to update if you don't mind and get the chance.

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DextersMistress · 02/03/2017 11:08

I don't mind at all, glad to help. I couldn't find much info before I had it. One thing though, I'm not actually seeing any difference in my piles as yet. Mine were mostly internal but there was one external which is still there. I expect it takes a bit of time for them to subside after the blood supply is cut off.

Original poster
Funnyface1 · 02/03/2017 11:25

Yes I think it does take a bit of time for them to shrink away, not sure how long though. At least if you are not in agony while it all settled down and has chance to shrink away then that's something. I imagine you are very swollen.

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DextersMistress · 02/03/2017 12:01

Yes I think the heavy feeling is probably swelling but it feels the same as when I've been constipated (I suffer badly which contributed to the problem) so I'm fighting the urge to push too hard in case I break something! I'm taking 3 laxido a day for now to help things out.

Original poster
Funnyface1 · 03/03/2017 13:36

Dextersmistress, thinking about you today, hope it's going well. I'm having a bad day, suddenly can't wait for my procedure in two weeks!

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DextersMistress · 05/03/2017 20:15

Hi Funnyface, thanks for thinking of me.

I'm not great to be honest, not in pain as such but very uncomfortable. I definitely went back to work too early (worked Fri, Sat & today) but then my job is on my feet all day.
I have a constant need to use the toilet and feel like I need to 'clench' a lot. Found that I'm struggling to have a wee as I'm unconsciously clenching.

I'm pretty sure it's just swelling and I'm hoping it goes down soon. As I said, it's not painful really so I hope I haven't worried you Smile

Original poster
Funnyface1 · 05/03/2017 21:11

Dextersmistress, so glad you are not in a bad way. I'm in total awe at you going back to work so quickly, you are my hero. I'm in a flare up so lots of pain for me, honestly can't wait for the procedure, feels like a lifetime away. I'm expecting it to be rough but will be so worth it if it ends this trouble in the long term.

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DextersMistress · 05/03/2017 21:43

Quick tip for you, try and ice pop to numb the area. They are just the right shape and size for between the cheeks Grin

Original poster
Funnyface1 · 05/03/2017 22:01

Ah yes, I do ice sometimes but never used an ice pop, good tip!

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DextersMistress · 06/03/2017 12:37

Noticeable difference today op, feeling much better than yesterday. Smile

Original poster
Funnyface1 · 06/03/2017 13:46

Dextersmistress, yay that's awesome! So pleased for you. God I hope I can say the same in a few weeks!! Hoping you continue to improve.

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DextersMistress · 14/03/2017 21:19

Hi funny just wondering if you're ready for Friday Smile

Get yourself either movicol or laxido to use straight after, I'd start with 3 a day for a week or so.

I'm very happy to report that 2 weeks on I'm completely pain free Smile still have slight bleeding with bm but less than before the op. I also have a designer bum GrinGrin

Good luck for Friday. You won't regret it.

FinallyGotAnIPhone · 14/03/2017 21:26

I was referred to the GP to a private surgeon for piles after my first child. I had a Halo operation. I regret having the operation as when I had my second child, the piles just came back. I had to take a week off work for the operation. It had been marketed to me (or certainly this is what I interpreted the doctor saying) as a day operation (it was) and I should be up and running quickly. I had to take a week off work and spent a lot of that in bed. Honestly wish I hadn't bothered with the operation until I'd finished having all my children.

Puffykins · 14/03/2017 21:32

I had them banded after DS - agony at the time, but I was fully recovered after 48 hours - and a haemeroidectomy after DD. That was done under a general anaesthetic, but oh my God the recovery time (and pain....) I was sent home with just paracetamol and two days later was literally passing out and throwing up from the pain. I couldn't walk. I couldn't sit. Even lying in bed was painful. I got better drugs. It was STILL agony. I couldn't look after the DC, couldn't work for two weeks (and I work from home) it took nearly a month for me to be able to leave the house (and I was super fit) - it was nearly two months before I really felt myself again, and wasn't frightened to go to the loo because of the pain. And incidentally I gave birth twice without any pain relief. BUT it was worth it. Massively improved my quality of life. And I lost a stone (genuinely too scared of going to the loo to eat. Best diet plan ever.) But not everyone experiences as much pain. Weirdly, I think my self-dissolving stitches didn't dissolve properly, which didn't help. It all got a LOT better when I pulled them out myself (though that was painful.) Hot baths helped. But line up child care in advance - I had NO idea I would need it and was scrabbling around on a Sunday to find an emergency nanny, while also in phenomenal pain. Good luck.

Original poster
Funnyface1 · 14/03/2017 21:38

Oh gosh, I am sad to report that I have had to postpone my operation. I had a car accident a few days ago and things have been crazy, i just couldn't take one more thing. My NHS consultation that I never got around to canceling is on the 27th so I'll see what they offer me. If I'm not happy I'll reschedule my private op. 😢

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Original poster
Funnyface1 · 14/03/2017 21:38

So glad to hear that you are doing well dextersmistress!!!

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