I think that anything related to this area is horrible. I've had issues with piles for a few years now so was getting towards the end of my tether with it all. If this does put an end to all that then it will be worth it even if the recovery might take a while. My consultant said to expect two weeks of pain and a couple of months before it all feels normal again.
I hear you on the worry. That has been the worse thing for me, the fear at each step. So far it has all been bearable!
I got very little advice to be honest bar projected recovery times and reassurances that I would get lots of pain relief. To be honest it was described to me as a walk in the park, which it hasn't been, and I didn't ask enough questions.
I don't have stitches. I was told no bath or shower on the first day. In honesty I did have a little cool shower, no soap or flannel, more of a little spritz, when I came home from hospital. My husband watched me like a hawk in case I fell over or something! I thought that I would be itching for a bath (I have a daily one at night just to relax usually) but couldn't face it until day three, I was a bit scared for some reason. When I did bathe, I had it fairly cool, no bubbles and it was fine. I'm back to my morning shower and bath at night routine.
The thought of going to the toilet has been an ongoing source of fear for me and by far the worse aspect. Despite this, on balance it has been okay-ish. I have read accounts of pain so bad that people have nearly passed out and other horrific accounts. Strangely my very first bowel movement on day 2 was a breeze. There was some blood but very little pain. Subsequent poos have been a little more uncomfortable but in my experience not terrifically painful. Some sharp pain & blood. I would suggest taking the Lactulose they give you regardless. I was advised by the discharge nurse not to take it unless I needed it. She kind of scared me off it so I was a bit slow out of the blocks getting it down me. Since I have been taking it twice a day everything is easier. Also I think that the op itself slows your system down and taking the lactulose kick starts things a bit. Certainly it has been only in the last couple of days that I feel like I have gone to the loo properly and fully emptied my bowel.
Are you going privately did I read? I did too so hope that I end up with a Rolls Royce bottom! Huge good luck for Saturday. Please don't worry. I'm not going to sugar coat it, it is rubbish but it isn't horrendous. If you have any more questions between now and then or when you've had the op please ask. I'm more than happy to talk about my arse 