Coping With Hemorrhoidectomy

I had a hemorrhoidectomy last Friday. It was a new kind of procedure I’m told, where they sew them back inside rather than stapling, or cutting away altogether. Apparently the result would be just as good for my situation and the pain would be considerably less. Well if this is less, then I salute those of you who’ve been through stapling / cutting as utter heroes!

The first day or two was ok, mainly a severe aching from whatever they used to keep my anus open during the procedure, but with painkillers it was bearable. Lactulose got me going very quickly - the following morning in fact. I thought this is great, it’s not so bad and surely is going to just get better from here on in. But by day 3 things were going downhill and have been horrendous ever since - not pain from the site exactly, but terrible constant spasms that make me feel a desperate urge to go to the loo, only to find nothing happening. This is happening at least every hour, sometimes half hour, sometimes 10 mins, including through the night so I’m hardly sleeping. Am taking fibre drinks and laxatives so when I DO actually go it’s very soft and not really a problem, but 90% of the time nothing comes out bar a little fluid, even though the spasms feel like I’m turning myself inside out. Am starting to feel very down about it - had planned to go back to work on Mon, but i just don’t see how I can. Am getting paranoid that this spasming will never stop, and that the piles will come back with all the straining (am trying so hard not to push but with all the spasms it’s pretty much involuntary).

Please - if this is ringing any bells with anyone, can you let me know? Am desperate to hear that this is to be expected, totally normal, and will be over in a few days otherwise I think I’ll go mad. I’ve had to run to the loo 5 times already just in the time it’s taken me to write this. Please let me know what you think!!