Coping With Hemorrhoidectomy

They say hindsight(no pun intended)is 20/20 so here is my experience and what I wish I had known before hand. Prior to surgery I asked my doctor what type of prep would be necessary, he said no food or water aftermidnight the day of surgery. Although it is necessary not to eat or drink after midnight I wish he also would have said to follow a clear liquid diet for 24hrs and to cleanse similar to a colonoscopy prep. The reason I say this is because my first bm after surgery was extremely dense and the pushing not only caused incredible amounts of pain but I’m convinced the trauma of pushing caused even more swelling adding to the pain. Let me tell you, as a point of reference, I pushed out a nearly 10.14 lb baby in 1994 and didn’t have half the swelling or pain I experienced after pushing out that first bm following my hemorrhoidectomy. I feel if I had been on a liquid diet prior to surgery I would have been able to reintroduce solids slowly and perhaps would have had a little less pain.

Before your surgery go shopping…buy foods you’ll want to eat and should be eating like low-sodium broths, fruits (no bananas)and berries, high fiber breads and cereals, jello etc. you’ll also want to pick-up some colace, phillps milk of magnesia, and metamucil which I would recommend you use daily just to make sure things keep things soft and moving. Also pay a visit to your local medical supply store or discount club to buy a large bundle of gauze sponges, a box of surgical gloves, a sitz-bath, inflatible ring, and a pack of Always pads (Even the men will need them) to protect your clothing. You may also want to have onhand a fleet enema (just incase), vaseline or KY, instant icepacks, and benzocaine spray. Remember, you’re dealing with a part of the body that is extremely sensistive when all is well, add a incisions, stitches, and swelling and it becames hyper sensitive. Don’t be affraid to call your doctor and ask for prescription strength of any of these items, not only will you get a more effective med, it could save you money if you have prescription insurance. If you’re going to be under general anesthesia make sure to ask for the nausia patch and keep it on for at least a day following your surgery. Your doctor will probably prescribe pain meds, ask if you can take an anti-inflamatory while on them, it will help your comfort level. Lastley, prepare to be out of work for a least one week, my doctor said I could return to work within three days after surgery but I’m still on pain meds and shouldn’t be driving while on them. It may take more than a week but I do know for certain you will need more than 3 days off from work. Not having the surgery really wasn’t an option for me and being a women approaching 50 in good general health, I couldn’t have had my surgery at a better stage in my life. I’m in day 4 of my recovery and not regreting the surgery yet. Best of luck and speedy recovery to all.