Coping With Sphincterotomy

I’m only 3 days into this but I have some insight for anyone embarking on this adventure.

First, I would not have this done without staying over night in the hospital. I did and my only regret is that I didn’t stay two.

Morphine was my friend and the day after surgery was very pleasent due to it. Oh there was still pain when passing gas but nothing like what would be experienced at home without the Morphine.

Waking up day two at home found my first bowel movement. The movement wasn’t a problem but the intense pain following was reminiscent of the pain prior to surgery when wiping and that burning aching that lasted sometimes for a few minutes. This lasted about 15 minutes and it was real pain. I was on my hands and knees trying to find a position of relief. I then got into the shower and with my hand held wand douched the rectum with warm water finding relief.

The next movement brought about the same scenario.

The benefit of being in the hospital was the availablilty of morphine when the bowel movement was coming.

Keeping as medicated as possible is critical, within doctors guidelines.

Anyone who can comment on “slight to moderate” pain or discomfort was either very lucky or never experienced this surgery.

I’ll add more tomorrow as the adventure continues.