Post-Surgery Recovery: Managing Symptoms After Hemorrhoid Surgery

Q: Post-Surgery Recovery: Managing Symptoms After Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hello： After three months, please return for a follow-up appointment at the Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, as we care about your health.

Post-hemorrhoid surgery

Hello Dr.
Yu! I underwent a hemorrhoidectomy for grade III hemorrhoids at a medical center on February 6 of this year, and it has been one and a half months since the surgery.
My current situation is as follows:
1.
When I have a bowel movement, the stool comes out in a small strip about the size of a pinky finger.
If I drink less water, the stool becomes larger, taking on a shape like a thin sheet measuring 2 cm wide by 3-5 cm long and 0.5-1 cm thick.
If I drink too little water, the stool becomes harder and painful to pass (larger than a quail egg).
Is this due to a narrowing of the anal canal after surgery, and will it return to normal over time? How long might that take? (Before the surgery, my stool width was twice that of what it is now.)
2.
If the stool is too hard, I experience significant pain that lasts about a day.
Therefore, I drink over 2000 cc of water daily and take a stool softener at night, which resolves the issue.
(I do not use the stool softener for more than one week.)
3.
I have bowel movements twice a day, and after each one, I feel a swelling sensation that lasts for about 3-4 hours.
Once the swelling subsides, I start to feel the urge to have a bowel movement again until the next time.
4.
After each bowel movement, I use a suppository, and I feel a stinging sensation at the surgical site when inserting it, which requires me to do so slowly to minimize discomfort.
Having read related articles from your institution and comparing them to my situation, I feel that my recovery is quite slow.
I would like to ask Dr.
Yu how I should proceed from here.
Thank you!

Linr, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/18

Dr. Yu Mingchang reply Surgery

Hello: After three months, please return for a follow-up appointment at the Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, as we care about your health.

Reply Date: 2020/03/18

More Info

Post-surgery recovery after hemorrhoid surgery can be a challenging process, and it is essential to understand the typical symptoms and management strategies to ensure a smooth recovery. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing several common post-operative symptoms, which can be concerning but are often manageable with the right approach.

1. Changes in Bowel Movements: After hemorrhoid surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience changes in their bowel habits. The narrowing of the stool, as you described, could be due to several factors, including post-surgical swelling, changes in the anal canal, or even the effects of pain medications. It is important to maintain adequate hydration, as you are doing by drinking over 2000cc of water daily. This will help soften your stool and make bowel movements easier. If you notice that your stool is consistently narrow or if you experience significant pain, it may be worth discussing with your surgeon, as they may want to evaluate for any complications such as anal stenosis (narrowing of the anal canal).

2. Pain and Discomfort: Experiencing pain during bowel movements, especially when the stool is hard, is a common issue after hemorrhoid surgery. It is good that you are using a stool softener for a short duration; however, if you find that you need it for longer than a week, it may be beneficial to consult your healthcare provider for a tailored approach to managing your bowel health. Additionally, using a topical anesthetic or a soothing ointment post-bowel movement can help alleviate discomfort.

3. Swelling and Sensation Post-Bowel Movement: The sensation of swelling after a bowel movement is also common. This can be due to inflammation in the area where the surgery was performed. It is crucial to allow your body time to heal. If the swelling persists or worsens, you should reach out to your healthcare provider to rule out any complications such as infection or excessive scarring.

4. Use of Suppositories: The discomfort you feel when using suppositories may be due to the sensitivity of the surgical site. It is essential to be gentle when inserting any medication. If the pain is significant, consider discussing alternative methods of medication delivery with your doctor, as they may have suggestions that could minimize discomfort.

5. Timeline for Recovery: Recovery times can vary significantly from person to person. While some may feel back to normal within a few weeks, others may take several months to fully recover. It is essential to listen to your body and not rush the healing process. If you feel that your recovery is slower than expected, it is advisable to have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. They can assess your healing progress and provide guidance on what to expect moving forward.

6. Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments: Continuing to maintain a high-fiber diet alongside your hydration efforts is crucial. Foods rich in fiber can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation, which is vital for your recovery. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into your diet can be beneficial.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may seem concerning, they are not uncommon after hemorrhoid surgery. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, especially if you notice any significant changes or worsening of symptoms. They can provide tailored advice and interventions to support your recovery process. Remember, patience is key, and with time, your body will heal.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Symptoms After Hemorrhoidectomy: What to Expect

Hello Doctor, I had surgery on July 13, and it has been four days since then. My surgery was for a hemorrhoidectomy for mixed hemorrhoids. Since the second day after I was allowed to use the restroom, I have been feeling the urge to go to the bathroom every day, nearly 7 to 8 tim...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
The surgical wound from hemorrhoid surgery typically takes about two to three weeks to heal, during which symptoms such as bleeding, pain, and changes in bowel habits will show significant improvement.

Post-Surgery Discomfort: Understanding Symptoms After Hemorrhoid Surgery

I underwent an excision of internal and external hemorrhoids on January 13 of this year. It has now been exactly six months post-surgery, and my recovery has been deemed good by my attending physician. However, I am unsure if the surgical site has fully healed or if the newly for...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
After hemorrhoid surgery, the wound should have completely healed within six months, and there should not be any of the symptoms you described. It appears more similar to the typical symptoms of an anal fissure, which include pain during bowel movements accompanied by slight blee...

Post-Surgery Recovery: Managing Bowel Issues After Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hello Doctor, my father (79 years old) underwent minimally invasive surgery for hemorrhoids (PPH hemorrhoidectomy) on March 1st of this year. Due to his enlarged prostate issue, he had a urinary catheter for about a month post-surgery. For the first two months, he experienced fec...

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery
Generally, hemorrhoidectomy wounds heal within a few weeks, and there should be no issues with incontinence. Benign prostatic hyperplasia may lead to short-term urinary difficulties post-surgery, but it does not affect bowel movements in the long term. Based on the description, t...

Post-Surgery Recovery Issues: Managing Pain and Bleeding After Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hello Dr. Ke, I underwent traditional hemorrhoid surgery in June 2015, during which both internal and external hemorrhoids were excised. However, my recovery has not been satisfactory. I have a regular bowel movement once a day, but I notice some blood on the stool, particularl...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Mild bleeding within one month after hemorrhoid surgery is considered normal. During this period, it is recommended to avoid constipation and to take warm sitz baths frequently. However, if there is heavy bleeding or if the bleeding lasts longer than one month, it is important to...