I am just over six weeks out from my hemmorhoidectomy and LIS, and I am feeling really good. I have no pain or discomfort. BMs are back to normal, and I don't feel that I need to shower after each one. I have some blood when wiping, occasionally, but that also seems to be waning. I am still on Metamucil and Miralax, and of course a high fibre diet and exercise.
In a week, I will go back into the classroom to teach. I teach a heavy course load at a large university. This will be the first time in many years that I will be going into the start of the school year without worry and anxiety about my butt problems.
Last year, the pain was so bad that there were many times when I did not know how I was going to get through the day. I remember often being in such severe pain while teaching a class that I thought I might just have to excuse myself, leave the room and leave 100 students scratching their heads. I remember many times going back to my office, closing the door, and sitting with my head in my hands in tears because of the pain. There were many days where I would rush home between classes so that I could have a BM and shower afterwards. By the end (or even the middle) of nearly every day, I was exhausted from the pain. Teaching, which I love, was not fun anymore. It was not even work. It was just pain. Lots of pain.
Well, here I am without any pain now. I have a renewed sense of energy and an optimism that I have not had for many years. I feel like I have an opportunity to start over, like I was ten years younger. I am in the best physical condition I have been in for many years (largely due to the exercise and nutrition regimen brought about by the roids and the fissure). And I have tried to achieve a better balance between my stressful activities and responsibilities and those things which contribute to recreation and relaxation.
And so I begin a new year with great hope and renewed vigour. It is such a wonderful feeling that it is hard to describe. I had always hoped that this day would come, but frankly I had lost any real sense that it would come. I was just trying to get through each day. Now I am looking forward to each new day, and, although I am somewhat humbled by the whole experience, I have regained my confidence. I go back to school eager and enthusiastic. What a difference from a year ago!
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am living proof.

Philber,
Good for you! What course subjects do you teach??

Thanks Cheryl. I teach business law.

I took a business math class several years ago. My son has taken classes in pharm school about law and has to pass a test about pharm laws b/4 he can finally work as a phamacist in addition to passing the test about pharmacy!

Law reaches into every avenue of human life, because it is the set of rules by which we live our lives. People are often surprised at the extent to which the law affects their lives, but sooner or later almost everyone will have to deal with a legal issue of some sort.
I preach the message that an understanding of the law leads to better decisions and better outcomes. Ignorance may be bliss, but under the law it's no excuse.
I'm passionate about what I teach, because I really believe in the benefits of this type of education. But no matter how passionate I am - when I was in constant and severe pain, I could not throw myself into my subject matter the way I wanted to, and the way I have been able to. That is why I am so excited to get back into the classroom without pain.

And now you will be able to be an even better teacher since you are feeling so much better!! win-win situation

I am so happy for you Phil. You deserve it!

Thank you to all of you. What a wonderful source of support this board has been for me. I love you all.

Phil
I am really happy for you. Wish you all the best. I tracked your surgery thread everyday and wanted to thank you for posting all the details. It is very helpful to those considering surgery.
I sincerely hope that going forward your work and life occupy your mind rather than the butt.
Good luck.