by Philber » 21 Aug 2010, 06:36
Thanks for all the support guys. I love it that you're here.
Whatever it was, it went away. Steve, I think you're right about the blood - it probably came from one of the hemmies that was removed. The pain was from the LIS site, but I think it was just part of the healing process. As you say Cherly, it does take a long time to really heal.
The good news is that at four weeks out, I now feel pretty much 100%. No pain, no blood, no discomfort. I now have 2-3 BMs per day, but they are uneventful.
On Monday, having taken a couple of easy bike rides around the neighbourhood, I called my surgeon to ask if I could go mountain biking. He said go ahead - there was nothing I could do that would hurt my butt. Accordingly, I have gone mountain biking just about every day this week with no problems at all. On Wednesday, I went mountain biking and played 18 holes of my golf with my son. All of it without any pain or discomfort whatsoever.
In short, I feel normal again. If I had to have LIS or hemmie surgery again (perish the thought), I would do it again today. It was brutal - no doubt about it - but after a few weeks of misery, I have made a full recovery and I feel really good for the first time in years.
I know that I am lucky to have done so well. To those of you for whom surgery was not as successful, I hope that you eventually recover completely and find freedom from the pain. To those of you who may be considering surgery, don't be afraid. Generally, it is successful, and if it can eliminate the pain then it is well worth doing.
Thank you all again for your support and well wishes. It really does mean a lot.