by Philber » 27 Aug 2010, 16:32
Well, with any luck this will be my last post in this particular thread.
I had my five week post-op follow-up appointment with my surgeon today. I feel nearly 100% now, so I was pretty confident that there were not going to be any problems. But I did have a few questions.
He took a look with just his hands, and said everything is healing nicely. He said it is not completely healed, but it should be within a week or two. He said there is a small, hard skin tag there, but that it would probably soften up over time and not be an issue.
He said if it does not bother me again, I do not need to see him again. As I am sure all of his patients must say, I said "Doc, I hope I never, ever see you again." He smiled.
I asked about reoccurrences, and he said it is about 3% for the fissure and 10% for the roids. He said the best thing I can do to prevent a repeat performance is to ensure smooth regular bowel movements without straining. He said I should probably take Metamucil morning and night indefinitely, but that I should wean myself slowly off the Miralax over a period of 6 months. I don't mind drinking that crap, but it is very expensive here and I won't at all mind seeing my last bottle of it.
I don't think I will ever go back to the diet I was on before. I like the new diet, I've dropped 20 pounds, I feel better and I think I look better. But, frankly, I would do anything to avoid having the roid and fissure pain that I had for years. I'd eat dog poo for the rest of my life. So having to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains doesn't seem that harsh a punishment.
Thank you all again for your support and encouragement. I know I am lucky in that I healed quickly and uneventfully. I am very, very grateful for that and it humbles me. I hope that all the sufferers find the relief that I have found.
I am cured.