by Sweet Bugaboo » 21 Feb 2012, 17:03
Hi, FFFs! (Fissure Forum Friends)
I am now 3 weeks post-op, as of yesterday. Today I saw my crs for my second post-op visit, and it went well.
So far, I haven't had any complications, and my only (post-op) symptoms now are a bit of itching and a small amount swelling still there, along with some burning -- and none of this is major. The itching is mild and only occasional, and the burning is light and simply feels more like things are healing (it's definitely NOT like a fissure burn). The swelling has gone down to a very small amount, which should disappear, given time. My crs said that I should be past all of this, fairly soon. These things take time to heal, and everyone is different.
Diet wise, I'm eating more "normal" foods. The past several days, I've eaten things like meatballs, mashed potatoes, chicken, etc. - and today I even went to IHOP and had a wonderful omelette, plus a couple of french fries! YUM! I haven't eaten like this in four months! (In fact, I haven't gone out to eat anywhere, since last November.) However, I make sure I eat vegetables AND prunes, as well -- I definitely am NOT going wild with the food. I'm still watching my portions -- I'm eating small portions, 3-4 times a day, but that's probably a smarter way for me to eat, anyhow. One positive thing about this AF experience is that I'm much more careful with my diet - and I'll never again take my bottom for granted. I needed to lost a few pounds (even though it was a heck of a way to do it!) - and it's good that I've cut out sugar and junk foods.
I'm still taking stool softeners, but I'm completely off the Miralax now. I asked my crs about my stools (possibly being too bulky and/or damaging the area - given that I'm eating a more varied diet now), and he didn't seem a bit worried about it. One thing about my crs . . . he's really confident in the success of this type of surgery, along with the fact that there are almost no complications. (FTR, I've had no incontinence and don't expect it.) He also said that I should think about weaning myself off the stool softeners and just make sure I have fiber in my diet (which I'll get through my veggies and prunes). So, I will slowly start doing that.
Today I asked him about the possibility of having an AF recurrence (post surgery), and he said that it was really rare. He's been at this game for 27 years now, so I figure he knows what he's talking about. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, given any situation -- and like I said, everyone is different.
All in all, I feel that surgery was a necessity for me, because my AF wasn't healing, and I knew I couldn't bear to live in AF pain the rest of my life. I just need to finish healing -- but already, things feel better.
I wish all of you a happy, pain-FREE future. You've all been wonderful to me, and I appreciate your support and return it, ten fold. Take care!