These forums have been so helpful for me that I feel it’s only fair to post my experience that may help someone else in their AF healing journey.
I am day 3 post LIS surgery. I also had 2 skin tags removed at the same time. I struggled with AF for about 3 months and the pain got so severe that I was getting depressed. I would cry every day, I wouldn’t go out and the pain just wouldn’t stop. I never bled but the burning throbbing feeling would linger all day.
I began to get desperate so I researched for the best colon doc in town and set up an appointment. He exams me and unmediated diagnosed me with an AF and suggested 4 weeks of conservative treatment with Rectiv 2 times a day, warm baths 3 times per day and lidocaine for pain up to 3 times a day. I followed his directions religious and the pain just continued to get worse. I decided to go back to see him after 2 weeks for another solution. He suggested LIS as 95% success rate. I was scared (and crying... I don’t think my doc has ever seen me without tears in my eyes yet) but I knew this was my only option for recovery.
LIS surgery was scheduled for 4 days later.
Like I said I am day 3 post surgery. The surgery day was nerve wracking but it was all mental. The actually procedure was quick and I felt no pain afterwards. I was able to go home that day and was directed to take a warm bath that night. I’m glad I did, while I was still numb the bath was wonderful. I was filthy with all the surgery ointment so it was nice to clean up. I was given Norco for pain and an anti-inflammatory that I take every 6 hours for 5 days.
I didn’t have a bowl movement on day 2 but I took some Docusate stool softeners to ensure my poop would be soft. Day 2 in general was uneventful. The numbness started wearing off and I experienced some pain that warm baths would relieve nicely. It may be TMI but I was very gassy and it would just slip out without warning but my husband understood and we shared a laugh each time.
Today is day 3 and I had my first bowel movement this morning. It was soft and pain free. The area is tender and the pain I experienced was just because the incision site is raw. I have a bidet which helps to clean up before I get in the tub to soak. My pain level post surgery so far has peaked at a 5. Before surgery, I felt like I was at a 8-9 all the time so this is definitely an improvement.
So far, I have no regrets except why I waited so long to see a doctor. Pride and embarrassment gets in the way sometimes.