by yankees144 » 05 Oct 2011, 12:54
So I had the botox and I wanted to update you on my status. I'll try to keep it short and simple:
I was sedated via IV sedation and was not awake for the injections. I do not know how much botox he gave me, but when I get the medical reports I will post that. When I woke up, there was 0 pain but I was given a local anesthetic so that likely explains it. I was able to take a 3 hour train ride home following the procedure and the pain wasn't too bad - it felt just a little sore from the injection sites (3-4 out of 10). The anesthesia made me extremely woozy and a bit disoriented though, so it's best to have someone with you.
I woke up the next day and there was no itching, no burning, and just some soreness. I also had a bad headache from the anesthesia - it felt like I had been up all night drinking. Small price to pay though.
Now for the first BM: I had been taking miralax and dulcolax for a few days as a preemptive strike against my first BM, so I was ready to go. I did not do this for my hemorrhoidectomy and it was the biggest mistake of my life. Anyway, I was prescribed percocet which I took 1 hour before my BM just in case it was going to hurt. I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THE MIRALAX PRIOR TO THE SURGERY. I cannot stress that enough. My stool was soft and smooth and came out without much of a problem. It did hurt a little bit coming out, but not nearly as bad as I expected and it was not as bad as before the surgery (could have been the percocet's doing). I took care to wipe gently as well with tucks pads and 1 bit of dry toilet paper. No spasm, minimal pain. I was very optimistic.
Second day - it's itchy down there right now which has hurt my spirit a little bit and my anus hurts to the touch (4-5 out of 10 on pain scale). I'm frustrated about the itch because it was one of the things that was really bothering me and which drove me to get the surgery in the first place. I know that it's probably healing and will be there for a while, but it's still disheartening.
I have been taking the percocet to keep the pain at bay, although I think it wouldn't be that bad without it. I'm chugging miralax and colace to counteract the constipation so I'm not too worried about taking too much pain medication. I have not had a second BM yet though, although I do feel one coming. Sorry if that is graphic but I want to share my experience to those worried about the procedure.
Additional notes:
My diet has been limited, mostly fruit, oatmeal, and lean proteins. My goal is to have smooth and easy BMs that don't require a lot of wiping. So far so good.
I have stopped the other medications/creams - I am only taking the percocet, miralax, and colace. I'm debating on taking the hydrocortisone for the itch but have resisted so far since it inhibits healing.
I have not suffered any incontinence whatsoever. No accidental farts, leakage, stool, etc. It feels different down there, but I can control everything just fine. I have been avoiding gassy foods just in case though.
The doctor told me I can go back to regular activities: lifting weights, work, exercise, etc. but I have chosen to take a few days off of EVERYTHING and just lay around and heal. I think it's the way to go. I still get some fissure pain when I bend over so I want to make sure that everything heals the right way. I am not taking any chances.
I have been showering, but no warm baths as of yet. I want to do that today though and see if it helps.
I will continue to keep you posted on my recovery as things change. I'll keep a small log at the end of every post I make indicating how I feel about the surgery:
Satisfaction level so far: 7/10 (itchy, still a bit painful)
Pain: 3/10 (with percocet)
BM: Not too bad, but still hurts a bit.
Optimism: 6/10 (itchiness has discouraged me, still pain from BM)