Posts by Karen Thompson10

steelangler7 said:Ah, you mean New York City.
I'm actually seeing someone at the Vineyard clinic... Honestly, I can't quite put my finger on it, but everyone there is incredibly kind and the doctor is so approachable. He clearly understands why I'm trying to tackle this issue the way I am, though I'm still figuring out how everything is going to unfold. And yeah, surgery was mentioned, but once you settle down after a situation like that... it’s been two years now, so I feel like it's finally time to change things up and take action. It feels like everyone is giving me different advice, one person says this and another says that. As for working out—wow, I have really thrown myself into it lately! I've gone full throttle with exercise, and I can tell it's doing wonders for me, both mentally and physically.
Anyway, a new doctor just started there, so we'll wait and see what his take is.
It's such a massive amount of money... ugh. I mean, obviously, you shouldn't put a price tag on your health, but when you're currently unemployed, those numbers tend to ring a little louder in your head.

Fixing just the fissure without dealing with the hemorrhoids would cost you significantly less, and if money is the main hurdle, honestly, just go to the hospital. At the end of the day, the procedure is basically identical whether you're at a private clinic or a public hospital. A fissure is handled either through injections or a minor incision; there isn't much complicated theory behind it.
It's a different story with hemorrhoids because there are several different methods to choose from. Your top priority should be fixing that fissure, because all that intense pain is stemming from that, and if you want to deal with the hemorrhoids later, just leave them for another time (especially if you're worried about the budget).
Also, make sure to check ahead because not every outpatient clinic performs fissure repairs, so get the info first. Otherwise, with a fissure, there's no inflammation to wait out... nothing to delay.

Regarding exercise... maybe ask the doctor about it directly. There have been others on this forum who dealt with a fissure and were told they shouldn't strain themselves, which makes total sense to me. Just be careful not to make the situation worse.

steelangler7 said:It’s been an absolute nightmare... and honestly, I am just completely drained by all of this. My doctor told me the inflammation really needs to go down—sort of like we need to get everything back on track—so first we tried regulating my digestion, then we experimented with all sorts of ointments, but nothing seemed to touch it. I spent six months hunting down that last specific cream; in the meantime, I was just applying calendula and suffering through it. Yeah... you're right... something has to be done because I just can't live like this anymore.
Where did you go for your surgery? How much did it cost, and how long was the recovery? What was the experience actually like once it was over?
Thanks...

Whereabouts are you located? And which doctor are you seeing?
Honestly, it might be best if you go back and read through my previous posts because I laid out every single detail there (especially those early ones); I feel like I'm just repeating myself constantly, and I'm starting to bore even myself! 😁

To give you the short version... I ended up at Butterfly Clinic with Dr. Ivanovic (honestly, I'm thinking about sending them a bill for the free advertising 😛!) and I couldn't be happier with the results. I went in for the DG HAL-RAR method to take care of both my hemorrhoids and the fissure. The total came to $8 $0.00. At another clinic I checked, the price for just the DG HAL-RAR procedure alone was actually higher, and from what I could tell, the doctor didn't even charge me extra for fixing the fissure.
Just for comparison, I saw another doctor who wanted to treat the fissure using Botox injections—please, whatever you do, don't fall for that, because the whole issue just comes right back after 6 to 8 months—and he wanted to do the hemorrhoids with a laser, and the price was a staggering $22 $0.00.

If you've already decided to go through with surgery, I'd really recommend taking care of the hemorrhoids at the same time; in my opinion, THD and DG HAL-RAR are definitely your best bets for that.

As for the fissure, you should be able to get that handled at any hospital, so you shouldn't have to pay out of pocket for that part.

My recovery was surprisingly easy. I was in quite a bit of pain about three days after the procedure (mostly because of the fissure), but after that, it was like the surgery had never even happened.

In all honesty, I find it hard to believe that your doctor hasn't suggested a permanent fix over the last two years. I mean, we're talking about massive amounts of pain here. After a month and a half, even my doctors were looking at me in disbelief, wondering how I had managed to hold out for so long.
Don't wait any longer... it's truly not worth the struggle...

And yeah, you hit the nail on the head when you said things felt even worse after the exam because it feels like everything just tears open after the doctor performs the anoscopy. That is exactly how it felt for me, too. And I'm not even sure if you should be exercising or straining yourself yet, because it feels like everything down there is just "splitting" slightly. That little wound really needs time to heal up first.

steelangler7 said:Hi there!
Thanks for the heads-up... Ugh... I've been dealing with this fissure for a looooong time now... It was officially diagnosed over two years ago... and it's still right there, about 5-6mm long and pretty shallow... but man, it really takes a toll on me..
I'm heading to the doctor next week.. we'll see what happens..
I actually went out and grabbed all kinds of fruit today.. I've got this whole mental list of everything I should eat... I'm just praying it kicks in... and that things finally start moving a bit more smoothly... heheheh...
Thank you again...
Honestly, any advice at all is a lifesaver..👋

Two whole years?? 😲 Either you have an incredibly high pain tolerance or the last two years have been a total nightmare for you. Seriously, how hasn't your doctor suggested surgery yet? Unfortunately, no amount of ointments is going to fix this properly.
Man, I was absolutely spiraling after only a month and a half of dealing with that misery, so two years sounds brutal... my best advice is to just get it taken care of; I haven't regretted getting it fixed for even one second! 😉

How long have you been dealing with this fissure? If it’s been dragging on for more than a month, it means an acute fissure has likely turned chronic, and at that stage, creams and medications basically become useless—you’re looking at surgery or injections to actually fix it.
Here is a link that covers all the basics:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anal-fissure/symptoms-causes

You really need to get this sorted out ASAP because things can only get worse, and I know that from firsthand experience. Both of my doctors told me that nitroglycerin ointment only works in a tiny handful of cases, and even then, it’s only if you catch it in the absolute earliest stages. That’s why knowing how long this has been going on is so critical. Honestly, it might be a smart move to seek out a second opinion.

Regarding the hemorrhoids, I don't want to type everything all over again, so just scroll back through the last ten pages; there's a ton of info there. There are two permanent methods out there—THD and DG-HAL-RAR—which are non-invasive, lasting, and have a pretty quick recovery time.
In your case, they could probably tackle both the hemorrhoids and the fissure in one single procedure. Just please, make sure you address that fissure, because it can spread and turn into a fistula, which leads to much nastier complications.

As for diet... well, based on what you're saying, it sounds like you're eating quite healthily. Nuts can be great for keeping things soft, but I wouldn't recommend them given what you're going through (unless you chew them until they're practically liquid), because any little pieces could make passing a stool feel even more painful.
Maybe someone else can offer some more specific advice.

It’s also definitely not a good idea to constantly rely on herbal teas or various laxatives; if you use them too often, your bowels basically get lazy and stop working properly without them. You really should only save those for "special" occasions.

If I were in your shoes, I would look into one of those permanent methods to wipe out the hemorrhoids for good, especially since you mentioned how much this is ruining your quality of life.

Good luck! 🙂

Michael Martinez8 said:Guys, please help me!!!
It’s like they just appeared overnight—external hemorrhoids, obviously. They're this deep purple color; one is quite large, and then I have two smaller ones plus a few little spots. This is my first time ever dealing with this kind of thing. I’m really curious about how I can manage this through my diet—like, if I drank two liters of Gatorade a day, would that actually make a difference? Just tell me what works! I’m seriously considering seeing a proctologist because the stinging and pain are intense, and honestly, I'm pretty terrified :O. Can someone please describe what the exam is actually like? Does the doctor just look, or do they actually insert something into the anus? Please be quick, this is just awful.

To start off, you should grab some Fact ointment to try and soothe the inflammation (or whatever other cream or ointment the pharmacist recommends). You really need to cut out all heavy foods entirely, drink tons of water, and load up on fiber and whole grains; as for meat, just keep it light, like poached or boiled... the goal is to make sure your bowel movements stay soft.

There's really no reason to be scared; you "only" have hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, the pain is usually the biggest hurdle. When things were at their absolute worst for me, my primary care physician prescribed Advil granules, which worked wonders for the pain, though you shouldn't rely on them too frequently.

And please, go see a doctor; that truly is your best move. Don't sit around wasting time with various over-the-counter remedies because they might only touch the symptoms without fixing the root issue.
The exam isn't nearly as scary as you think—anyone who has actually gone through it will tell you the same thing. Sure, it’s a bit uncomfortable, but you’re going to the doctor specifically so they can help you feel better, so you just have to push through it.
First, the doctor will just perform a visual exam, then they'll do a digital exam with a finger, and maybe use an anoscope after that. So, yes, they do slide a small device into the anus, but it only lasts for a few seconds. It doesn't actually hurt; it's just a very strange sensation.

Just try to hang in there until the weekend is over, then head straight to the doctor, but for now, just get something to help calm down that inflammation a little bit.

So, I finally went in today for my follow-up after that surgical procedure, and the doctor was actually really happy with how everything healed—he even told me I shouldn't have any more issues moving forward! Phew, if only I could be certain...

On another note, they mentioned that their specialized diagnostic equipment broke down and they don't expect the repairs to be finished for about two months. Anyone who signs up for the waiting list now probably won't get seen until September. Just thought I'd mention it for anyone thinking about heading over to Chase... just so you know.

Elizabeth Price85 said:HELP!

I woke up this morning in a literal pool of blood.😲 My underwear, my pajamas, even the bedsheets—it was everywhere. I didn't feel any pain at first, and since I'm actually on my period right now, I just assumed it was menstrual blood, especially after seeing a massive clot on the pad.

Then, a few moments ago, it felt like a sudden rush hit me while I was sitting down, and I realized I'm bleeding rectally too.😲 It's bright, fresh blood. I tried calling my doctor, but I can't get through (of course, because it's Easter!).

Has anyone else dealt with anything like this after a DG HAL+RAR procedure? I had my surgery just ten days ago.
Please, someone please talk me down—this isn't supposed to be something scary, right?

😲 I honestly can't believe you're going through all of this, especially being only ten days out from surgery. My heart really goes out to you, and I truly hope you're okay right now. Sadly, I don't have any actual medical advice to offer, I can only send you some much-needed support...
I'm not entirely sure if it matters or not, but Michael Diaz4 mentioned something about sitting positions before, though my doctor never brought it up, so I wasn't worried about it. I wonder if that could be the cause.

Oh man, I am wishing you such a fast recovery... 😢

mistystag48 said:I looked into the specific types of surgery available first, and it turns out that over here in the States, only Arithera and Mercury handle them.

Just a quick little correction 🙂, because in America, you actually have Mercury, Arithera, and Butterfly performing those procedures.

Elizabeth Price85 said:It feels like things are just slowly shifting along, but I’m ending up in the bathroom every thirty to sixty minutes, just passing tiny bits at a time.🙄 Now the irritation is actually starting to hurt. I haven't used my Preparation H yet :P Papak :, and I've already had two cups of herbal tea.
I honestly never imagined that getting my digestion back on track after surgery would be such an uphill battle.😢

I really can't wrap my head around why it's hitting you this hard, though I truly hope your doctor gave you some clarity after you reached out to them. If I had known, I definitely would have warned you because I went through the exact same struggle, but by my third day, everything finally started moving smoothly again.
I'm crossing my fingers for you and hoping things get back to normal really soon!

Jamie Taylor25 said:I’m pretty certain I’ve developed a fistula now, but honestly, I just can’t bring myself to make the decision to go in and have it removed. I’m terrified of a long recovery period—especially since I'm heading back to college and the exams and responsibilities never seem to stop—plus, I’ve read horror stories about them nicking the sphincter and leaving you unable to control your bowel movements, which basically means wearing diapers for the rest of your life. :/ Everything would be fine if it weren't for this swelling near my labia that popped up about two or three weeks ago, bringing this nagging pain along with it (it wasn't intense, just really uncomfortable). I had a fever for a couple of days too, but of course, I didn't go to the doctor. After a few days, I realized that when I press on the swelling, it feels like stuff is draining from that old abscess wound—maybe pus, I can't be sure. Then again, it didn't have that awful smell you get with an abscess. At first, it was sort of yellowish or whitish, and I was squeezing it out every time I went to the bathroom. Even today, it keeps leaking when I press, and sometimes it looks brownish or even bloody. Does this mean the abscess or fistula has spread and created new channels, or could it be related to that Bartolini gland? :/ I just don't have the mental energy to deal with doctors right now, and frankly, most of them I've encountered seem completely incompetent... :S

No one here can give you a real diagnosis because that's what doctors are trained for, but based on everything you've described, I’d strongly suggest you go get this taken care of as soon as possible.
If you think about it logically... if you're already dreading a long recovery now, imagine how much longer it will be once things get even more complicated. From what you're telling me, it sounds like the complications might already be starting... 😢
Go see a doctor; that drainage and the swelling... there's no way to know what's actually happening inside without a professional looking at it.
If you're in Washington, D.C., you can go to Mercury, where they have excellent surgeons who are quite capable.

Chloe Garcia55 said:Well, a colonoscopy is basically an exam of the large intestine used to pinpoint exactly why there's bleeding happening, which is something they just can't catch with a standard physical exam—you know, like when they use a finger, which is what I had done. That’s what they told me, anyway... so now I've gone ahead and scheduled a rectoscopy because my private doctor thought that would be enough, and since a colonoscopy sounds way more intense, she didn't want to put me through all that if a rectoscopy could get her the answers she needs regarding the bleeding.

Look, I definitely know what a colonoscopy entails, but from everything I've gathered, it isn't actually necessary just to find a Hemorrhoid. Even getting a rectoscopy isn't really the standard procedure for this.
In my own experience, I've seen two different doctors, and both times an anoscopy was performed, which turned out to be perfectly sufficient for what needed to be done.

I'm just speaking from my own personal history here, so maybe I don't have it all figured out, but I think your private doctor gave you solid advice—it's probably much better to opt for the rectoscopy instead of dealing with a full colonoscopy.

Chloe Garcia55 said:Guys, please, I need some help... for about two months now, I've been seeing blood when I go to the bathroom. It stopped for a week or two, but then it came back. I noticed this little lump near my opening and was totally convinced it was just an external Hemorrhoid. But then one morning, I went to the bathroom and there was blood everywhere. I was scared to death and rushed straight to the doctor. They checked me out and said there aren't any external ones, and they aren't sure about internal ones either, so I have to get a colonoscopy. And I won't lie, the doctor didn't even look at me right away during the appointment; I have to wait until the fifth month! I was so terrified that I called my mom, and she managed to set up an appointment with a private specialist for this Friday. Now, for the last two times, there hasn't been any blood. Is it possible that an internal Hemorrhoid just burst (if I even have one) that last time when everything turned red? The hospital staff told me it’s definitely internal Hemorrhoids. Now I’m torn about whether I should even go to that appointment—I am absolutely terrified and so anxious. If it was just a burst Hemorrhoid, maybe the exam isn't even necessary anymore? I don't know, I'm just so confused... I'm only 19. Can anyone help?🤷

First off, try not to let the fear take over, because honestly, I really doubt you're dealing with anything life-threatening. 🙂
It sounds like those internal Hemorrhoids are likely what's bleeding, and regardless of what tests they run, you really ought to get this sorted out, but there's absolutely no reason to spiral into a panic.
Okay, we have plenty of regulars here, and I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in (Michael Diaz4, jump in here 😁), because I might be off base here, but...
I don't quite get why they're jumping straight to a colonoscopy for this! In my experience, doctors have figured things out twice using just the most basic exams without ever mentioning anything invasive. I imagine it's the same for everyone else too.

It also seems pretty strange that the hospital couldn't identify internal ones if they're there... if you can swing it, definitely seek a second opinion, ideally from a highly reputable specialist.
But whatever you do, please don't just ignore this or decide to skip the appointment, because you really need to pinpoint the source of that bleeding. It could be anything.

If that second doctor suggests a colonoscopy, then go ahead and do it. Just make sure you follow up with a physician no matter what happens.

And hang tight for a bit... maybe someone will pop up with a smarter perspective, and maybe a colonoscopy actually isn't as uncommon as it sounds. 🤷

Elizabeth Price85 said:Now I’m actually getting angry.😠 I drank some herbal tea the night before last, but absolutely nothing happened. I had more this morning.
I just feel this intense pressure, like I need to go, but nothing is moving, and it hurts so much.😢 I can't even eat, my nerves are shot, and honestly, I feel like nothing else would even bother me if I could just finally use the bathroom.😢
I haven't gone since Wednesday (before my surgery).

Oh man, you should have been able to go by now! You are totally right when you say that once things start moving, the pain would probably subside—that was exactly how it felt for me. I actually went searching online just now to find the specific tea I used to show you, but I couldn't track it down.

Basically, it's called a cleansing tea, and I honestly think the pharmacists at the drugstore might have mixed it themselves. My mom went to pick it up for me because I was in no state to leave the house, and she explained everything to the pharmacist—what kind of surgery I had and all that—and the woman knew exactly what I needed.
Once you drink that tea, you just have to wait about 6 to 8 hours, and there is no way you won't be rushing to the restroom. It was a total lifesaver for me because the pain stopped within just a few hours after that, and then everything just returned to normal.
Whatever you do, please don't try to force it, because the pain will be absolutely unbearable. My doctor actually told me to apply some Dolokain about half an hour before I expect to go, just so it doesn't hurt so bad.

What did your doctor tell you? During my checkup this morning, he asked if I was feeling the urge to go and explained that I’d likely have a movement within a day or two, and that it would be a little painful, but that it's perfectly normal. And he emphasized using the Dolokain first!

Before I finally had that tea, I tried every silly thing imaginable—fruit juices, tea, sparkling water, coffee... but nothing worked. It was such a nightmare.

I really, truly recommend going to the pharmacy and explaining your situation, because the pharmacist told my mom that I shouldn't even touch certain types of laxatives.

I am so incredibly sorry you're going through this. 😢
I really should have mentioned that cleansing tea to you sooner, but when I saw you were drinking herbal tea, I honestly thought that would be enough to do the trick.

Thank you so much for sharing what you went through, because honestly, anyone dealing with this stuff finally feels like they have a bit more clarity, and I think that makes a world of difference.
We finally have some solid news—they actually perform the DG HAL RAR method at Merkur, so if you aren't looking to drop a fortune at private clinics, you can head over there and get everything sorted out. I truly believe this is the best news we could have hoped for!

To be honest, I’ve received recommendations for the surgeons at Merkur from several different people. It’s actually a team effort over there involving brothers Dr. Branislav Kocman and Dr. Ivica Kocman along with Dr. Ivanovic; all three of them specialize in this specific method and are incredibly highly regarded. I have heard nothing but glowing praise for them.
You hit the nail on the head, they all work together as one cohesive team.

Look, it’s totally fine if you choose to go through with it at Merkur! If my situation had reached a point where it was becoming unbearable, I probably would have made the exact same choice. That’s why I really feel it’s vital to get those tests done right away so you can get your name on the waiting list, because you won't be seen immediately regardless. I'm not entirely sure what the timeline looks like with Dr. Kocman, but with Dr. Ivanovic, the wait was about two and a half months when I went through it, and in my opinion, that feels like an eternity when you're in intense pain.
Since you're going to have to wait anyway, there's no sense in dragging the process out even longer.

I don't know, maybe try to stop overthinking it for a moment and just take that first step. The most important thing is that you've already done the right thing by seeing a doctor. The rest isn't nearly as scary as it sounds: you go to the hospital, they perform the procedure, you stay overnight, deal with some soreness for two or three days, and then you're good to go and finally free from the pain. I really think it's worth it. 🙂

Thanks for the kind words, you are such a wonderful and sweet person yourself! Please let me know how everything turns out, and I am sending you nothing but the best wishes for a smooth, stress-free recovery! 🙂

Elizabeth Price85 said:Just wanted to check in so you guys don't think I’ve gone MIA from the forum now that my surgery is behind me.😉
I'm doing okay, just taking it easy for now. The pain and pressure come and go, but I can usually manage with just two Advil tablets a day. After two rough nights, I actually managed to get some decent sleep last night.
I'm constantly feeling that urge to go, but nothing is happening, and I really don't want to strain myself or force things. The bleeding seems to be tapering off, though it hasn't been a huge issue for me.

I'm debating whether I should head back to work this Monday. Since it's an office job, I'm torn on whether it's smart to sit in a chair for 8 or 9 hours if the discomfort starts acting up again.

But honestly, I have to admit that even though it was a major procedure—especially with that thrombosis incision—I feel pretty great, and it feels like I'm bouncing back faster than expected.🙏

It’s only my third day post-op, and I actually tried a cleansing tea because I was dealing with that same constant pressure, and it really helped me out. That very first time you have to go after surgery is definitely the hardest part, and I've been drinking an absolute ton of fluids to stay ahead of it.

To be completely honest, if I were in your shoes, I’d probably hold off on returning to work for just a little bit longer. Even though you're feeling fantastic right now, sitting through an 8-hour workday feels like it might be a bit much so soon.
Then again, if your doctor gave you the all-clear, I guess there isn't much to worry about.

It’s wonderful to hear you're recovering so quickly; that seems to be how it goes for most people! 🙂

Did you happen to ask the doctor when you might be able to get back into your regular sports or exercise routine? 😁

Sarah Harris29 said:Karen Thompson10, we chatted recently, so I just wanted to reach out—you were so kind and really helped me out with your advice.
I went in for my exam, and it turns out those two internal hemorrhoids are stage 2, but this one that’s bothering me most—the one that keeps protruding—is stage 3 (heading toward stage 4). I also have an anal fissure.
My doctor has me taking Detralex right now, just to try and calm things down a bit and help the veins relax. I've been feeling slightly better the last few days; I think the bleeding has stopped and I've managed to soften my stools as much as possible. I'm drinking a liter of chamomile tea daily plus plenty of water, and I make sure to take a probiotic before bed. Honestly, those things are helping make using the restroom a little less of a nightmare. Otherwise, it feels like someone is literally slicing me with a knife.
The doctor explained everything regarding the DG HAL RAR procedure, and it still seems like my best bet. But I'm torn on whether I should just get it done now or wait until after the summer. Plus, I am absolutely terrified, for goodness' sake. Now that I'm feeling a little better and the bleeding has subsided, I'm tempted to just put it off... though I know that's not wise because I can't just wish this condition away.
The doctor also mentioned that he can't guarantee the hemorrhoids will disappear forever with this procedure. He was very blunt about it, saying that if I plan on having children someday, the strain of childbirth would probably cause them to flare up again... so I need to be prepared for that.
Look, I realize I need to make a decision soon because this constant overthinking is driving me crazy.
Anyway, how have you been feeling lately? Are you actually happy with the results? Did the hemorrhoids stay gone for good?
Sending you huge hugs, and stay well, dear!

Dennis White43, I am so glad you reached out; I was actually thinking about you a couple of days ago and wondering how everything turned out for you. 🙂
It's great that you saw a doctor, because at least now you aren't flying blind! Honestly, it sounds like you're in a very similar boat to mine, unfortunately. I say "unfortunately" because of that awful fissure—I know exactly the kind of pain you're talking about. Everything your doctor told you holds water, but did he give you any specific advice on handling the fissure itself? How do we fix that part?
Because truthfully, the hemorrhoids might be your secondary issue right now; that intense pain you're describing usually stems from the fissure, so that needs to be addressed first.
If I were you, I'd recommend getting everything handled all at once, since there's really no point in undergoing two separate procedures.

Regarding the DG HAL RAR... the success rate for that method is usually cited between 90-95% (though you see different stats online). Even if the hemorrhoids do return after the first round, you can always go back for a second procedure, and then they usually stay away for good. Personally, I'd consider myself successful if they stay gone for a few years, but if they come back immediately, I'd just go back in for the follow-up.

Staying hydrated is vital, and you're doing the right thing there. In fact, you should always aim to drink as much fluid as possible.

That fissure... I really don't want to scare you, because that's the last thing I want to do, but if you don't get it sorted, things could get much worse. I endured it for so long that I eventually reached a point where I couldn't even walk properly. It was a total disaster.
That's why... if I were in your shoes, I would jump straight into both the DG HAL RAR and fixing the fissure (with a small incision), because it just doesn't make sense to deal with the downtime of two separate surgeries.
What does the doctor suggest? And which specialist did you see?

I'm incredibly anxious too, and I've always had a massive fear of doctors, but believe me, I have never once regretted stepping into the clinic. My advice is to stop waiting until summer and just deal with it now. Postponing isn't going to change the reality of the situation, so just grit your teeth, stop the endless worrying, and go do it.😉

I am feeling absolutely wonderful now! It didn't take me nearly as long to bounce back as I expected—maybe just about a week—and after that, it honestly felt like I had never even undergone surgery in the first place. There is no Hemorrhoid lingering around, my bowel movements are finally behaving themselves for the first time in my life, and there isn't a single bit of pain left...
I am truly, deeply satisfied with the results, and I wouldn't dream of exaggerating because I remember exactly how miserable I felt before this happened. 🙂
Take some time to browse through a few more posts, because plenty of others have gone through this too, and from what I can see, they aren't complaining one bit. Just try to remember that you aren't walking this path alone, and there are so many people right there in the trenches with you. 🙂

Sending big hugs your way, and please, if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask!

Elizabeth Price85 said:Well, here I am.🙂 Totally alive and kicking. Everything went smoothly. Dr. Ivanovic took care of all the internal stuff, pushed the prolapse back where it belongs, and even cleared out the thrombosis (which ended up being in three different spots 😳).
I stayed overnight at the Sun City Clinic, and when the doctor checked in on me this morning, he looked really pleased with how things turned out.
My meds right now: Medazol 3 x1, Detralex 2 x1, and some Dolokain.

It’s pretty uncomfortable—not exactly sharp pain, more like this heavy pressure—so I didn't get much sleep last night. But I've been popping Advil every five or six hours, which definitely takes the edge off.
I'm honestly so happy with everything at Butterfly; the nurses were absolutely wonderful.🙏

I'm just waiting for the discomfort to fade (I'm counting on feeling great in a few days), and then it'll truly feel like I never even had surgery.

I am seriously so happy to hear that everything went well! 🙂
The pain should start backing off in about two or three days, and it usually happens quite suddenly—at least that was my experience—and once it does, you're going to feel like you never even went under the knife. Wishing you a super fast and easy recovery! 🙂

Elizabeth Price85 said:I'm just hanging out at home, trying to get some rest. I already took 2 Dulcolax, though I have this nagging feeling they might not even do the trick.🤷 I'm actually thinking about brewing up a couple of cups of mountain tea, because honestly, that stuff works like a charm for me every single time.
The pain is still there, but I guess I'm just getting used to living with it.🤣
Karen Thompson10, am I settling my bill when I get discharged (is that tomorrow morning?)

Yeah, yeah, you pay when you're being discharged. I really wanted to just settle everything the moment I arrived so I could put it behind me, but the staff told me not to overdo it and that I should just handle it in the morning.

Good luck tomorrow!!! 😉

Michael Diaz4 said: People end up suffering for an entire year, losing sleep every single night and basically becoming prisoners in their own homes because they can't face the world. It’s heartbreaking to watch, because eventually, they reach that breaking point where life just becomes unbearable, and they find themselves right back in his operating room just to finally get some relief and start living again. Honestly, looking back at that day when Karen Thompson10 gave me the advice to finally go see a doctor, I thought she was totally overreacting. It felt like such an extreme move, and I remember telling her it was basically a choice between dying or going under the knife—because honestly, life just isn't worth living when you're in constant, grinding pain like this. But now, nearly a month later, I’m sitting here realizing that making that call at the absolute last second was the best decision I could have ever made. She quite literally saved my life, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart; she really is my favorite person on this entire forum.🙏🙂Thanks again... I really can't tell you how much I appreciate this.🙂

That’s exactly why I decided to jump on this forum in the first place. I went through a nightmare stretch that lasted a month and a half, and honestly, if you haven't lived through that kind of intense pain, there's just no way to truly grasp what we're talking about here. It felt like being caught in a storm you couldn't escape. That's why I'm such a firm believer in prevention; you really should get yourself to a doctor while things are still manageable—before the pain becomes unbearable or you start dealing with serious complications.
I’ve spent so much time scrolling through this forum reading endless threads about different creams, ointments, and medications, but it feels like almost nobody actually shares a real, concrete solution that works. I remember seeing someone mention they had success using the DG HAL RAR method, so I decided to go out and do some digging to see if it was legit—and honestly, I am just so incredibly relieved and happy today because it actually did the trick.

If I had my way, I’d honestly tell everyone reading this to just go see a doctor and get the surgery over with right now, because if you could just skip ahead to a life where those complications aren't dragging you down anymore, why wouldn't you? At the end of the day, nobody—and I mean absolutely nobody—wants to deal with the kind of relentless pain that comes when things start getting complicated.

Look, I didn't exactly swoop in and save the day—you were probably going to end up at the doctor's office sooner or later anyway—but if my little nudge is what finally pushed you to go, then honestly, my heart is just incredibly full! 🙂
I really hope you start feeling like yourself again soon! 😉

Michael Diaz4 said:Man, you have no idea how tough it is for me right now; I’m basically banned from sitting down for another three weeks. It’s such a struggle because I have things I need to get done, so I end up just retreating back to my car to handle business while sitting there. Once I start feeling more like myself in a few days, I’m definitely planning a little getaway where I can just lounge in the car and soak it all in. I desperately need some fresh air. Since February 21st, I haven't been working or going anywhere except for quick errands, and I am counting down the minutes until I can finally head out to the mountains to breathe. Just a few more days to go...

I honestly can't even wrap my head around what you're going through! Not being allowed to sit down sounds absolutely brutal... 😢
I feel like I'm losing my mind already because I'm restricted from walking too much, and now you're telling me you can't even sit...
Say whatever you want, but hearing your situation feels like a total nightmare to me. I don't really know the right words to say, but I truly hope you have a super fast recovery and get back to your normal life soon. Just please, don't push yourself too hard or try to force things right now, because you definitely don't want to undo all the progress you've made. Hang in there just a little longer. 😉