Hemorrhoids :: HAL-RAR Procedure Experiences?
May 22, 2015
I have been suffering from some internal Hemorrhoids that prolapse after a bowel movement for almost a decade. After they prolapse i gently insert them back into where they belong and it has been ok and hasn't affected my life much.
However the past a few days ago after making a bowl movement i noticed when they prolapsed they were very inflamed and large and painful, i couldn't put them back inside me. I waited until the next morning but unfortunately the couldn't go in so i had to go to a hospital. The doctors managed to insert them back in when they applied some gel but it was painful and not easy.
Then 2 days after same problem but they kept on bleeding, had to go back to the Hospital and same thing.
I hope they get better more manageable soon but i doubt it.
Anyway i really want to avoid the traditional Hemorrhoid surgery as i have read the horror stories on here about being in pain for 4-8 weeks, complications and also i can't afford to take so much time off work.
Hence why i am considering the HAL/RAR Procedure, from my research it is less painful and hypothetically you can be off work for only 48 hours.
has anyone experienced this procedure? What was the pain like?
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I had THD (sometimes known as HALO) procedure 9 days ago, the last couple of days it feels like i have external haemorrhoids back, my husband says they look like them, large and inflamed!... I'm so upset and frustrated, had been feeling ok as was recovering quite well. Very uncomfortable and painful after bms but i was expecting this and had prepared for it mentally and physically. I've not had to strain when going to toilet, in fact going regularly since 2nd day, so no constipation. I've also had a stitch come out today after bm (surgeon said all my stitches were internally) Has anyone else had any similar experiences??...
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I had a haemorrhoidectomy about 4 years ago with a very painful recovery and problem now back so going for the Halo/THD procedure very soon.
Has anyone had this done and how was the recovery from it?
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For approx. 10 years I've been dealing with internal and external haemorrhoids (rhoids) and the occasional prolapse - too embarrassed to seek medical attention I've just tried my hardest, despite the discomfort, to carry on regardless. After a recent defining moment in the bathroom I decided enough was enough and booked a visit to see my GP, which to my surprise was not as embarrassing as I thought it would be. Following a digital examination the GP confirmed that the usual solutions would not suffice and a referral to a Consultant was needed - fortunately I have private medical insurance and my appointment came through quickly.
At my first appointment the Consultant completed a digital examination for himself and deduced that my rhoids were “quite large”. At this stage he suggested a Sigmoidoscopy (lower bowel camera) and ligation (banding) to see if that would help - whilst I was told the procedure is uncomfortable and not painful I opted for sedation on the basis that why would anyone choose to be in any discomfort when they really don’t need to be!?![/color]
Having researched the procedure online I returned to the hospital some 3 weeks later. I have to say the enema was a surprise in more ways than one – I now understand it’s a necessary requirement, but given the reason it’s being administered is it unreasonable to assume they would be a little more gentle? #Wowzers! Anyway, I waited around all morning and I was eventually taken to the Operating Room (OR). At this point I have to say Sedation is wonderful - I remember nothing between the fluid being injected in the cannula and subsequently being in the recovery room. Given I had been tinkered with all I can remember at this point is feeling as though I needed to go to the toilet. I was subsequently transferred back to my room where I remained for a couple of hours in a little discomfort, but I recall being in pain – the Consultant came to say he would see me at my follow-up appointment and I was eventually released by a nurse that said “it looks like you’re coming back to see us” and I spotted THD on her paperwork.
It was about 2-3 weeks when I had a follow-up with my Consultant, which gave me lots of time to read up on what THD was etc. – compared to the rhoidectomy of yesteryear it sounded like an absolute gem of a procedure. The Consultant asked how I had got on with the ligation and I explained there had been no real change however, he said he didn’t think it would work given the size of the rhoids – so we discussed returning for a THD in 2 weeks’ time. So, there is the background…
I returned to the hospital for my THD last Friday and, given the procedural information I had read on line, I was feeling quite good about it. Having had another fairly uncomfortable enema (by the hands of the person that delivered the previous one! #Ouch) I was told that I was 2nd on the list and would be seen quite quickly – it was roughly mid-morning when I walked to the OR. At this point I was given the cannula etc. before the GA was administered. Quick question: Is it just me that likes that dizzy lightheaded feeling you get with a GA? I’ve had a few in my time and I really enjoy it!
]The next thing I remember is waking up in the Recovery Room with an overwhelming feeling that I needed a bowel movement (BM) – I’m talking that real desperate need somebody has when they have a stomach upset. I recall one nurse saying it’s probably the packing and the other said the consultant did not use any – I was then told somebody was on their way to transfer me to my room but I could have a bed pan if I needed it. I was quickly returned to my room and I asked if I was able to go to the toilet – I was told I could, but needless to say I actually couldn’t do either of the things one usually does when they visit the lavatory!
After a good hour or so I asked if any pain relief was available as I was really quite uncomfortable. I was subsequently given codeine, which did help – mainly because I fell asleep if I’m honest! I was woken by a nurse wanting to take my obs – I said I needed the loo first and the nurse agreed to return within several minutes. I managed to urinate however, upon returning to the room the nurse had quite a fright as found me lying on the bed looking as white as the pillow case, feeling dizzy and sweating – I was given Oxygen for a while. I was given more codeine later on and, after more sleep, I eventually saw the Consultant who said that he would see me again in a couple of weeks, but with regard to that day I could stay overnight or go home. Being tired as I was unable to get any decent sleep, I opted to go home at around 18:30. Upon check out I was prescribed Fybogel (to be taken Twice Daily) and Paracetamol (as and when) – due to other ailments I have access to Co Codamol 30/500 and Tramadol hence I was good to go. The journey home was not too bad however, the left side of my rectum was particularly sore hence I sat with all my weight on the right bottom cheek for the duration. When at home I pretty much spent the evening sleeping, thinking about the toilet or trying to go to the toilet!
I woke up several times in the night with the feeling that I needed to go to the toilet, so I eventually got up to watch TV at around 04:30. Feeling the need to go to toilet lasted all day – other than briefly after passing wind or a short while longer after taking a Tramadol. I eventually went for a very small BM however, it was quite painful to be honest and I wondered if my body was telling me I needed to but my head was telling me not to – I was literally having spasms, such a weird feeling that happened several times throughout the day. The good news was that whilst I still felt rough, I was more mobile and thought THD may just be the best thing since sliced bread.
Pretty much mirrors Day two having woken up at 04:00. I went downstairs and eventually managed to go to the toilet for a small BM however, it was soooo painful I felt exhausted afterward. I returned to bed mid-morning for a couple of hours and then remained in the confines of my house for the rest of the day.
Woke up at a reasonable time and managed to potter around the house all day. Took a 40 minute drive to take my child to school and back and noticed that the desperate urge to go to the toilet has been replaced with a fullness/weight feeling and there is now an aching on the left side of my rectum. I managed to do the smallest of BM’s, which, in the main, was probably my body dispelling some of the Fybogel! In cleaning myself I noticed a small lump on my rectum, which I can only liken to an external rhoid – brilliant, just brilliant! By the afternoon I actually felt like I was in pain until I read about and decided to take a sitz bath – temporarily relieving the pain, until I took more Tramadol
Today. I’m feeling somewhat down about my post THD experience. It doesn’t seem to be consistent with the majority of literature that says you’ll be running marathons within 48 hours (slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean)! I’ve got what I think is an external rhoid, the left side of my rectum is uncomfortable, and when I sit down or stand up I can feel pressure - like you do when the rhoids are playing up…not to mention that after I drove my child to school today I felt like I’d received a swift kick up the arse when I got back to the house. I had a BM this afternoon and it was painful…AGAIN…I ended up elevating my feet on a footstool to making the passing of the BM more comfortable!
Having got all that of my chest, I’m hoping somebody can offer an opinion on the following…[/color]
Could the lump on my rectum be linked to the procedure and shrink over time? I’m wondering if I’ve not noticed before as I previously had a prolapse?
Could the lump be a new rhoid or hematoma given the constant feeling of requiring the loo and then my associated attempts to go?
Given I’m now at Day 5, should I really have an aching feeling where I think the procedure was completed?
Given I’m still uncomfortable, would you contact the GP or carry on taking the tramadol for now?
I’m off work at the moment, but I will need a sick note in 2 days – is it likely that I’ll be ready to go back at this point?
Many thanks for reading and, where you can, replying with your comment(s).
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So as a result of some difficult child deliveries I have Hemorrhoids. I do not have internal issues but I have some on the outside. They look like dried up grape clusters and make it very difficult to clean properly. They bother me tremendously! Is there any procedure to remove them?
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Just wondering if anyone has undergone the "atomizer" procedure to relieve their hemorrhoids?
If so, how would you describe/rate the results?
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As much as I have read about this procedure, I feel somewhat prepared going into my consult visit with the Dr.
I am wondering if there were any questions/discussions anyone feels they should have asked BEFORE the procedure?
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I too am terrified of having a colonoscopy scheduled for this Friday. I have read the different experiences and don't know what to think as the experiences are so varied. Last year I had a flexi sigmoidoscopy without sedation, or pain relief, which was okay - just a bit uncomfortable. A polyps was found and therefore the doctor wants to check for more higher up. But the colonoscopy seems to be more undignified and painful. I do not want to be sedated as (a) I need to keep my memory for work; (b) I do not like being out of control; and (c) I have read some awful experiences of people being sedated. Therefore I am just going to have the pain relief. During the flexi I was embarrassed at the sensation of wind needing to be released and regardless of being told it is part of everyday work for the medics - it is not for me. This adds to the undignified process. So, although intellectually I know that having a colonoscopy will save my life, I am still very worried about the prep, the procedure and of course the results.
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I had a Prostatic Arterial Embolization (PAE) procedure done at the University of Miami on June 2, 2015 by Dr. Shivank Bhatia. Prior to the procedure I had completely lost my urinary function and was wearing an in dwelling Foley Catheter. I had been told by a prominent Urologist at UM that I would never urinate on my own again, I needed to learn how to self catheterize and that if I chose to have the PAE procedure I should expect it would not be successful. My prostate was over 100 grams, I was not a candidate for the TURP and I should go home and have a nice weekend.
My attitude was I had nothing to lose. If the PAE did not work I was no worse off than if I did not try. Dr. Bhatia was an expert in this procedure so I took a shot. My results have been nothing short of miraculous. The procedure was done on 6/2/15. I never had one ounce of pain, either during or after the PAE. I continued to wear the Foley, but it was horrible. I went for my first follow-up 10 days after the PAE. I still could not pee on my own. Dr. Bhatia wanted me to continue wearing the Foley for another week, but I just could not. He was understanding of my discomfort and I was shown how to self catheterize and went home without the Foley, thank God!
I used the catheters approx. every 6 hours or 4 times per day. Each time I used them, I would try to urinate on my own. On June 25th at around midnight I attempted to pee on my own and 6 drops came out. It was a revelation. I then used the catheter and went to bed, arising at 6 am. This time when I went to use the catheter 12 drops came out. Each time I went to use the catheter things would improve. From a weak stream to ultimately a regular pee. I reduced using the catheter from 4 times per day to 3, then 2, then I was comfortable knowing I did not need them at all. On July 1, 2015 I stopped using catheters. I never have looked back.
Three months post procedure I had an MRI. My prostate had shrunk from 0ver 100 grams to 72 grams. My PSA had gone from 8.7 to 2.5. I no longer had any symptoms that would indicate prostate or urinary issues. I sleep through the night. I pee when I have to go, but can go 6-8 hours in between bathroom breaks. I have no discomfort, no pain, my sex life is outstanding and I am 66 years old! Dr. Bhatia has given me my life back.
My suggestion to anyone who is having symptoms: Explore ALL OF YOUR OPTIONS!! I am certain the PAE will become Standard of Care in the future. Try and understand what the potential side effects are of the "traditional" surgical procedures. They may be acceptable for some, but they were not acceptable for me. I take no drugs or medications. The PAE had no side effects. There was no possibility of becoming incontinent or impotent or having an orgasm without an external ejaculation. Find a facility that is doing clinical trials with the PAE and a Dr. who is experienced. Peeing through a straw for the rest of my life was a real possibility. Now I function like I was 40 years old, not 66 years old. I highly recommend Dr. Shivank Bhatia of the University of Miami. He learned this procedure from the man who invented it and he trained with him in South America to perfect it. You have very little, if anything to lose, and you have getting the rest of your life back to normal to gain. Happy to answer any questions or inquiries. Good Luck to all.
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I had a colonoscopy 3 days ago as I have Crohns and was awake for the whole thing. I told two nurses beforehand I didn't want to be awake for the procedure. Although I was given pethidine for pain relief there was still a lot of unbearable pain and I was shouting and crying but they just carried on. Afterwards they wanted the bed so I was given a cup of cold water and told to get dressed after about half an hour. As he was passing, the doctor told me he had taken several biopsies and the Crohn's didn't look too bad - then he walked off. I am now having nightmares and palpitations. I went to work yesterday but was sent home after a couple of hours as I couldn't stop shaking. I suffered sexual abuse as a child and this has triggered flashbacks. I can't stop crying. I will never have this test again as I would rather die.
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Do you know if second degree internal hemorrhoids can give a positive FOBT test if you do not have noticeable blood.
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My internal hems. are not responding to a doctor's injections. They (3) are not major, but I wish (almost) they would become thrombus so it/they could be cut out. I had that years ago.
The pain is not so great as to cause bleeding, toilet trouble but the pain is there every day for two months.
Putting on ointments in public toilets all the time to cool the pain. Awful. Inconvenient and interferes with daily life.
Gets worse with stress.
Getting desperate, looking online - Venapro. But online wonder-meds never seem to work so I'm sceptical.
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During the night I have to go to the loo 5 or 6 times this is despite not having anything to drink after 7pm. does anyone else have similar problem and have they successfully been able to do anything about it. Has anyone heard of urology surgeon Neil Barber and the "urolift" procedure and would be most grateful to hear from anyone who has undergone this procedure
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I went for a walk with a close friend of mine yesterday, we usually take our dogs together for a walk through the park and play with them. Anyway, he told me yesterday that he has to do this Thallium stress test. He seems so cool and calm about it that I can't really understand how is he managing to stay calm, I would freak out. I mean, I know it is a cardiac test and that it has something to do with the heart, therefore it is probably dangerous. Since I don't know any details, can someone describe this procedure to me?
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Of what I am reading of everybody else's pain experience with this bunion surgery , I should not still have to be taking pain killers. Anybody else out there that has had this procedure surgery done, have had a hard time healing? Would love to hear of how many days it took them to be pain free after having this surgery. I keep my foot elevated at all times. I try to ice but it doesn't go through the cast that I have on the foot at this time. I see my doctor Sept. 2nd. I think he will be putting my foot in something different then.
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I'm 22 and got my kidney stone blasted two days ago (10-2-13) and I was wondering if anyone else has had this procedure? I am in a world of pain. and I was just curious how long I can expect this pain to last. My urologist said the stone was at the opening of my kidney and it was about 6mm. They blasted it and put in a stent. I feel like I have been beaten with a baseball bat. I was just curious if anyone else has felt this pain and how long I should be expecting this to last.
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What ils laser teeth whitening , and what is procedure of this treatment.
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I am healthy non smoking 65 year old, very active physically and overall healthy. I had the urolift procedure done May 23 2015 at which time the surgeon installed 5 clips. Prior to surgery I was on 8 mg of flomax which made it possible for me to urinate.I did wear a catheter bag for awhile then. After surgery I was on 4mg of flomax for approx. 1 month. I was able to urinate adequately for about 8 weeks. Never but once what you would consider a flow. At about the 9th week I started slowing down again until it got to the point (about 11 weeks) where it took me 8 minutes to start peeing and then it took two more times in the next half hour to finally eliminate somewhat completely. Now in the 14th week of post op I'm on 8mg of flomax right back where I was before surgery.I am now considering what options are available to me now.
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Male, mid 50's,double inguinal hernia, open procedure.
Day 1 no real pain until the meds/anesthesia wore off. Not too groggy.
Day 2-4 no pain when lying down, just when getting up. Then sharp pains in groin near upper thigh, really nasty pain. Right side, retained feeling everywhere. Left size all numb below scar, to and slightly onto thigh, and to base of penis. Balls not sore nor swollen. Advice, get a bed pee thingy if you drink a lot of water, it's a lifesaver.
Then onward, once the pain began to wear off a bit after about five days, I stopped pain meds and switched to advil. Nothing made much difference. I didn't have a bm until about five days after the surgery and was terrified. I was taking Colace and it worked fine. I drank a ton of water.
When I started getting up and walking, the sharp, burning, scraping pain was there when getting out and into bed. When walking it was like someone had put a brick in the left side of my groin. It was heavy and uncomfortable, probably due to the neuropathy. My nerve was not cut, I found out later, but it was all probably due to the fluid, swelling, and trauma of the nerve during surgery.
The progress here on in was extremely slow. A month in, still some paint, but less, still equal amount of numbness and discomfort when walking and sitting. After week three i could finally like on my side, which was great. This relieved the pain in my heels that were killing me from resting against the bed. And it ended the sore kidneys/back from lying around. A friend said socks can prevent this.
Week 5, still numb, but the heaviness in the groin feeling is getting slightly better. I went through a sort of depressive time after reading online about people who didn't recover well after a year or more. I'm feeling better these days, emotionally. After sitting/walking around for a couple hours, especially if I go out and walk, visit a store or anything like that, I get completely wiped out sort of all of a sudden. It feels like my entire energy is gone. Other people I ask say this is normal with surgery and it takes a long time to get the energy back. Saw doc and he said it seems everything is healing per normal. That was good, at least.
So I wanted to post this, because it seems some people are up and running marathons the day after whereas for some of us, the healing seems to take a lot longer than expected. Here's wishing everyone good recovery and mental strength. It is taxing to lie around and wonder if and when things will begin to improve.
My recommendations: Tons of water. Daily vitamins. Colace for first few days, then bran etc. Get a cheap bedside hospital table from walmart or somewhere, it's great for sliding over your stomach and putting a book or computer on. I also put it over my abdomen at night to keep the cat from jumping up onto me.
Bottom line, don't get depressed. Only after nearly five weeks did I begin to notice a real sort of improvement at all.
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I was given an unexpected gift in my ophthalmologist's office - a long scratch on my cornea during the process of my doc's assistant trying contact lens on me. Since I had local anesthesia I did not realize this happened till I felt some discomfort and my doc came in, looked and saw the scratch (corneal abrasion) over my pupil. He said I would be hurting quite a bit when the eye drops wore off and gave me a clear bandaid on the cornea for 2 days to help it heal. 3 days out it's better but still scratchy, the "bandage" was taken off yesterday but my vision is still blurry. This is on the same eye where I had cataract surgery 7 weeks earlier and I have been in the process of getting 2nd opinions since I got stuck with the wrong IOL lens. (I also posted in the cataract forum last month) My question is, is there a general time frame wherein the blurriness goes away? How to prevent what I read about re repeat occurrences? Do I need to delay getting my 2nd opinions on cataract re-surgery till this is back to normal? (hoping it WILL be back to normal of course!)
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