I wanted to share my experience six months post-surgery, as I found that most posts only covered the initial weeks and then went silent when people were asked for updates.
A bit of background: I’m 27, and I had my surgery on November 23, 2023. In about a week, I’ll hit the six-month mark. I had four hemorrhoids removed—three smaller internal ones and one medium external one. Would I do it again? Definitely, but there are many things I wish I had known beforehand.
First off, plan to take at least two weeks off work, especially if your job involves driving or physical labor—consider taking a month if you can. My doctor said I’d be back on my feet in 3-5 days, but I spent the first week mostly lying on my side. After a week, I could move around a bit, but it was uncomfortable. Simple actions like bending over, going up and down stairs, and getting in and out of the car were painful, and I found myself carrying a pillow for comfort.
The second week was actually worse than the first. Make sure to have good pain meds for the first week; when they wear off, you’ll feel everything you’ve been avoiding. In hindsight, I wish I had taken fewer pain meds initially to save them for the later days. A crucial tip: pain medications can cause constipation, which is the last thing you want after this surgery. Start taking fiber supplements a week before the procedure and keep it up until you feel fully healed. Stick to soft foods—think mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese—and drink plenty of liquids.
It took me about four days after surgery to use the bathroom, and it was incredibly painful. It took around two weeks to feel comfortable using the toilet. During those first weeks, I bled quite a bit, but that gradually lessened over time. The swelling can look alarming initially, but it should reduce significantly after a month.
By the end of the first month, I was mostly back to my normal activities, though sitting too long or bending down still felt tight. I was told that swelling might last 2-3 months, which turned out to be an understatement for me. At my four-month check-up, my doctor confirmed I was still healing from the external hemorrhoid, and now, at six months, I’m about 99% back to normal.
I still have some loose skin from the stitches, but my doctor said it could be easily removed if necessary. Overall, I’m really glad I had the surgery. After dealing with hemorrhoids since I was 15, a few months of discomfort for long-term relief was absolutely worth it.
Lastly, a note for those concerned about resuming anal sex: I recommend waiting at least 5-6 months before trying anything, and start slowly. I attempted around the four-month mark, and it was painful. Just give yourself time to heal fully. The difference between month four and month six was significant, so take it slow and listen to your body. Your sex life isn’t over; it’s just on hold for a bit.
