Later on the haemorrhoids started to protrude, which wasn’t very nice at all. I used creams and suppositories at first, but after a while they weren’t really having an effect.
I actually missed a friend’s wedding because I couldn’t face the thought of travelling and being in a social situation. It was very uncomfortable and the protrusions were becoming more frequent, I put up with it in total for about 18 months, but soon it got so bad that I thought I should speak to someone.
I actually went to see my GP for another reason, but while I was there I mentioned about the haemorrhoids. As I had worked in the surgery it was rather embarrassing to go there, but I’m glad I did. My GP referred me to a surgeon, and then I met Mr Vickery and he recommended the PPH stapling procedure.
I could have had the banding procedure, but my surgeon though that PPH would be more of a long-term cure. I was booked in for the procedure at my local NHS hospital.
There weren’t really any preparations I had to do before the procedure. I don’t remember anything about the procedure itself, as I was asleep throughout. I was a bit shaky from the anaesthetic immediately afterwards, but generally I felt fine. The only immediate after effect from the procedure was a bit of flatulence!
I was back to normal activities almost as soon as I got home, there was a bit of bleeding in the first few days but after a week it was fine. Three weeks after the procedure I went to visit a friend on Yorkshire, which is quite a long journey.
I was amazed as people had told me that haemorrhoids surgery could be very painful, but in fact I didn’t have much pain, it was more discomfort.
Since the procedure I’ve been careful not to strain while on the loo, but I’ve felt fine and haven’t had any further problems.
I would say to people just go to your GP, it’s such a relief to have the treatment and after all that time I was amazed at how easy it was to have a long-term solution.
"Joy Brown is a retired medical receptionist from Devon. She had PPH surgery in 2007 and is delighted to finally be free of haemorrhoids."
* Disclaimer:
As with any surgical procedure, the Procedure for Prolapse and Haemorrhoids may present risks. Individual patient results may vary and are not indicative of all outcomes. Patients should consult their own physician to find out if PPH is appropriate for their condition.
