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Anal skin tag surgery

Hi,
Five days ago I had 2 skin tags removed under general anaesthetic. These were situated on the anal area and really bothered me. They are there since after giving birth and with all the bowel problems (ulcerative colitis) it started to really b in the way of normality for me.
I went in hospital thinking the day after I'm up and running. I TOTALLY under estimated this!! This is the 5th day I'm flat out in pain with a bleeding weeping anal area. Only had 1 bowel movement after a laxative (which was agony and in contrast with my normal medication) I only have 3 stitches and it looks much better (apart from some swelling which will go down). I can't walk or stand long and even with sanitary pads i still stain my clothes? I wash with watere after using the toilet, I've tried a salt bath and I've tried sleeping naked to 'air' the area. I also use Preperation H after cleaning the area but nothing soothes or stops the bleeding. Please has anybody got some similar experience or can offer any useful suggestions? Many thanks!!
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Avatar universal
I had one medium-large one and one small one removed 6 days ago. The procedure was not painful - the wound was quarterised afterwards. Some dramatic bleeding after BMs for about 3 days, pain entirely manageable with Ibuprofen.  The only concern I have now is that there is some swelling still after 6 days - I hear this is normal. The private doctor charged £950, but I didn't want to economise too much. Ice packs on the area for 20 mins help - I will try the sitz bath too. My experience - worth doing.
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Avatar universal
I had the procedure exactly a week ago. I had two skin tags - one large and one smaller. I had them removed for cosmetic reasons and because they would swell up and cause pain. The procedure was done under general anesthesia and only took about 1.5 hours from me being rolled in to into the car and headed home.

The first 24 was super easy - they must have used a local or maybe I was just still out of it because it didn't hurt at all until Day 2. The pain was about a 7/10 waking up day 2 with zero pain meds in my system. I havent handled pain medication very well with past surgeries or after child birth, but this was a whole different ball game. Just for background sake - I have had a total thyroidectomy at 19 for thyroid cancer, two natural child births and my gallbladder removed and never needed narcotic pain meds. My pain tolerance couldn't have changed that significantly in the last 5 years - this truly is a very sensitive area and the pain is real. The pain meds cause severe constipation, so thank goodness for the advice of other posters recommending you start stool softeners 3-4 days pre-op.

Day 3 I felt the need to go to the bathroom and I was slightly terrified of the pain - still quite a bit of bleeding and changing out the gauze every 2-3 hours. I soaked in an epsom salt bath to relax a bit and then when I finally went it wasn't as bad as I anticipated - but I could tell I needed to increase the stool softeners! I doubled the dose and that really helped with future bathroom trips. With that milestone complete - I basically slept Day 3 away.

Day 4 - This was the turning point for me - it was the last day I needed narcotics and I was able to get around much better. I vacuumed, did laundry and didn't sleep/rest nearly as much - finally had my energy back! Still bleeding - but about half as bad as day 1-2.

Days 5 and on - Still bleeding - shouldn't have eased up in stool softeners today - because I ended up paying for it on Day 6 and 7 :( I still haven't looked at it - but it feels smoot, but a little swollen still.

At the 1 week point my big take-aways are:

- plan to focus on healing only for 3-4 days - although this is a seemingly simple procedure the increased nerve endings and basic function of the anal region makes this recovery more painful than anticipated
- use ice - if possible 3-4 times a day - my swelling was very minimal by day 4
- lidocaine gel is helpful for before and after bowel movements and double your dose of stool softener!
- do NOT sit in the toilet any longer than necessary - the wound will be stretched open the entire time you sit and it's quite alarming to look down to a blood-filled toilet bowl
- epsom salt baths are relaxing and provide excellent pain relief / the first 2-3 days I took 5-6 baths a day.
- get wet wipes - don't even try toilet paper for the first week - it feels like sandpaper.


It's was not nearly as scary of a surgery to me as some of the experiences I have read. I was able to attend my sons weekend soccer tournament on Days 5 and 6 and practice yoga on day 7.

Today is Day 7 and I am much and hope to take a look at the area tonight - eeek I'm nervous! To anyone considering the surgery - just be smart and follow some of the basic advice in this thread.

Cheers to normal butts ;)
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Avatar universal
I had four anal skin tags removed nine months ago.  One was large, two were medium, the last was small.  It had nothing to do with vanity.  They were so prominent that sitting was uncomfortable; they actually made contact with chair surfaces.  Even worse, the biggest one got ulcers from time to time, which meant lots of bleeding down there.  Terrible to always be worrying about standing up from a chair and having a nasty blood stain on the seat of my pants, which happened more than once.  After I got an ulcer, it was always a good month before it healed.  The skin tags had been a nuisance for nearly 20 years, and I was fed up.  They were removed by a general surgeon who specializes in GI surgery, under general anesthetic.

In response to all the horror stories related by the previous posters...

It's no picnic, and you have to know that going in.  But please, the stories about people sobbing on the toilet and wanting to die?  It's not as bad as all that.  I followed a few basic steps pre- and post-surgery which I'm convinced made a huge difference.  So, here are my suggestions.

First, in the 72 hours before my surgery I eliminated all solid food from my diet.  I restricted myself to soup, smoothies, juice, and lots of water.  I continued my liquid diet for 2 days post op, and then began introducing semi-solid foods like mashed potatoes and cream of wheat.  Last thing you want is any kind of bulky stool in the 2-3 days post-op.

Second, it's critical that you take sufficient time to rest and recuperate because you'll need it.  My surgeon told me ahead of time that the acute recovery phase would be two weeks.  That's two weeks off work.  He was spot-on.  Having two weeks to convalesce and look after myself down there made all the difference in the world.  

Many posters have mentioned the need for a prescription narcotic/opioid for post-surgical pain.  I advise against it.  My surgeon wrote me such a prescription, and I took two doses before I quit.  The problem is that narcotics are constipating which, again, is the last thing you need.  Starting on my second day post-op, I took the max daily dose of extra strength Tylenol which gave me sufficient pain relief without the nasty side effects.  I continued to use the Tylenol for the entire two weeks post-op, eventually weaning down to two doses (from four daily) by the time I went back to work.

My surgeon also recommended I get an over the counter stool softener, and an over the counter laxative.  I used the stool softener every day for the first month at the max daily dose, then halved the dose for the second month post-op, before discontinuing.  It made a big difference.  As for the laxative, I quit using it after two days.  The stool softener does exactly that - it softens the bulk of your stool, which you'll need when things are raw and healing down there.  The laxative on the other hand just makes you need to go more often, and really, the goal should be to go less often if you can.

Next, and super critical, is the ability to take a sitz bath (I used Epsom salts in water that was fairly hot) after every single bowel movement for the two weeks immediately post-op.  Yes, it's time consuming, but if you've taken the time off to convalesce, then it's no big deal.  The sitz baths keep the area clean, and relieve pain in a big way.  Actually, what I did after each bowel movement before the sitz bath was to briefly go into my shower and use the hand held shower head (don’t use jet setting) to clean up down there, after wiping carefully with toilet paper.  Then I would get in a sitz bath that was filling while I was in the shower.  Typically I would soak in the bath for 20 minutes.

My recollection of the recovery phases is as follows.

I hit two big turning points on Day 6 and Day 10/11 post-op.  Day 6, the pain improved noticeably.  Day 10/11, the bleeding improved noticeably.  I would say it took approx. 3 months post-op before I stopped noticing any discomfort during a routine bowel movement (remember, I stopped taking stool softeners after 2 months post-op), and 6 months post-op until there were no more traces of blood in my stool.

Like I said, no picnic.  But, I would go through it again without hesitation because I'm totally satisfied with the long-term outcome.  Sitting isn’t uncomfortable any more, no more ulcers and fear of blood-stained pants, and wiping after bowel movements is a breeze now.

Good luck!
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Thanks for providing those details, that's really helpful. I've got upcoming surgery for one large tag and i've been told it'll be left an open wound to reduce the chances of infection?! Can I ask if yours were stitched or left open please? I'm really worried now about the amount of time I'll have to have off work.
Avatar universal
I just want to add my experience:
I had done alot of research of people's experiences of anal tag removal online, and quite frankly heard so many horror stories that they scared me so much that I almost didn't have mine removed.  However, the tags have been causing me so much anxiety and self-consciousness during sex that I finally got up the nerve to do it, and had two removed yesterday.  One was quite large and the other small.  So far I have had NO pain, NO discomfort (I am amazed), and I cannot believe that I went so long being embarrassed and also scared of the procedure.  Please do not hesitate to do this for yourself, as for me, it has been a total walk in the park.  I had a hemorrhoid banding done about a month ago first to deal with that issue before the skin tag removal, and that was by far much more uncomfortable (even though that is made out to be no big deal).  I would do it all again, without a doubt, and am so glad to finally be getting back to looking more "normal" down there after 10 years of hating my behind.
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Avatar universal
Wowsers.  These posts are so interesting.

I am four days post-op and I must admit I had no idea how painful this whole thing would be.  First day or two was fine...bit nippy but nothing awful (I now realise that I must have been given local anaesthetics whilst under GA).

I'm taking Ibuprofen, Paracetamol and a stool softener.  I'm almost out of pain meds and have no idea how I'm going to get more.  Pooping is horrific.  It's like having a Chelsea smile on the butt as the wounds get reopened with everything that passes.  I've been showering the area a few times a day to keep it clean, and never rubbing with anything, just a wee pat with a soft towel.  I then stick a little loo roll between my butt cheeks just to soak up the weepy blood (getting less and less).  

I have no idea how anything looks down there as I can't bring myself to look.  If it looked worse than it did I think I'd bawl my eyes out.  

With hindsight: if this is a purely cosmetic procedure then I'd say not to do it, it's just not worth it.  However, if, like me, you've been having nasty pain and itching from tags then maybe it's worth it, but to be honest it's too soon to tell.  Certainly not a surgery for the faint hearted!  
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Avatar universal
Has anyone else had a wound that smells?

I had an anal skin tag removed a week ago and although I have minimal pain and am only bleeding a bit after bowel movements, my wound seems to be smelling quite gross. Not sure whether this is a natural part of the healing process or a sign of infection (one website says that wounds can give off smells as they heal, another says that wounds smelling is bad)?
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Avatar universal
Has anyone else had a wound that smells?

I had an anal skin tag removed a week ago and although I have minimal pain and am only bleeding a bit after bowel movements, my wound seems to be smelling quite gross. Not sure whether this is a natural part of the healing process or a sign of infection (one website says that wounds can give off smells as they heal, another says that wounds smelling is bad)?
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Avatar universal
I am seeing the surgeon about the skin tag on the outside of my anus in April quite looking forward to it but dreading it at the same time. I've had the skin tag since October and after I went to the toilet I noticed a lump later on I was in agony for one day used hermmoid creams helped a bit,started getting itching after a while saw doc she wasn't sure if it was a genital wart or skin tag. I had to go to the sexual health clinic which was embarrassing I had to go through my sexual history and then they had a look the following week it was confirmed as a skin fold. I asked if I could have it removed the consultant said to his understanding yes and to go back to my doctor to be referred to see a surgeon. Booked the appt to see the female doctor the one who referred me to sexual health clinic ,she then had a look at the skin tag again and I told her what the consultant said she said I don't think the NHS will remove it he's just a sexual health consultant I wasn't happy felt like she wasted my time and didn't want to help me this was November. So I decided to see another GP at my docs surgery I saw a male doc on 12th January, I told him how much itchiness it causes me the constant soreness I'm in that it affects my mental health I can't sit down fit long & I have trouble going to the toilet he listened and examined me as soon as I was getting dressed he told me he'd have to refer me to see about getting it removed which was very helpful he actually listened and wanted to help. Friday just gone I had a phone call from a hospital I had to choose Ashford or Canterbury so I chose Canterbury as its near me since I live in Deal, the appt was to see the surgeon and it's been booked for 4th April. What will i expect from the appt and do you know if I'll have it cut out that same day or another day?
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Avatar universal
I had my anal skin tag removed tuesday morning.  It is now wednesday night.  After reading all the horror stories here I almost cancelled my surgery.  But I am really glad I did.  I am fortunate as so far I am just uncomfortable, but not in any pain.  Maybe twice today I got a twinge, and a bit of itching, but nothing I can't handle.  I am really surprised as my surgeon warned me I'd have a long recovery.  There are a few things that I think may have helped.  Firstly I think he cauterized the wound.  I had a spinal and was therefore awake and heard him ask for the machine to be set up and then saw them use it.  He also did not tell me I had stitches.  Secondly he added a lot of local freezing to my anus.  I know this because he kept asking the anesthesiologist if he could use more.  I have been using a sitz bath a couple times a day and using flushable wipes with aloe in them.  I am also taking two fibre supplements and so far haven't had any pain with bowel movements.  I hope things continue to go well.  I also had a sphincterotomy for an anal fissure.
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We’re yours cauterised  internal?
Avatar universal
I had my surgery for a skin tag 7 days ago. I have a very high tolerance for pain and need to be honest in telling you this hurts more then when I had a Hysterectomy. I am following a strict diet to keep stools soft, and they are. When having a bowel movement even with soft stool the pain is unbearable. I am also having spasms for hours afterward that are unreal. I too had a tag that looked horrible and why I decided to have this surgery. If I would have known it would be this painful I would have NEVER had it done. I am hoping in time the symptoms will subside and I can get back to normal, but I feel this will be a long recovery process.  My advice to you 7 days into recovery, do not have it done unless it is bothering you. Tags are common, more people have them then you probably realize.
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Avatar universal
Hi there, I don't know if you had the surgery or if your still considering it. I will say i had 2 massive skin tags and banding done at the same time and now the swelling has gone down I am happy with the results, I have to say that if I get skin tags again I will not be having them removed again as I don't reel the pain I an going  through was worth it. Having said that there are plenty of people whom have not had the pain I am suffering. Think carefully and if emotionally it will help you then yes do it, it looks so much better. Please be prepared for pain after. I am almost at 3 weeks recovery and still in pain.

Good luck for what you decide.
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Avatar universal
I had internal and external banding and removal of 2 massive skin tags, the operation was almost 3 weeks ago. My story so far.

I was looking forward to having my butt hole back again and couldn't wait for the surgery, they did saynitnwould be a painful recovery so I thought in was prepared, how wrong was I.

The first week i was in agony, I have tramadol, ibuprofen, lactose and paracetamol. I called 111 on 5 ocassions and a&e twice. The only thing that calmed the pain was the gas and air I got at hospital, which didn't last long. I got to the point of no sleep very quickly and ended up taking so many painkillers I knocked myself out and probably took to much. The second week eased slightly and I was able to sleep 3 hours atva time. The most difficult thing for me was never being able to get comfy and the stabbing pain always being there.

I'm now on week 3 and I'm still in pain, though now its just a constant ache which I can't get rid of but I can sleep though with painkillers before bed.

Pooing - I thought to poo would be painful, but for me the pooing was not too bad, it was the wiping and then pain afterwards.

My swelling was bad but that has subsided and looking a lot better.

All I hope for now is for the pain to go.

Oh and for those who don't have an infection, a&e are useless, they gave me gas and air until my pain went from a 10 to a four, then they just put me on a ward rolling around in pain as they took the gas and air away, then left me until I screamed in pain, then they asked me to keep it down as I was on a ward. Needless to say I walked out to go and roll around at home.

This was/is so painful I would suggest seriously considering it before you go ahead.

Please go away pain:-(
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Avatar universal
just an update....I had my surgery yesterday with out a problem. Slept through the night without any issues but still haven't had a BM...I did go to the bathroom (to pee) and there was a decent amount of blood in the toilet, but that is expected. So far no pain and no discomfort. Aside from the blood in the toilet everything is pretty much normal. I could have gone to work today. I took off 3 days plus the weekend thinking that I was going to need all of the time off, and the doctor told me that I would need that time off, and I really didn't. Oh well...vacation for me....I took a sitz bath this morning and showered right after, dressed the wound with gauze again to stop any additional leaks that i may have and took a pain pill, I think I'm going to switch to just tylenol because I am not in any awful pain. I have been taking metamucil as directed but still no BM. The doctor said if after 48 hours I don't have a BM, I need to call the office.

Other than that everything's going great, and I am so confused/happy because of all of the horror stories on these forums. They freaked me out so bad that I was thisclose to not going through the procedure...Maybe it has been an easy recovery was because it was only 1 external tag? It wasn't super small...about the size of a kidney bean. But hey I'll take a pain free recovery and the smooth butt!
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Avatar universal
I actually just had my anal tag removed today, and so far so good....I would definitely recommend it. This forum TOTALLY freaked me out so bad that this morning I had an AWFUL headache and while at the office I started breaking out in hives lol.

A little bit of background, a few years ago I was reading forums for at home remedies because I didn't know what type of doctor to go to and I was embarrassed, so I tried to choke the thing out with dental floss and thread....BIG FAIL!!! I don't recommend that to anyone....talk about pain! Go to a professional lol

Anyway! For the procedure they gave me a local anesthetic, I think he said it was a huge dose of valium and it did not hurt. It was uncomfortable but the pain was definitely bearable. The doctor and his nurse actually commented about how they were surprised that I didn't scream or freak out.....I was trying to figure out why it didn't bother me, and then I remembered I took a tylenol this morning to help with the headache and that had to be it.

After they numbed me up, they started cauterizing it off. I did not feel a thing. The procedure lasted about 5 minutes. Very quick and easy. There was a ton of blood, and I could feel it because it was hot from the cauterizer and I saw it on the table when I got up, but that was the only thing I felt. I asked the doc if I could see the thing that was interfering with my life for so many years and he showed me...it was about the size of a kidney bean. I asked the doc how long until the local anesthetic wore off and he said that I had an hour. He prescribed me norco for pain and sent me on my way. I took the norco as soon as it was filled, and after an hour I still didn't have any pain. I am supposed to take it every 4 hours, and that's what I have been doing and I haven't felt any discomfort or pain. I haven't had a bowel movement yet, and I am terrified of that, but over all I'm happy that i did it. I took a peak down there and it's so nice and refreshing not seeing the unsightly thing anymore!

All in all I'm happy that I FINALLY did it, and so far so good. Sorry this is so long!
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Avatar universal
I have a skin tag that doesnt hurt just embarrassing. Do you think the pain/risk of surgery is worth having it removed? Would you go through it again, knowing the result you have now? Thanks
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Avatar universal
Did you have the skin tag removed 2yrs ago? I am in the situation you were 2yrs ag. I am now looking at having a skin tag removed but not sure if the benefits outway the physical embarrassment of having anal tag. What do you think? Would you have surgery again if needed? Or live with the skin tag? thanks
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Avatar universal
Did you have the skin tag removed 2yrs ago? I am in the situation you were 2yrs ag. I am now looking at having a skin tag removed but not sure if the benefits outway the physical embarrassment of having anal tag. What do you think? Would you have surgery again if needed? Or live with the skin tag? thanks
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Avatar universal
Hey there, I had two peri-anal skin tags removed this afternoon with a local anesthetic (that didn't totally numb, but oh well). It has been six hours. For about 3-4 of those hours, I was in excruciating, burning pain. I iced the area and took a dose of Naproxen Sodium and it is bearable. My doc didn't prescribe anything and told me there was nothing special I had to do, just keep it clean. After reading these, I am wondering if there are specific care instructions to follow. Please share any post-op instructions you think might help me - I saw stool softener and baths above... anything else?
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Avatar universal
First of all, reading through these, I just laughed harder than I've laughed in months.  I know these aren't meant to be funny, but honestly, it's good to keep a sense of humor and clearly some of you have.  I mean look at what we're talking about, here.

So, I had my skin tag removed five days ago by my dermatologist.  It was something I'd put off for two years, partly out of embarrassment and partly out of fear of the surgery.  What I didn't consider was the recovery.  It's been one of the more involved recoveries of my life, honestly.

I thought I'd share my routine here for those who may be looking for a advice on recovery from this "minor" surgery.

So here's my routine:

I was prescribed Vicodin and an anesthetic cream. If you have this done, I would highly advise getting both a painkiller prescription and a topical anesthetic cream (EMLA.)

Generally - I take Metamucil or similar to promote smooth, easy bowel movements, and drink lots of water every day.  

I put the cream on 30 minutes before having a bowel movement, which I take in the morning before showering (I wake up around 7, immediately drink 24 ounces water ( ~ 3 glasses, add Metamucil to one glass) wait 45 minutes; about 7:45 have two cups strong coffee and apply cream, wait 15 minutes; around 8 eat a banana, wait 15 minutes and by then I'm literally ready to go.)  If you wake earlier just adjust this.  I see blood when I go, and it is mildly painful even with the cream applied (which doc said is normal.)  I go in one quick push, I don't sit and strain or wait for more. I use soft baby wipes to clean, which sting slightly but are mostly soothing, and do a better job of getting the blood and mess - no TP, it's too rough and painful.  I don't wipe excessively, because ... I then immediately hop in the shower, rinse thoroughly, use Dove bar soap and Gently but thoroughly wash all around the area; when I get out, I use a blow dryer on *Cool to fully dry the area, then apply more cream if needed for pain.  With or without cream, either way I put Vaseline thickly on to promote healing and prevent infection (if used with the cream it also helps keep it from running.)  I use gauze pads, folded in the crotch of my underwear, to catch any blood or liquid, and I wear dark underwear and dark jeans (really) because yes, there is some staining, despite best efforts.  (I am a male and I honestly considered buying some "pads" or even diapers - but I did not, ultimately, and it was OK.)  After getting home from work / in evening, I immediately shower again and clean the area, dry with blow dryer, re-apply cream and/or Vaseline, put in fresh gauze with fresh underwear.  Around 8pm I take a Vicodin to help me sleep and prevent the pain from waking me in the middle of the night (for me it takes about 3.5 hrs to full effect, so perfect for 11:30ish bedtime -- I only take 1 Vicodin per day but you could also take one in the morning and afternoon IF you don't need to work.)  Just before bed I use baby wipes to gently clean the area and then I put on fresh cream and/or Vaseline.

This has worked pretty well for me.  YES it is still painful; mostly it feels like a a dull needle is stuck in my *** and has an odd itch-ache feeling, other muscles around also ache somewhat (and guys, forget about getting It up while you recover, even peeing produces a weird sensation.)  YES it will take at least 2 weeks to heal.  YES I bleed when having my morning bowel movement - but less each day.  (The first two days it was a lot, and I learned quickly not to strain or try to force it - that is the important part.)  YES it still stings from time to time, sometimes extremely sharp, but the Vaseline really, really helps with that.

Good luck!  Hope this is helpful to some people.

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Avatar universal
I must say that if your in pain from anal fissures, anal tags or tight anus GO GET IT FIXED! The pain of suffering from the symptoms for years (in my case) is not worth it. I don't have to tell you how unbearable the pain is to have a BM. TORTURE. And embarrassing, sure.... I had hysterectomy, rectocele, sphinchtorotomy AND 3 large anal tags removed all at once, and my opinion of these comments are that people are pussies and drama queens. Obviously only the cases with complications commenting. The surgery is a big OW but to be honest, the sphinchtorotomy worked because I don't feel the torturous burn of the anal fissures, but there is anal weeping and that's a drag. Take your meds, don't eat a steak after, rest. Yes I'm in pain, no it's not even close to the pain of anal fissures,tags and pooping pencil like poops in agony. GO DO IT.
Believe me, don't believe the hype. Wanna be pain free eventually. Or just keep torturing yourself.... Your choice...
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Avatar universal
Hi there:
    would you mind telling me how much did it cost you ? thank you very much.
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Avatar universal
I am getting mine skin tag done soon, i am very nervous, how do you feel now? is it worth it ? please let me know, after all these stories, i am scared. thank you
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Avatar universal
Hi ,
Hope you are feeling better and fully recovered now.
After reading all the horror stories on here I thought I would post my experience to try to reassure people it is not always so bad ?
I had a sigmoid colonoscopy and four fairly large (about 1.5 inch long) skin tags removed under general anaesthetic (GA)  on Friday .
I ate normally prior to the op, except nil by mouth after midnight in preparation for the GA. On arrival at the hospital I was given a phosphate enema to make the endoscopy easier.
My anaesthesia was midazolam, propofol, fentanyl (an opioid) and I was given ondansetron as an anti-emetic. I went under in about 5 secs after injection of the anaesthetic into the back of my hand and next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. Apparently I was in theatre for about 30 mins. After recovery I was taken back to the ward and vital signs monitored for the next few hours (normal procedure after a GA). By mid afternoon I was watching TV and managed to drink enough to pass urine and get the needle removed from the back of my hand. An hour later I had a light meal, a wash and freshen up and got back into day clothes. A friend came to collect me about 6pm in the evening to take me home again.
I was advised to take it easy for at least 2 days, no drinking alcohol, no driving. I was advised to drink plenty of water, 15 ml lactulose (stool softener) per day for a couple of days and to take paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief if needed (no codeine because it can cause constipation).
So.. Post op recovery.. Friday evening fine ..ate a light supper and slept fine .. No pain at all. Saturday ate lightly again..some cereal , soup, fish and vegetables and tea and coffee.. No pain at all. But noticed light bleeding each time I went to urinate .. So was wearing a sanitary pad to protect underclothing. Sunday ..first bowel movement .. Hallelujah ! No pain .. The lactulose had done it's job and everything was soft, so no straining. Yes .. I was still bleeding slightly ..but such a relief.
It is now Sunday afternoon .. 48 hours post surgery and I feel good enough to potter around and apart from a little discomfort down there everything else is ok.
Because of what I read on here before surgery . I got my doc to sign me off work for 3 days "just in case" but if I'm honest I probably could go back to work on Monday if I had to. I hope this reassures people that it is not always as bad as others have posted and that like me you may find everything is as straightforward as the doctors and nurses tell you.
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I had a skin tag removed last Thursday, May 1st. After reading the comments posted here, I called my doctor before having the surgery, to confirm her assertion that I would be well and leading a normal life by Monday, May 5th. I spoke with her nurse and she  did confirm and told me that it was nothing and that I would be ok by Monday. Well, the post op has been tolerable with medications. I got norco and Valium. Told to soak in a bath for 10 to 15 min max. 4/5 times per day. Eat regularly and take benefiber (or any other stool softener) to prepare for a "smooth" bowel movement. However, it is painful to sit down and to walk. I have not been bleeding but I do have a swollen "ball" that looks like a hemorrhoid. I have called the doctor twice about it and she says it's normal. I just don't understand how this can be normal. I got 3 stitches and I can't even see them. I am missing work this Monday and Tuesday and I don't even think I will be able to make it to work tomorrow Wednesday. I dint see any improvement. I finally had a bowel movement this morning and I did bleed and it hurt so much, even having taken the norco beforehand. I am beginning to think that this is going to be a 2 week or more healing process. I wish the doctors would not mislead people I to saying g that this is a quick surgery and that you will be back doing your normal things in 3/4 days.
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