I have large anal skin tags left over from healed hemorrhoids/piles. The skin tags are bothering me by rubbing and itching. Did you get them removed? Was it worth it? (I've had both banding and halo surgery done in the past)
Hi Annie, yes it is very much worth it. I had a hemorrhoidectomy done, where they removed three large hemorrhoids... I was left with a large skin tag that would bleed and made it difficult to clean the area.
I had the skin tag removed, which the healing pain lasted a few days, without pain medication, and took about ten days to heal..... however I am quite thankful I had it removed.
Overall the healing is about a month to two months.... as I had a few bumps over that time period.... but are all gone and it looks and feels quite normal now.
Sorry for the lengthy response, but I wanted to share my experience and of course say yes, it's definitely worth it.
Hope that helps
Z
Thanks Z for your reply it is helpful 👍
My skin tag bleed today, spotting blood on paper. This thing has to go. Thanks again for your reply.
Well I'm glad I'm not the only one going through this! I had hemorroidectomy surgery 2 weeks ago today - I had 2 hemorroids and 1 skin tag removed. Right after my surgery, I was of course in a lot of pain but never had any swelling. Then, after my first BM I had a large skin tag appear that has just got bigger. It makes it hard to sit down, clean myself and also bleeds with every BM - this is not what I expected after surgery. I went to see my GP and he said it should go down but its only got bigger! Zekearoo how long after your surgery did you get your skin tag removed and what procedure did you have to get this removed? I am so scared of having to to through this surgery again but I'm also feeling so down about this horrible skin tag!
I can relate,i was super scared to find out i had skin tags.... especially after going through such a horrific healing period.
I'm still nervous about them returning, and I had my initial surgery in July.... but I guess that's part of the post traumatic stress....
As for my skin tag removal... I had mine done about three months afterwards.... I guess they want to give everything a chance to heal and shrink naturally.
It wasn't too bad... it was painful.... but nowhere near as bad as the hemorrhoidectomy. I was back to work about 14 days later.
My only advice.... hydration, avoid strain and any unnecessary stress to the area.... and at all cost, avoid constipation and diarrhea.... keep regular and I'm pretty sure you'll be good to go.
Oh and try to find out if you have any food allergies, even mild, you don't want unnecessary flare ups...
I think you be ok.... as long as you stick to a fairly clean diet as well.
Good luck to all of the survivors... stay strong and stay heathy ☺️
Thanks so much for your reply - I've never felt so down and alone about this! I'm exactly the same, every time I go to toilet I'm worried about a new skin tag appearing, it's awful... Did your skin tag ever shrink on its own? Mine is just getting in the way now and its so uncomfortable to touch and sit down! Was yours ever there before surgery? Mine is completely new so I just dont understand why its even there! What procedure did you have to have the skin tag removed? Was it banding or the same surgery as hemorrhoidectomy? I've been trying to avoid constipation and straining at all costs but the past two BM's have been quite constipated and I've no idea why because I've been drinking a ridiculous amount of water and eating a high in fibre diet with plenty of fruit and veg.... Feels like I can't win. I'm back at the doctors on tuesday so I'm hoping he can reassure me and give me some options to get rid of this. When was you able to return to work after your hemorrhoidectomy surgery? I've had 2 weeks off now and due to go back in tomorrow but I don't feel like I can be away feom my toilet and bath for 10 hours :(
How old are you, and are you male or female. I'm a 48 year old man, in very good shape... and attribute mine to poor eating, dehydration and both constipation and diarrhea (poor eating habits).
My initial surgery (hemorrhoidectomy) was the removal of Grade 4 hemorrhoids, both internal and external.... I'm very positive the skin tags were a result of the over swelling and stitching after surgery.
I tried banding for two years, prior to my hemorrhoidectomy... but it never did get to the root of the problem. In my case, the last banding made it worse, because it was performed wrong and caused an infection... which eventually lead me to the necessary hemorrhoidectomy. Which, although the worst experience of my entire life, was a Godsend. I will forever be grateful for the surgery.
As for the skin tags, I had two large ones and a small one. I had the two large ones removed, but left the small one. It's not a hindrance, so I figured leave it.
Essentially, it was a fairly quick and basic surgical procedure. My doctor froze the area (yes painful because of the needle going right into the skin tag) then they simply cut it off and stitched me up.
It wasn't fun, by any means, and the pain (during healing) was no where near the same as the hemorrhoidectomy. The pain had subsided within a few days to a week... and I was back to work in two weeks.
I am very afraid of these things returning, so I've taken it very slow with my workouts and jogs.... I'm doing very well at this stage...no signs of returning..and I'm lifting weights, doing exercises etc.
I'm not sure what your day to day routines are, or what your daily diet is.... but I still say to everybody... no matter how young or old a person is, or what gender they are.... we're all at risk if we aren't careful of our stress levels, tension/pressure and dietary habits.
Looking healthy and being healthy are two different things...
I hope I've answered your questions... however, if you are experiencing bleeding or discomfort... it may still be a result of stitching... and may go down with time.
When did you have your hemorrhoidectomy, how bad were they and do you know how you got them?
I'm 22 year old female. I'm in good shape and have always ate fairly healthy. I got my first hemorrhoid when I was 16 due to constipation and straining... my 2nd I got when I was on holiday in Disneyland Florida so I was eating bad food for 2 weeks which I think was a big change to my usual diet and as a result I got a hemorrhoid. They really wasn't that bad, they had shrunk but I just felt so self conscious about them especially with my boyfriend, so decided to go ahead with hemorrhoidectomy. I regret this so much as it looks worse now than it ever did beforehand with this huge skin tag. It's external and so big :( it's not shrinking at all no matter what I try and sorry for the horrible detail but also has a yellow head, don't know if this is normal? It can't be an infection as I have had a course of antibiotics but I've been torturing myself googling things (as you do) and it looks like it could be an anal abcess. I'm really not sure but my anxiety is through the rough. Are you from the UK? That procedure sounds a lot less painful than hemorroidectomy, so that's reassuring thank you! As you said about the skin tag being a result of over swelling and stitching after surgery, mine is actually attached to one of the hemorroids that the surgeon has stitched and is just getting bigger... Is this what you mean? I went for a walk for the first time since my surgery on wednesday and I was very uncomfortable with random muscle spasms in the area and pain so I'm gonna be very scared to do any exercise for a while. Before my surgery I hadn't exercised in a while due to starting a new job and working long hours. I actually joined a gym membership before my surgery thinking i'd be ok to go after but I'm too scared... I had the hemorrhoidectomy surgery exactly 2 weeks ago yesterday so 15 days ago now and its just got bigger. I do still have some bleeding when I go to the toilet which is worrying me. I'm glad the surgery was a success for you however as it is does give me some hope.
You'll be ok, I assure you. You are in the infantile stages... believe me things will improve over the next few days.
Yes the random anal spasms really suck, shooting knife pains our of nowhere... but those, too, will pass. Probably I'm the next few days.
You'll still experience tightness, and pain... and the swelling can take a few weeks to a month to go down. It will definitely look worse than it did before... but it will feel much better over time.
Keep your stools soft, don't touch it and or scratch it.... which you'll want to... but just leave it to heal.
The area is sensitive enough as it is... and will take time to heal. Ya gotta think about how much trauma you've been through.... and the fact that you use the toilet everyday and of course flatulate daily... it's gonna take time.... but you'll get there.
Think about a laceration anywhere on your body... that requires stitches.... that alone can take two plus weeks to heal and look better. Or a broken bone... usually a good six to eight weeks before that heals... and the same healing period will apply to that area.
Discuss with your doctor about the removal of the tags... Im pretty sure they will tell you to hold off for a month or two.
If you are bleeding from that area, it's normal.... you'll likely experience bleeding and yellow puss (anal leakage) for about four to six weeks.... so keep those pads close by... or wear it in between your butt cheeks for a little while.
I understand the panic and anxiety, however I assure you... you'll soon get through all of this... and your life will resume as normal as it ever was.
Just be patient, take the pain pills when you need to, use Restoralax or any other stool softener... stay away from Metamucil.. it's too intense. Use the gauze pads until the leaking stops. Increase your water intake. Stay away from nuts, potato chips or anything that would take a long time to break down in your system. You want to avoid aggravating the area or scraping it with nuts etc.
And not that it is any of my business... but stay away from anal sex (if you aren't already). For that too can be a big factor in aggravating the area. My philosophy is 'exit only' 😁
I'm in Canada actually, Toronto... but I'll support you if you have questions....for I know how isolating it can make you feel... I went through it alone.... hence the reason I am all for helping and supporting...
Oh and I know it all sounds a lot easier said than done.... but I promise it will improve and all be a thing of the past.
Hang in there.... you'll be ok 👍
I can't wait to see an improvement, things are just quite unbearable at the moment... Glad you understand my pain with the muscle spasms, it's the weirdest thing I've ever experienced! That's a good way to look at it actually, I noticed yesterday how the bruise on my hand from the needle has only just faded away so that says a lot - especially because of how sensitive the anus is anyway like you said. Really hoping the swelling will go down on its own but I just can't see that happening right now. Every time I go to the toilet it looks worse, its horrible!! Think I'll definitely have to get this removed in a month or 2. I know I just feel so down about this now and can't wait for it to be over... I'm stocked up on Lactulose and pads :) Yes I definitely agree in regards to the exit only rule haha! Thanks so much Z, you've made me feel miles better :)
Don't worry, the worst of it is over really. Think about it this way, this will all soon be a distant memory... and ok, you may not have a modelesque looking hoop.... however at least the pain, the bleeding, the muscle spasms etc will all be over with.
Sure, you might have to get the skin tags removed... but even that will heal in time and all to soon enough your hoop will be much better.... 😁
The swelling will take awhile to go down, and your doctor will likely suggest you wait two months or so, just to be certain.... but even then you'll be returning to a normal life soon enough.
One other thing, be sure to take as many sitz baths, with epsom salts, as possible... three to four a day. That will help with the itching and hopefully reduce the swelling...... and use an ice as well, that too will help to reduce the swelling.
Everything will be ok.... but stop looking at it will ya... it's like staring at the kettle waiting for it to boil.... lol.... it will take time.... 👍😁
Hopefully everything goes well with your appointment.... which I'm sure it will.... hang in there... you'll be right as rain in no time 😁
This sure is a long process... I'm feeling much better in myself but I DREAD going to the toilet and find myself trying to avoid it when I know I shouldn't but it makes me cry like a bitch (excuse the language) lol. But yeah my only issues now are that its still painful to go to the toilet and this skin tag has not gone :( How many weeks after your surgery could you go to the toilet without any pain? Feels like I will never know what it feels like to have a normal BM again! I take 1-2 epsom salt baths daily, but as for the ice packs I tried this and it didn't seem to take any of the swelling down... Might try it again this week. You are so right haha... Like watching paint dry :) I just can't help myself. I keep waking up and rushing to look at it hoping it will have magically disappeared, only to be disappointed each morning! I'll take your advice on that one and TRY to stop looking haha. Some good news however... Went to see my doctor this morning and he wasn't happy with what the surgeon has done at all. He's provided me with some Anusol ointment and suppositories to try and shrink the skin tag but he said it is likely that he will have to refer me back to the hospital to get it removed. Although this seems like a long way away, at least I know now that I won't be stuck with this forever and has definitely reassured me... For now... :) although he said it would have to be the same hemorrhoidectomy surgery procedure as it is external and large and I do dread having to go through this pain all over again... Did you use any ointments or suppositories to try and shrink yours?
Hello again young lady. No need to say you're crying like a little bitch... trust me, I cried many times... and I'm a full grown man.
I've broken my ribs, kneecap, ankle, collarbone and hand... sustained many lacerations requiring stitches etc... but this, this was unlike anything I've ever experienced I'm my life.
It was very tight, for a good four weeks... but as time went on it loosened up... however I was quite aware of what I ate, drank... etc... and I still use stool softener and or eat a fibre bar everyday.
They say it can be tight, and even continue to bleed (even lightly) for up to a year... mine stopped after two months. However, I still experience the odd hard or large stool that causes a little spotting... however it doesn't concern me anymore. I may always experience a little bit of spotting from time to time.... but it certainly beats the alternative.
I was never given any ointments, as most of them are useless anyway... but certainly worth a try.... however, I think at this point... it can only shrink naturally... and you'll be in for a little surgery in a couple of months.... but I wouldn't worry too much... they'll fix you up and you'll be right as rain in the next six to eight months.
You'll just have to take it easy for the next six months or so... don't do anything too strenuous or rigorous... the last thing you want is for it to return.
Question for you... what is your daily diet like? Are you taking pain pills?
Oh and sorry if my responses are delayed.... gotta do that work thing.. lol
Now stop looking at it.... lol.... although I do have one more question.... are all your stitches dissolved?
Until next time ☺️
Haha it really does make you cry and scream... Wow you sure have broken a lot of bones! That really does put this pain into perspective haha. After my first BM I told my mum that I imagine that's what giving birth feels like and she doesn't believe me but I'm convinced! The bleeding has actually seemed to stop for me for the past 2 days, but the tightness is awful and for some reason (sorry for the detail) each time I go to the toilet I'm very constipated at first then after a few minutes of sitting there and squatting it gets a lot softer. I really don't know what could be causing this.... I've been eating high in fibre cereals for breakfast, soup for lunch with 1 or 2 pieces of brown/wholemeal bread or a tuna and sweetcorn sandwich on wholemeal bread then for my dinner I've been having chicken/pork/lamb with plenty of veg and potatoes. Then for snacks I've just been having fruit. I'm wondering if I'm actually eating too much meat? Or maybe too much fibre as I've heard that that can sometimes cause constipation? I've stopped taking an pain pills as they made me extremely constipated and I'd rather put up with the pain than have to push stones out lol. I don't mind the spotting at all and I wouldn't even mind the tightness, I just want this skin tag GONE :) to think im worse off now than I ever was before is the hardest part for me - looking back I really didnt need the surgery :( I feel so sorry for my boyfriend as well bless him, I've told him we won't be having sex till this has gone so god knows how long that's gonna be... bit of a strain on the relationship really. Yeah I'm just going to try this ointment and suppositories for a week or so and then get myself back to the doctors for a referral to remove it. Do you ever get to eat anything fun like a chinese takeout anymore or does that cause you to bleed/get constipated? Yeah I did want to get back in the gym and gain some muscle but I think thAT'll have to wait till next year now... No don't be sorry, I'm sorry for mithering you! I should really get back to work myself... My stitches dont seem to have dissolved yet... The skin tag is actually connected to one of the skin tags that he has cut off and stitched up so I honestly have no idea whats going on there lol. Speak soon :)
Hey there young lady, yes, I've read woman say, the healing from this type of surgery is worse than an episiotomy... so ya, it's painful... lol
Yes, definitely put aside the meat and potatoes for a little bit longer. Stick with foods that break down much easier in the system.... heck I don't think I even ate solid foods like that for at least a month. I was too afraid, and because everything was so tight... it hurt just to flatulate (yes tmi, but it's the truth). So I stuck with very light foods and lots of fluids.
Sadly, your boyfriend is gonna have to wait... and if he likes/loves you... he'll understand.
Yes, you'll be able to eat fun foods again... just take it slow.... give it a month or two before trying. Last thing you want to do is aggravate it.
Pretty sure the area that was stitched is the biggest and ugliest.... but like I mentioned, it will go down... the swelling will go down... it may take a couple of months.
If I were you, I'd just wait two months.... and then go back and see the surgeon. I'm almost positive it will both look and feel a lot better by then.... but do be patient.... the worst of it is literally behind you now.... so hang in there.
Did they cut off the remaining stitches yet? Are you icing and continuing the sitz baths?
How's the pain and random sphincter spasms? Must be very much improved by now.
I'll still help where I can.... or at least answer as many questions as possible.
☺️
Hey Z, I have read that as well, so its good to know I wasn't being dramatic :) Really? Ok I'm gonna cut down on that then... I read somewhere that potato skin is high in fibre so I thought I'd be fine. Think I'll stick to soups. Did you eat anything specific which helped you go to the toilet easier? I know, he is being very understanding which I'm surprised about I thought he'd be a bit grossed out... I never told him what I'd had done at first, until last week because I was too embarrassed but he has been lovely about it. Yeah definitely won't be having any fun foods for a while but good to hear that I will be able to enjoy it again some day haha... I'm trying my hardest to be patient but some days I think it's shrunk then the next its huge again which just makes me think its here to stay. But yeah I'm trying to stay positive, the best thing would be is that it shrinks on its own and I don't have to go back for more surgery but that feels very unlikely. Even the skin tag and hemorrhoids that I had before the surgery were never this big :( Also I know this is very weird but I feel like the actual shape of my hole has changed, it's looks a bit longer than usual... Did you have this problem at all? Not sure if it's just because the surgeon had to open it and therefore stretched it a little and then it will return back to normal size eventually or not? Was your large skin tag, a new skin or did you have it before surgery? The stitches are dissolvable, it looks like a few fell out so they may have dissolved but I can't really see myself. Yeah I'm icing twice a day now and also doing epsom salt baths twice a day... Do you think I should do these more than twice a day? The muscle spasms have definitely improved which is great because that was a weird one. I don't have much pain unless I'm going to the toilet of course and after that... Just itchiness and uncomfortable because I can feel the skin tag when I walk/sit etc. which is a lovely reminder. Sometimes I'll be doing something which is completely taking my mind off it for a bit then I'll sit down and feel it... Soul destroying lol. I really like the moments where I forget about it and feel normal for a sec. Thanks Z, you really are helping me get through this :)
Hey there young lady. So how are you feeling now?
Yes, everything looked and felt different... after all, it is quite an extensive and invasive procedure.
For the most part, the skin tag is due to stitching etc, I never had any skin tags before... I still have a little one, not so sure if I care to have it removed... if it gets worse or bigger I will... but I'm not gonna be modelling my hoop any time soon... and I am straight, so it's an exit only... lol... but overall it doesn't really bother me.... so I'm just leaving it alone.
As for foods.. I stuck with a lot of fluids soups and if I did eat solids, I literally ate like a mouse and chewed it to mush before even swallowing... I did, and still have do for the most part, stay away from red and hot sauces, stayed away from carbonated drinks, chocolate and alcohol.... for all of the above will aggravate our digestive system etc.
For the most part, chew the hell out of your foods.... it will most definitely help with digestion... and be a lot easier to excrete later.
As for now, you should be in the healing phase and be through the worst of it.... now it will be itchy and uncomfortable.... and yes, you'll have a tight feeling for many months to come... I still do and my surgery was seven months ago. It could be like this for a lifetime... so all I've done is increase fibre, fluids and try to keep as regular as possible. If need be, continue to use a stool softener.... I don't know what you have over there.... but I used Restoralax... check with your pharmacist and ask what they have. However stay away from Metamucil... (if they have it).... it's too intense on the system and may create other issues.
Other than that, try to get out for walks stay away from straining while going to the bathroom... if you find yourself pushing, don't... just come back later. Stay away from pressure on the area, such as heavy lifting.... but if you do get back to lifting weights etc... be sure to breathe properly.... in while lifting up, out while releasing downward.... you'd be amazed at how many men you see st the gym suffering from this condition.... and have no clue how they got it.... just take a look around and see who isn't breathing while lifting.... you can almost bet your life that they have or will have hemorrhoids. Long distance running doesn't help either... adds a lot of pressure on the pelvis. Moderation and proper breathing will definitely help.
Anyway I've rambled on long enough... hope you are doing better... and if you still need my support, write any time... but I'm pretty sure you've got this by now ☺️
Z
Hey Z, sorry for the slow reply... I finally got myself back in work and am feeling a little better. Although, every time I realise the skin tag is still there and still very large I get upset. Going to the toilet is still painful but I've got into a routine of going before I leave for work and also have an epsom salt bath which sets me up right for the day. I went to see the doctor last week and he told me they won't perform anymore surgery to remove my skin tag... Since then I've just felt so low. I just can't settle with the fact that I never had this before my surgery and how I'm worse off now than I ever was. Feeling really down but the pain isn't so bad anymore. I've also been able to sit down for 9 hours straight in work without much pain or discomfort. Like you said, a small skin tag wouldn't bother me much... Here's to hoping that it'll shrink naturally :( I'll be avoiding weights, bad food etc. for the rest of my life I think haha! Hope you're well Z, I'll let you know how I get on... Jess
I've just remembered... I forgot to ask you. Was your skin tag external? Did it go smaller and larger throughout the day? And also how long did it take for your stitches to dissolve? Mine haven't dissolved yet... It's so weird because the stitches are actually in the side of the skin tag with a large growth on it.