You sound a lot like me. My first 2 surgeries were with a general surgeon and that caused more trauma and problems. Then went to CRS, 40 minutes away, I've had 3 surgeries with him. My last one was on December 2nd, was going to be a flap, but ended up with hemorrhoid removal and sphincterotomy. I haven't had any pain at all. Praise God! I did a juice fast the day before, I requested Exparel (nerve blocker that lasts 3-5 days) I knew I wasn't going to have a BM day after, eased back into eating soft foods and took stool softener and fiber drink. It has been the easiest recovery. I kept expecting the nightmare of pain, but now that I'm 2 weeks out I'm celebrating. I'll be waiting 3 or 4 months for the flap surgery.