75% of people are affected by hemorrhoids during their course of life. Depending on the type of treatment, the recovery time usually lasts from one to three weeks. The recovery from this type of surgery can be very painful for some patients as the discomfort can last for an extended period of time.
How to care after a hemorrhoid surgery
Sitz bath
Sitz baths are usually recommended by doctors. These warm shallow baths should be taken several times a day during the first week after the surgery. Soaking in warm water helps in relaxing and reducing the swelling and pain. However, make sure that you do not use soap. Use only warm water.
Activity
Rest is very important after surgery. The body needs time to regain its strength. But at the same time, make sure that you get up and do light duties every day to retain your strength. Walking is a good choice to be active for the after-surgery recovery. Do not involve any activity that involves heavy lifting or sitting for long hours. Depending on your job profile, you would probably need to take 1 or 2 weeks off.
Note: Before returning to the normal activities of life, check with your doctor.
Diet
One should strictly follow the doctor’s dietary instructions after surgery. High fiber intake should be taken after a few days to make the bowel movements easier. It also lowers the chance of getting hemorrhoids again. Drink plenty of water to constipation.
Donut ring
Using this strictly requires the advice of the doctor because some doctors may disallow the use of these ring-shaped cushions. Donut rings have a hole in the middle that makes sitting more comfortable.
Medications
Medications when used properly can reduce the pain effectively after surgery. It ensures that the healing process speeds up. Ideally, a pain killer should be used only when the pain is extreme.
The recovery process requires that you avoid constipation. So, your doctor may recommend a stool softener or laxative. Taking too much medication can also slow the process of healing. Loose stools and diarrhea can lead to swelling and pain.
How to keep the incision clean
During the first few days after a hemorrhoidectomy procedure, cleaning yourself after a bowel movement can be painful and difficult. There are many patients that find washing off in the bath or shower as the most effective method. A handheld shower makes this process even easier.
To dry the area, allow it to air dry or pat with a soft towel. Do not rub against the incision area as it will be painful and cause skin irritation.
Tip: Use small speed fans after a sitz bath or shower.
A moderate amount of bleeding may be seen during the initial days. This will decrease gradually and may often require some medicated pad to avoid staining the clothes you wear.
In a nutshell
Hemorrhoids can reoccur if the right steps are not taken to prevent them. The patients who deal with the aftercare appropriately resume their normal routine after around 10 days of the hemorrhoid surgery. Stay active and minimize the time spent sitting. Making such small changes daily can prevent the need for any future hemorrhoid treatment.
About Robert Cutler, D.O.
Dr. Robert Cutler has performed duties as a specialist in the field of Proctology over 30 years as a practicing physician. Over this time, he has had great success integrating patient care from both an efficiency standpoint and as a practical approach to holistic and preventative medicine.
Dr. Cutler also performs FDA approved Clinical Trials and has had formal research training in Human Subject Assurance Training, OHRP/NIH and Good Clinical Practice for Investigators, Quintiles. Dr. Cutler continues to work on creating more affordable solutions to help people who are affected by ano-rectal problems as well as various chronic or acute skin issues.
