What Will My Recovery Look Like Following My Hemorrhoid Procedure?

Millions of Americans deal with the issue of hemorrhoids, swollen veins in and out of the anus. Anyone can suffer from the condition regardless of age or gender. Hemorrhoids are caused by excess straining during bowel movements or pregnancy and can result in pain, swelling, itching, and bleeding.

When hemorrhoids cause much discomfort, surgery may be needed. This procedure is known as a hemorrhoidectomy. If you undergo surgery, it’s important to know what to expect with your recovery.

Immediately After Your Surgery

After your hemorrhoid surgery, it’s normal to feel pain in the anal area. This can last for two to four weeks. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication or advise you to take something over the counter. It’s also normal to experience constipation, bleeding, and trouble urinating shortly after your procedure.

Home Care Tips for Your Recovery

Your doctor will provide you with instructions on your recovery at home. Because a small amount of bleeding is common, you may have to wear gauze over the anal opening or a sanitary napkin. Depending on the procedure and your results, there may be packing inside the anus; this will pass once you have your first bowel movement. If you experience a lot of bleeding with clots, contact the medical office immediately.

As previously mentioned, you may have difficulty urinating after your surgery. This is due to pain from the procedure. Take your pain medication and take sitz baths using warm water. If you have further trouble urinating within the first eight hours after your surgery, contact the office. You may also need to go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility so that you can have a catheter placed in your bladder.

Tips for Activity and Rest

Following your hemorrhoid surgery, you should get plenty of rest. However, you can also be active and take walks to keep energized and aid in your recovery. Avoid anything strenuous and don’t overdo it. Don’t lift anything heavy during this time so that you can heal.

The first week to two weeks after your surgery, you should take time off from work. However, the length of time you take depends on different factors, including the type of work you perform and how you feel during this time. Still, it’s a good idea to take at least a week off to recover.

Diet and Medication Tips

Be sure to consume plenty of foods high in fiber for the first few days after your hemorrhoid surgery. This helps when you have bowel movements and reduces your risk of developing hemorrhoids again.

If you take any medications for medical conditions, follow all instructions from the doctor on when you can resume taking them. The same goes for any new medications you might need. If you normally take blood thinners, you will have to stop taking them for a period before your surgery. The doctor will inform you of when you can return to taking them as well.

In some cases, you may be prescribed antibiotics. Take them exactly as directed and avoid stopping unless directed to do so. You may also need numbing ointment placed on the anus before and after your bowel movements.

If you are in or around the Chandler, San Tan Valley, Mesa or Gilbert, Arizona areas and need hemorrhoid surgery, contact Arizona Hemorrhoid and Anorectal Center by filling out our online form or calling our office at 480-646-8440 to schedule a consultation.