What to expect after a hemorrhoid surgery?
- Right After The Surgery
- Common Symptoms
- What You Should Do
Getting your hemorrhoids out through surgery is reserved for cases when it is absolutely necessary when the disease has become worse than you would expect. This is because it’s generally better to treat it with other methods, such as medication or home remedies. But if your doctor has already decided that you need it, then you should at least know what to expect after hemorrhoid surgery.
There are several types of hemorrhoid surgery that you may go through, and each of them can have different effects on your body. The process of your recovery will also vary on what surgery you went through. But there are general ways to help you recover from hemorrhoids. Keep reading to learn more.
Right After The Surgery
Once the procedure is over, your doctor will give you a long-acting anesthetic that lasts about 6-12 hours to help with the pain. Most patients can leave the same day of a hemorrhoid surgery, but they can only do this once the anesthetic wears off and they’re able to urinate. This is to make sure that no edemas or muscle spasms are happening.2 Of course, you should find someone else to drive you home too.
Common Symptoms
As with any surgical procedure, you will notice some symptoms and side effects on your body. For a hemorrhoidectomy, these symptoms may continue for up to 1 to 2 months.1 You can expect to feel the following symptoms after a hemorrhoid surgery:
Pain: Pain is the most common and uncomfortable symptom after a hemorrhoid surgery. The affected area will be painful for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, but your doctor should prescribe you some medication to help with managing the pain.1 To be doubly sure, ask your doctor what over-the-counter pain meds you can take in case you run out. Applying ice packs to the area and soaking in sitz baths can also help with the pain.2
Bleeding: During your first bowel movement after the surgery, you may find some blood with your stool. Bleeding is a normal symptom especially during the first few days after the surgery. You may even find some yellow fluids coming from the area as well.1 If you see large amounts of blood in your stool or your undergarments, contact your doctor.
Fecal Incontinence: Some patients find that small amounts of stool leak from their anus without their control. This incontinence may happen to some patients, but it is short-term and should resolve itself during their recovery from the surgery. However, you should contact your doctor if it does not stop.3
Itching: Itching is a common symptom for any recovering surgical incisions. Any external hemorrhoids may continue to itch if present. Like with pain, soaking in a sitz bath may help relieve this symptom. You may also be prescribed a topical medication, depending on how bad your symptoms are and where the hemorrhoid was removed.3
What You Should Do
To help yourself recover faster, you should avoid doing anything that strains your body even more. Here are the things you should do after a hemorrhoid surgery:
Movement and Activities
In your first week after the surgery, you’ll find that some movements, like squatting, bending, or sitting, will be painful. You should minimize all painful activities as much as you can, especially during the first few days.3 You’ll get better every day and after the first week, you should be able to move around a bit more. But remember that everyone recovers at their own pace, so listen to your body and get as much rest as possible instead of forcing yourself to move.
It is still advisable to be active during recovery, so after your first week, you may want to try to take short walks to help your body heal.1
Diet
During recovery, it is important to avoid constipation to help you pass stool easier. This lessens the chances for complications and for hemorrhoids to recur as straining can affect your recovery. That’s why you should stick to a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids to give you softer stools. Take note that some pain medication can cause constipation, so avoid taking those unless directed by your doctor. You may also be prescribed a laxative or stool softener.1 Overall, just follow your doctor’s advice and your recovery will go well.
Key Takeaway
Being aware of what to expect after hemorrhoid surgery can save you from a lot of confusion, fear, and distress. The best way to arm yourself from something you’re not familiar with is to learn about it, and in this article, we hope to have helped you with your recovery after your hemorrhoid surgery.
Still, it shouldn’t be neglected that the better option is to avoid surgery altogether, and one of the best ways to do this is by taking Diosmin + Hesperidin (Daflon 1000)! Our MPFF drug was designed to strengthen your veins and help you get rid of your hemorrhoid problem. By taking this as soon as possible, you can avoid getting surgery in the first place! Learn more about one of the most trusted hemorrhoid medicines in the market here! You can also contact us with any questions or unusual side effects.
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2https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw212391
3https://www.verywellhealth.com/after-hemorrhoid-surgery-3156810
