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What are the Best Tips for Hemorrhoid Surgery Recovery?
A combination of rest, dietary changes and painkiller usage according to a physician’s recommendations will typically ensure a smooth hemorrhoid surgery recovery. Patients should get plenty of rest especially during the first two weeks, as any extra stress placed on the body can provoke the wound to reopen and potentially cause a recurrence of the original hemorrhoids. In addition, patients should increase the levels of fiber and fluid they receive in their diet both before and after the surgery in order to minimize the discomfort of bowel movements during the initial recovery period. Lastly, reasonable painkiller usage combined with home remedies can greatly aid in reducing the pain involved in recovery from hemorrhoid surgery.
Bed rest is especially essential in the first two weeks after the surgery. During this time, the surgical wounds are at high risk of reopening, and any excessive stress placed on the body can cause the hemorrhoids to relapse. After the first few weeks, a small, but consistent, level of exercise can sometimes be beneficial to patients, such as short, five- to ten-minute walks a several times a day. Additionally, it can be helpful for patients who are overweight to consider losing weight in a healthy manner to reduce the amount of stress placed on the rectum area, especially when sitting down. This will ensure a lesser risk of recurrence in the long run.
After rest and relaxation, changes to a high-fiber diet and increased intake of fluids will have the second largest impact on the smoothness of a patient's hemorrhoid surgery recovery. This is important to prevent the recurrence of hemorrhoids in the future, but will be especially helpful if practiced in the few weeks before and after the surgery. Increasing one's intake of fruits, vegetables and other high-fiber foods will almost certainly make bowel movements easier and greatly lessen the pain associated with passing stool post-surgery. Most of the time, laxatives or stool softeners will not be necessary if natural fibers are introduced into the diet early on.
Most patients will rely on painkillers from the moment they are released from the hospital through their entire recovery. Every surgery is different, so patients should listen to their physicians' recommendations, but the pain during recovery generally peaks during bowel movements. Many patients may, therefore, benefit from cycling their painkillers around this peak and, in some cases, adhering to a consistent schedule of activity, painkiller usage and bowel movements can greatly speed up recovery.
Lastly, simple home remedies can be a helpful complement to the above recovery tactics. Ice packs and creams or gels can help reduce swelling and irritation in the rectum area, and hot baths can, for some, ease the pain especially after bowel movement. As always, patients should maintain proper care and cleaning of the healing wound to prevent the possibility of infection or any other possible complication associated with hemorrhoid surgery recovery.
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![In some cases, hemorrhoids need to be removed surgically with a scalpel.]()
By: iofotoIn some cases, hemorrhoids need to be removed surgically with a scalpel. -
![Ice packs offer relief from the pain of hemorrhoid surgery.]()
By: pixelrobotIce packs offer relief from the pain of hemorrhoid surgery. -
![Increased fluid intake is important after hemorrhoid surgery.]()
By: Andrey KuzminIncreased fluid intake is important after hemorrhoid surgery. -
![Swelling and irritation in the rectum are common following hemorrhoid surgery.]()
By: Alexandr MitiucSwelling and irritation in the rectum are common following hemorrhoid surgery. -
![Creams can be used to reduce swelling and irritation after hemorrhoid surgery.]()
By: carroteaterCreams can be used to reduce swelling and irritation after hemorrhoid surgery. -
![An inflatable doughnut pillow may be used for hemorrhoid sufferers both before and after an operation.]()
By: Kitch BainAn inflatable doughnut pillow may be used for hemorrhoid sufferers both before and after an operation.
Discussion Comments
I had hemorrhoid surgery for a large, thrombosed hemorrhoid. Although I also had a separate internal hemorrhoid and another external hemorrhoid, my doctor decided to only remove the thrombosed one. I was under the impression all three would be removed, until the doctor changed his comments the day of surgery. I read several posts from past surgery individuals, and I will share what worked well for me.
I read that it would be of great benefit in the pain department to start clearing out my bowels one week to four days before surgery, maintaining a lot of fluids and light meals such as soup. (This was a lifesaver, because after the surgery you are in serious pain, and passing stool hurts.) It went a lot easier on me not having a full system. And, because I have struggled with constipation for years, starting a routine a few days before surgery would not have worked. I started seven days before surgery and I am thankful I did so. After surgery, I was sent home with Norco. It took about three or four hours for the anesthesia to wear off once I was at home.
Pain is different for each person, and the Norco did not touch my pain. This was a problem, because due to the change in law, my doctor could not call in a new prescription. I had to go to his office for a new prescription. My surgery was on a Friday, which meant I had to wait until Monday or go the ER and explain things. (You do not wish to walk immediately after surgery, so that was out.) On Monday I was placed on Oxycodone and the pain was brought down to a 5. Also, I increased the amount of non stimulant stool softener to about four tablets (for me, it worked nicely).
Using the sitz bath, or a minimum using a large wash cloth for repeated hot compress really, really, really works. Just warm to very warm water. No additives or you will know what it means to curse. The ice packs also seriously made the swelling go away quickly. I would do this about four times a day and after every bowel movement.
I am 11 days post op, and I manage any pain with Tylenol now. I continue with at least 64 ounces of water, increased fiber (Benefiber) and with stool softeners. And I am very conscious about not straining and not lingering in the bathroom when there is no action, as opposed to trying to force the situation. The surgery recovery period is painful, but manageable with pain meds and the above methods.
I am already happy about the surgery because the removal of my thrombosed hemorrhoid has already improved the quality of my life. Twelve days ago, my life revolved around my non-stop hemorrhoid pain, and going to the bathroom was something I really feared. Work was painful, since sitting was painful. So for me, I am already pleased with the results. – Stephanie
I had my hemorrhoid surgery in April and it took two weeks before I felt well enough to be out of the house. I did not take any narcotics since I am afraid of constipation. I am glad that it is over. A sitz bath is the best way to deal with the pain. I am on a high fiber (lots of vegetables) and it helped with bowel movements and it's less painful. It has been two months, so far. I am doing a lot better.
I am afraid to pass stool after my hemorrhoid removal.
From what I've heard, the recovery time after a hemorrhoid removal can be very painful. From my experience, I can just advise you to ask your doctor about the THD method. I had my stage 3 hemorrhoids removed with this method last year and it's true that the healing is quite fast and less painful! After a week, I was almost back to normal!
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