Recovery Tips for Anorectal Surgery and Sitz Baths

lidocaine and lots of it

Lol @Lizbeth 💡 definitely.

ANORECTAL SURGERY – DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Take the pain medicine as ordered. Do NOT supplement with Tylenol (acetaminophen) if you are taking the narcotic pain med the same day as there is acetaminophen in your pain medication. You MAY use Ibuprofen or Aleve in addition to your pain meds if not allergic and if you have no ulcers. 2. Take Colace (Docusate Sodium, over-the-counter) twice a day until stools are soft while you are taking pain medication. If you are having loose stools, discontinue the stool softener. You may discontinue once you stop narcotic pain medication. 3. If you have not had a bowel movement within two days after surgery, start Miralax (polyethylene glycol), one tablespoon. Take one to three doses a day until your bowels move. You may add milk of magnesia if you are still unable to move your bowels. Call the office for further instructions if you are still unable to move your bowels. 4. Eat three meals per day as tolerated and drink plenty of water (at least 1 liter per day). Increase fiber slowly to 20 – 25 grams per day and/or take a fiber supplement such as Metamucil, Citrucel or Benefiber (or a generic equivalent) once or twice a day as directed. 5. If you are unable to urinate after 8 hours or experience extreme difficulty with urination call the office. If you have redness in your wounds, purulence (pus), or experience a temperature greater than 101.0 degrees call the office. 6. Symptoms such as mild bleeding, drainage, swelling, burning, itching, and pain with bowel movements are common and should not be alarming. If you have excessive bleeding, greater than 1 pad per hour, call the office. Use a dry gauze pad for drainage as needed. 7. You may be up and around the day after the surgery. You may return to work when you feel ready. You maydrive a car when you are off prescription pain medicine. You may resume sexual activity at your comfort level. 8. You make have a packing in the anal opening. This will fall out with your first bowel movement. If it falls out earlier, that is OK.