In the weeks before your procedure:You can temporarily relieve the mild pain, swelling and inflammation of most hemorrhoidal flare-ups with the following self-care measures:
_ Use topical treatments. Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone, or use pads containing witch hazel or a topical numbing agent.
_ Keep the anal area clean. Bathe (preferably) or shower daily to cleanse the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Soap isn't necessary and may aggravate the problem. Gently drying the area with a hair dryer after bathing can minimize moisture, which can cause irritation.
_ Soak regularly in a warm bath. Do this several times daily.
_ Apply cold packs. Sit on ice packs or cold compresses to relieve swelling.
_ Push back a prolapsed hemorrhoid. If a hemorrhoid has prolapsed, gently try pushing the hemorrhoid back into the anal canal.
_ Use a sitz bath with warm water. A sitz bath fits over the toilet. You can get one at a medical supply store or some pharmacies.
_ Don't use dry toilet paper. Use moist towelettes or wet toilet paper after a bowel movement instead.
_ Take oral medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) may relieve your discomfort.
These self-care measures may relieve the symptoms, but they won't make the hemorrhoid disappear.
Things you should buy at the drug store. Please do this BEFORE your operation.
After your procedure or operation, you cannot SIT directly on your bottom! The staff expects you to bring the donut cushion in during your first post-operative visit and use it in both the waiting room and the exam room to sit on.
• Perineal Cushion or "Donut" cushion for sitting (these can be purchased from most pharmacies, and are also known as “donut cushions.” You can buy either the inflatable or foam.) Use the cushion at home, in the car and at work. If you want to cover the cushion, slip it inside a pillow case. If you buy an inflatable cushion, don't blow it up all the way. Just a little bit of air to cushion you when you sit. You can even use the inflatable cushions in the tub.
• A Sitz Bath for soaking and bathing the area with lukewarm water. These fit over the toilet seat. Fill the bag with warm water and soak. This will provide relief and you will feel better.• Moist, flushable towelettes. You are not allowed to use toilet paper after your procedure or operation.
• Fiber. This will keep you from becoming constipated and straining. Brands such as Metamucil, Benefiber, and other generic brands all contain “Psyllium.” You can find “psyllium” at Trader Joes. You can also buy Metamucil capsules and cookies. Take this daily, for the rest of your life!
• Icepacks, or ziploc bags to fill with ice. Lie down with the ice packs, or put in the middle of the “donut cushion” and sit.
Changes You Must Make:
• Change your diet. Check for the “fiber” content in all of the foods you buy. For example, Milton’s Whole Wheat bread contains some of the highest fiber of any bread. You can find it at Trader Joe’s. Fiber should be a way of life. Please see the diet sheet attached to this page. (Avoid low fiber-high fat, high cholesterol, high carbohydrate foods. Say farewell to these foods).
And…. Don’t forget! Schedule at least a 30 minute walk into each day. Exercise prevents constipation.
