What to do after anal operation
Immediately after the operation your anus should not hurt. If it does, ask for a painkiller at once. You will go home that day if you feel well enough.
When you first feel your bowels want to act after the operation, take a painkiller. Wait 30 minutes for the pain killer to work before going to the toilet. Run a hot bath before you pass a motion, pass it, and then get into the hot bath at once.
The bowel action will cause some bleeding. It will also cause some pain, but the painkiller and a hot bath should make this tolerable. The best way to keep your anus clean is to wash gently with water, but no soap. Gently pat your anus dry. Use a pad to absorb any oozing, then a pair of disposable underpants provided by the hospital.
Recovering at home
Before you leave hospital, check that you have absorbent pads, some disposable underpants and the following:
| Purpose | Usual Dose | |
| Movicol | Keeps motions runny | 1 sachet/day |
| Fybogel | If you prefer soft but formed motions | 2 sachets/day |
- Pain Killers as prescribed 6 hourly
- Use Movicol or Fybogel to avoid constipation
Most patients say that the cuts at the anus are much bigger than they expected. Do not get anxious if you find that your cut is very big. Regardless of how big it is, it heals to a small scar.
For a few weeks after the operation you will feel anal lumps. They are swollen folds of skin. The swelling is caused by the operation. The lumps of skin will shrink as the swelling subsides.
For the first month you will notice a yellow discharge from the anus. When your bowels act, expect some blood on the paper. The discharge and the bleeding will slowly improve but they may take three months to stop completely.
Back to work
How long you stay off work depends on how uncomfortable you are. This is purely a personal decision.