Infrared Photocoagulation for Internal Hemorrhoids: What to Expect at Home

After treatment of your hemorrhoids, you may feel pain and have a feeling of fullness in your lower belly, or you may feel as if you need to have a bowel movement. These things usually go away within several days. You may need pain medicine during this time.

Mild bleeding from the anus may occur 7 to 10 days after treatment, when the hemorrhoid falls off. The bleeding will stop by itself.

You will probably need to take a few days off from work.

You will need to avoid heavy lifting and avoid straining with bowel movements.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Be as active as you can. It can help prevent problems and help you recover. Walking is a good option for many.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.
• For 2 to 3 weeks, avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child.
• You may take showers and baths as usual. Pat your anal area dry when you are done.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.
• You may need to take a few days off from work. It depends on the type of work you do, and how you feel.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor has told you not to).
• It is important to eat high-fiber foods (such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains) after your treatment. This will make it easier to have bowel movements and keep your hemorrhoids from coming back.
• You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your procedure. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. Your doctor may suggest a fiber supplement, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
  • Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.
• You may apply numbing medicines before and after bowel movements to relieve pain.

Other instructions

• Sit in a few inches of warm water (sitz bath) for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day. Then pat the area dry. Do this as long as you have pain in your anal area.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes a few times a day. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Support your feet with a small step stool when you sit on the toilet. This helps flex your hips and places your pelvis in a squatting position. This can make bowel movements easier after your procedure.
• Try lying on your stomach with a pillow under your hips to decrease swelling.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.