About this topic
Large, bulging blood vessels in and around the anus and rectum are called hemorrhoids. They can be found inside your body or on the outside. You may need to have a procedure done if your hemorrhoids: ‚
- Are bleeding a lot.
- Are very painful.
- Have a blood clot. This is a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
- Are coming out through the anus. This is a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Apply creams or ointments as directed by your doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after applying creams and ointment.
- Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water. If your doctor says it is OK, take sitz baths as suggested. Sit in 2 to 3 inches of warm water in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Do this 3 to 4 times a day. Carefully wipe your bottom afterwards.
- Move your bowels as soon as you feel the urge. Do not strain, bear down, or hold your breath during a bowel movement.
- Use a stool softener. Do not let yourself get constipated.
- Do not sit on the toilet for long periods of time.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Soften stools
Will physical activity be limited?
Avoid heavy lifting for 2 to 3 weeks. Talk to your doctor about when you can return to work and your normal level of activity. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hard stools
- Return of hemorrhoids
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids each day.
- Eat lots of high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
- Work out often.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Not able to have a bowel movement
- Hard stools
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever; swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound; or trouble having a bowel movement.
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons ‚
http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/hemorrhoids/ ‚
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hemorrhoids/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚