Keep Hemorrhoids from Recurring after Surgery

If you’ve ever had hemorrhoids in Los Angeles, one thing is for sure: you don’t want them to come back. Even after highly effective surgical treatments like hemorrhoidectomy, approximately five percent of individuals experience hemorrhoid recurrence, and this can be both frustrating and uncomfortable.

Following your colorectal specialist’s instructions after hemorrhoid surgery can be a big help in preventing recurrence. Though many forms of hemorrhoid surgery can be safe solutions to this painful problem, certain habits are conducive to staying free of hemorrhoids long-term. As you recover from hemorrhoid surgery, it helps to begin developing a lifestyle that makes hemorrhoid prevention a priority.

Recovering From Surgery

Because hemorrhoidectomy is now typically performed with minimally invasive surgical techniques, most people can return home about an hour after surgery. However, it will likely take two weeks for you to completely recover. As your body heals, it will help to pay close attention to dietary factors like:

• Fiber. This nutrient is especially important to your digestive system. After hemorrhoid surgery, your colorectal specialist may recommend a high-fiber diet or fiber supplements to aid in your recovery.

• Hydration. Water keeps everything in your body running smoothly, including digestion. Though you should follow any specific hydration guidelines provided by your surgeon, you should drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

• Irritants. Some types of food and drink can cause digestive distress that leads to a higher risk of hemorrhoid recurrence. It may be wise to avoid dairy products, alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks like coffee.

After hemorrhoidectomy, it’s also important to avoid activities that strain your body like pulling and heavy lifting. For specific instructions and a timeframe in which you can return to such activities, speak with your colorectal surgeon.

Making Healthy Habits Last

The instructions above can be helpful long after you’ve made a full recovery from your hemorrhoid surgery. Maintaining these habits will reduce your risk of experiencing hemorrhoids again in the future, as will lifestyle changes like:

• Beneficial bathroom habits. Straining and spending a long time on the toilet can increase pressure on the rectal area, increasing your hemorrhoid risk. If you’re experiencing problems with constipation or diarrhea, speak with your colorectal specialist about a high-fiber diet and other strategies that can alleviate such problems.

• Regular exercise. It’s a cornerstone of any healthy lifestyle, but desk jobs and other facets of modern life prevent many of us from getting the exercise we need. Exercising more can help you maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the pressure of long hours spent sitting, both of which will help you prevent hemorrhoid recurrence.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to hemorrhoids in Los Angeles for good, tips like these can help. For other healthy habits and hemorrhoid prevention tactics, speak with your colorectal specialist.