The Medical Procedures Center, P

The Medical Procedures Center, P.C.

“We treat people, not just problems.”

John L. Pfenninger, M.D.

4800 N. Saginaw Road

Midland, MI 48640

(989) 631-4545

Visit our website at: MPCenter.net

AFTER YOUR HEMORRHOIDS HAVE BEEN TREATED

1. Take a sitz bath (just soaking in a tub) for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times a day for the next 2 or 3 days, if needed.

2. You may apply Witch Hazel, Baineol Cream, or Anusol Ointment to the rectal areas between baths as needed for dryness or local irritation.

3. After you have a bowel movement, clean with a moistened tissue or with a Tucks Pad. You may find baby wipes without alcohol cheaper and just as good. Blot dry.

4. Use a high-fiber diet (bran, fresh fruit, and vegetables). Continue this habit forever. Drink lots of fluids.

5. Until your rectal area is completely healed, use a stool bulking agent daily to keep your bowel movements very soft. Examples include: Metamucil, PerDiem Plain, Fibermed, Naturacil, Konsyl, Colace (100 mg capsules), or Surfak (240 mg capsules). Follow directions with the agent you choose.

6. You may have some swelling and weeping of the tissues that have been treated. You can use a mini sanitary pad to absorb the drainage.

7. Note that slight blood-tinged drainage is normal. You may actually have some bleeding for up to 14 days afterwards. Unless this is severe, there should really be no worry. Give a call if you are concerned. Many times there will not be any bleeding until the “scab” drops off between 10-14 days after treatment. Do not be concerned unless you are passing clots.

8. Call if you begin running a fever or notice redness or swelling around the rectum anytime after the procedure is done. Also, call if you are unable to urinate.

9. The swollen tissue on the inside can often give a false sensation to move the bowels. Avoid prolonged straining and do not take enemas for at least 10 days after the procedure is done. The enema tube could damage the tissue and cause bleeding.

10. Use Extra-Strength Tylenol or (3) ibuprofen 200 mg (a total of 600 mg) tabs every 6 hours as needed for pain.

11. Please make a follow-up appointment for approximately 3 to 4 weeks from the day your procedure was performed.