How Long After Hemorrhoid Surgery Can You Poop?

Introduction

Hemorrhoid surgery can be a daunting and scary experience. But once the procedure is over, your body begins to heal and you can start to feel better. One of the most common questions patients have after undergoing hemorrhoid surgery is, “how long after hemorrhoid surgery can I poop?”

The post-surgery pooping process is different for everyone, as it depends on the type of procedure that was performed and the severity of the condition. However, there are certain things you should know before you begin to go #2 after your surgery. In this article, we’ll explore the timeline for pooping after hemorrhoid surgery, what you need to know about bowel movements after the procedure, and tips for managing your bowel movements following hemorrhoid surgery.

What to Expect When it Comes to Pooping After Hemorrhoid Surgery

Understanding the Timeline for Pooping After Hemorrhoid Surgery

According to Dr. Michael Lehrer, a colorectal surgeon at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, it typically takes between three and 10 days for a patient to have their first bowel movement after hemorrhoid surgery. He also notes that some patients may take up to two weeks or more to have their first bowel movement.

It’s important to note that the timing of your first bowel movement after surgery will depend on the type of procedure that was performed. For example, if you had a stapled hemorrhoidectomy, which is a procedure that involves removing the hemorrhoids and staples them together, it could take longer for your bowels to return to normal than if you had a traditional hemorrhoidectomy.

Knowing What You Need to Know About Bowel Movements After Hemorrhoid Surgery

After hemorrhoid surgery, you may experience some difficulty with going #2 due to soreness and inflammation in the area where the surgery was performed. This can make it difficult for the stool to pass through the rectum and anus. It’s important to understand that this discomfort is normal and part of the healing process.

In addition, you may also experience constipation after your surgery due to the pain medication and anesthesia used during the procedure. Constipation can cause the stool to become dry and hard, which can make it even more difficult to pass. To prevent constipation, it’s important to stay hydrated and eat a high-fiber diet.

Learning About Tips for Managing Your Bowel Movements Following Hemorrhoid Surgery

Once your bowels begin to move again, there are certain things you can do to help manage your bowel movements and make them less uncomfortable. Here are a few tips from Dr. David Rosenfeld, a colorectal surgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital:

• Take a warm bath before each bowel movement to help relax the muscles around the anus.
• Use a stool softener or laxative if needed.
• Try to avoid straining too much as this can cause further irritation and pain.
• Apply a cold compress to the area after each bowel movement to reduce swelling and pain.

These tips can help make the post-surgery pooping process more bearable and help ensure that you are healing properly.

Conclusion

Having hemorrhoid surgery can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. But understanding how long after hemorrhoid surgery can you poop and knowing what to expect can help make the recovery process much easier. While the timeline for pooping after hemorrhoid surgery varies from person to person, it typically takes between three and 10 days for a patient to have their first bowel movement. Additionally, there are certain tips you can use to manage your bowel movements and make them less uncomfortable.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that the post-surgery pooping process is different for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to speak to your doctor so they can provide you with the best advice for your individual situation.