by Deleted User 579 » 06 Jul 2011, 09:42
Hi Joyce - I'm so sorry your poor hubby has to go through this! I second what the others have said. Definitely encourage your husband to stay on top of the pain and take the pain meds before the local wears off. Prescripton pain meds will constipate, so stool softeners are a must. Many of us here use Miralax/Restoralax. After a few days, I was able to replace my prescription meds with Ibuprofen and/or Robaxacet.
He will also likely be extremely anxious about the first bowel movement. Try to reassure him that it won't be as bad as he expects - for many of us the first BM is very scary, but it hurt less than before the surgery, or at least it didn't hurt any more than before the surgery. Tell him not to push, but to just breathe deeply and relax. Some of us still had some minor spasms after BMs after the surgery - this goes away, but they can still hurt. A few of us just used muscle relaxants, like extra-strength Robaxacet; others got valium from their gps.
He'll want to keep the area clean and dry. He should shower and/or bathe after each BM. Some folks use a 'sitz bath'. he should dry the butt very well after (some folks use blowdryers set to 'cool')
His doc might tell him that he'll be good to go back to work in a few days. Most of us believe that's total nonsense. At least a week is required, but two weeks are better, for recovery. The healing process itself will take up to 6 to 8 weeks.
A possible checklist could be:
1. Stool softener
2. Prescription pain meds
3. OTC pain meds (e.g., Ibuprofen, Robaxacet - the combo I use)
4. Anti-anxiety med
5. Sitz bath
6. Cotton pads (for cleaning)
7. Hand-held shower nozzle (if you don't already have one)
8. High-fiber, soft, easy to digest food.
9. Some good movies
10. Two weeks off work
I hope this helps and I really hope your hubby's surgery goes well!
If you have any questions while your husband is recovering, just post and we'll try our best to be helpful!
:D