Relief of pain

The local anaesthetic that you have had will wear off in the next 1 to 2 hours.

Provided you do not have an allergy to the painkiller, it is safe to use over-the-counter painkillers to reduce your pain so you can be more active. Pain may be present for several weeks

It is important to use painkillers carefully, as they have side effects. Paracetamol is the simplest and safest painkiller. However, always get advice before taking paracetamol if you have liver or kidney problems

You could also try anti-inflammatory tablets like Ibuprofen as long as you don’t have a condition (such as a stomach ulcer) that prevents you using them.

Always take your painkillers at regular intervals at the recommended dose / exactly as prescribed. This is to make sure they work as well as possible for you. The aim is for pain control to be constant.

Putting off taking painkillers can make the pain more severe. It may then take longer to get it under control when you do take them.

If over-the-counter painkillers do not work, ask for help from your GP or pharmacist.

Check with your GP if you have been prescribed other analgesia

Activity

You should try and rest as much as possible today. Avoid lifting, running or exercise for two weeks. Do not go swimming until it is healed.

Bathing

Do not use soap or salt in the bath until it is healed or feels more comfortable.

Complications

The signs of infection can be any of the following:

  • Bleeding (you will have some bleeding post-operatively, this can continue for several weeks)
  • Increasing Pain
  • Discharge

If you are concerned about this please make an appointment with your GP practice to see your practice nurse promptly, taking this leaflet with you.

Be vigilant for bleeding if you take anticoagulants, e.g. Aspirin or Warfarin.

Your practice nurse is the first point of contact. They will be able to assess your wound if you suspect it is infected.

Specific advice

  • You may find it uncomfortable having your bowels open in the first few days. Your regular taking of pain relief will help
  • Avoid constipation. Eat high fibre food with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
  • Ensure you have a high fluid intake
  • Take regular exercise.
  • You may get a minimal discharge / minimal blood loss from your rectum; wearing a pad is a good idea. The discharge / bleeding can occur for a several weeks and is quite normal.
  • There may be some difficulty controlling wind for a few days.

Post general anaesthetic instructions

  • You must be accompanied home by a responsible adult age 18 year +
  • You must not be left alone for 24 hours after your anaesthetic.
  • Do not lock the bathroom or toilet door for the next 24 hours.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for the next 24 hours
  • No driving a car or riding a bicycle for the next week unless advised otherwise. You must be in total control of vehicle and able to do an emergency stop safely.
  • No alcohol or sleeping tablets for 48 hours.
  • No using anything that could potentially cause harm, such as a kettle, cooker or iron for the next 48 hours.
  • No signing legal documents for the next 48 hours.
  • No looking after young children alone for the next 48 hours.

Outpatient appointment

Your will be sent an appointment in the post.

If you have any questions or require further advice, please contact:                    

8am-7pm
Day Surgery Unit
09135 384339

If you have any serious concerns outside of these hours please contact either your own GP, 111, Accident and Emergency or the Minor Injuries Unit.

Ref: 04/21/27
Review: 07/23