| WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I GO HOME? |
| Must I Stay In Bed All Day? |
| You should resume normal activities, as you feel able. Walking is good exercise for you. |
| Can I Bathe? I Am Afraid I Will Dirty My Dressing. |
|
You may bathe or shower the day after your surgery. You can cover your abdominal wound with a plastic bag to prevent your dressing from getting soaked. If your wound is already exposed, shower normally and dab the wound dry afterwards. For wounds at the anus, spray the wound with your shower or use the take-home irrigation kit. Fill the irrigation bowl with approximately three cups of lukewarm water. Add one or two teaspoons of salt. Soak in the bowl for 15-20 minutes two to three times a day. Dab the wound dry after that and place a piece of gauze over the wound to prevent it from dirtying your underwear. Change the gauze whenever it becomes dirty. |
| Can I Have A List Of Food That I Must Avoid? |
|
For anal surgery, your doctor will advise you to have a high fibre diet. Eat fruits and vegetables. Take two teaspoons of a stool-bulking agent in the morning and evening after meals until you are told to stop. Drink six to eight glasses of water each day to decrease the chance of constipation. For abdominal surgery, take a diet according to your doctor's advice. |
| What Are The Activities I Should Avoid? |
| If you were discharged within 24 hours of a general anaesthetic or sedation, a responsible adult should stay with you for the remainder of the day. You should also avoid the following for the first 24 hours after your surgery. |
|
| Do not use any medication, enemas, rectal suppositories or laxatives for one week unless instructed by a doctor. |
| What If I Have Pain? |
| Pain killers will be given to you when you go home. Take the pain killers prescribed when you feel pain. |
| Call Your Surgeon If You Develop |
|