What can I eat?

You may eat anything, but use common sense. It is important to have easy, daily bowel movements.

How can I have an easy bowel movement every day?

Use Metamucil:
1 teaspoon in 12 ounces of water,
Twice a day: every morning, and evening for 3 months.

What can I do to relieve the pain?

Here are 3 treatments to help you manage pain after anal surgery:

1. Sitz Bath: Taking a sitz bath will help more than anything else. You may take one every 1-2 hours if needed. Many patients find that having the bowel movement while taking a sitz bath eases the discomfort.
2. Lidocaine Gel: This is a vaseline gel mixed with lidocaine (an anesthetic). You can apply it gently on the wounds and up inside the anal canal just 1/2 inch, before the bowel movement. This can be applied slowly with your finger, or a q-tip cotton swab. The vaseline will help the stool evacuate, and the lidocaine will 'cool' the area.
3. Pain Medication:
• You will be given a prescription for strong pain medication. Take these pills as directed.
• In addition to these pills, take Advil: 2 pills — 4 times a day.