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After Care Advice and Guidelines

So you've had electrotherapy...
What's next?

Important: If you should feel ill in any way unwell or have unexplained fever after treatment, you should report this immediately to your doctor or Wren Healthcare nurse specialist for further advice. This is in no way likely, but it is important if you should have any unexplained symptoms to ask for further advice.

If you wish to speak with your nurse specialist call 0203 974 6950 Mon – Fri (9AM – 5PM). If calling after hours or if you have concerns please contact 111 or your local emergency department.

Creams/Suppositories

Following treatment, preventative measures should be considered. If you usually use a cream or a suppository for symptomatic relief, please continue this as normal. 

Going to the toilet

You should only go to the toilet when you feel the need to open your bowels, and do not over-strain. 

Discomfort

After electrotherapy treatment, some patients can experience an immediate sense of relief. Please note that treatment is effective for up to 4 weeks, so symptoms may vary throughout this period.

 If you have some mild discomfort after treatment, this can be eased by taking simple painkillers such as paracetamol. This should last for no more than 12 to 24 hours, though this can vary as everyone is different. If you have pain that continues for a prolonged period, please contact Wren Healthcare on 0203 974 6950  for more advice.

Rash / itchy skin from the pad placement

During treatment, a saline soaked sponge is placed under the hip. Patients may experience sensitivity of the skin in this area after treatment. This can make the skin sensitive in the bath or shower and usually settles within a couple of days.

Washing the area after treatment and applying a cooling moisturiser can be soothing.

Bleeding or oozing

It is common to experience bleeding after treatment, especially if you have previously experienced bleeding from piles. This is due to the shrinkage of the pile brought about by the electrotherapy treatment.

Although it is unusual, if you experience significant bleeding then it is very important to report this to your GP or Wren Healthcare nurse for further advice.

You may also experience some oozing after treatment even if your piles have not been bleeding recently. Your nurse can usually anticipate the likelihood of this occurring at the time of your treatment and can advise accordingly. It is nothing to be unduly concerned about and usually settles in the first few days.

Prolapsing Piles

If you have had larger prolapsing piles, it is usual for prolapsing to continue after treatment. This may be less than before and may improve further over the next 7 to 10 days. Improvement can continue after 10 days. Please do not worry if the improvement is not all that obvious initially, as almost always, there will have been reduction in the size of the pile, but that might not be immediately apparent. 

If you are still getting prolapsing 10 days post electrotherapy, this is an indication that further treatment is going to be required. Most patients with larger piles require multiple treatments for complete control of their disease. If there is any concern, please contact Wren Healthcare for advice.

Dietary Changes & Exercise

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent straining and reduce piles naturally. Ensuring adequate dietary fibre intake by eating a balanced diet containing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provides the dietary fibre will help to soften stools, thereby making them easier to pass.

Maintaining an adequate fluid intake (at least 6 glasses of water per day recommended) is particularly important with an increased fibre diet as this helps maintain soft, formed and well-lubricated stools. 

Regular exercise, such as a brisk walk (20-30 minutes per day) helps to stimulate bowel function, which in turn helps to maintain a healthy weight and prevent constipation.

It is advisable to open your bowels when the need arises. Holding stools in can cause them to back up and become dry and hard, leading to increased pressure and straining, increasing the risk of haemorrhoids and their severity. Scheduling a time each day, such as after breakfast, to sit on the toilet for a short time can help you to establish a healthy bowel habit, but don’t strain, let things happen naturally!

Sensitivity

It is normal for you to feel more sensitive when doing daily/regular activities. You may be prone to a feeling of pressure or soreness around the pile, or a slight burning sensation. This is a common feeling to experience and will gradually disappear over time. Try to reduce straining by taking your time when having a bowel movement and drink plenty of water.

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