| 1. |
Your diet may include anything except popcorn,
corn, nuts, or seeds as in tomatoes, sesame, etc. Drink lots
of water to keep your bowel movements soft. |
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|
| 2. |
Sitz baths are recommended for people who have
had their rectum removed. It is important to keep yourself clean.
Soak in a warm tub of water for 20 minutes about three or four
times per day. This helps reduce the swelling and promote healing.
Keep a dry piece of cotton at the rectal opening all the time. |
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|
| 3. |
You may have difficulty in urinating. This can
be alleviated by sitz baths and by staying relaxed. You will
not create any problems if you urinate while still sitting in
the sitz bath. If you cannot urinate by yourself, a catheter
may need to be inserted. Please call the doctor. |
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| 4. |
If you run a temperature of if you have night
sweats, please let the office know. |
|
|
| 5. |
It is not uncommon to have irregular bowel movements
after surgery. Many of our patients have some trouble with diarrhea.
If you feel that the number of movements is excessive, please
call the office. |
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| 6. |
Take any medication only as prescribed. |
|
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| 7. |
Be active. Your activities can include walking
and climbing stairs. Do not lift anything over 15 pounds. |
|
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| 8. |
Do not drink beer. This will cause irritation
and pain. |
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| 9. |
Do not drive a car until after your office visit.
You may ride in a car. |
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| 10. |
Avoid pushing, pulling, or straining in any way. |
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| 11. |
If you have a colostomy, proper care is important.
Follow the instructions given to you by your colostomy nurse
in the hospital. |
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| 12. |
Call the receptionist after being discharged from
the hospital to make an appointment to be checked approximately
two weeks from being discharged. |
