Day 1.  Discharge Instructions

I was provided with 2 pages of instructions around pain control, bowel function, bathing, urination, etc.  Very clear and easy to understand and mostly focused on maintaining an easy recovery.

I was provided with scrips for Ibuprofen, Percocet, Valium, Lidocaine, and advised to take Miralax and Metamucil doses.  I was not limited in diet, but they recommend high fiber, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and plenty of liquids.

The Ibuprofen was the mainstay of the pain management, to be taken every 6 hours as needed.  I could also take Percocet every 4 hours, which while providing the extra benefit of additional pain medication, could also cause constipation.  So I didn't take that on a regular schedule, rather only when my pain levels reached up into the 4-5 range.  Valium was allowed every 8 hours or a bedtime, and as a muscle relaxer it was good to help with the painful anal spasms that sometimes occur.

Miralax was to be taken once per day.  It is mixed into a drink and is flavorless, so you can have it with water, ice tea (as I did), gatorade, etc.  Metamucel was a 3 times/day routine.  An orange flavored powder, you mix it with water and drink it.  It tastes a bit like a thicker tang and it pleasant enough.

Lidocaine is a lotion that can be placed directly on the surgical site for some topical pain relief.

Finally, but for me one of the most important, sitz baths are recommended.  This is simply taking a warm water soak in the tub for 15 minutes or more.  These have definitely helped me throughout the recovery so far.