Lifestyle changes

Piles can return. There are things you can do to help stop this happening.

Eat a high fibre diet

Having more fibre in your diet helps to soften your poo. This can make it easier for you to go to the toilet. Try to eat more fruit and vegetables and drink more water and fluids. 

Eating lots of high-fibre foods makes your poo larger and easier to pass. This can help to prevent piles from returning.  

High-fibre foods include:

• wholegrain breakfast cereals, such as muesli, oats and bran flakes
• fruit and vegetables (try to have 5 pieces a day)
• wholemeal bread and pasta
• brown rice
• beans, lentils and peas
• nuts and seeds

It is best to increase the amount of fibre in your diet gradually. A sudden increase can cause stomach pain and wind. 

Your GP might refer you to a dietitian if you need more advice. 

Drink lots of fluids

Fibre makes your poo larger and softer because it absorbs water. You also need to drink plenty of fluids. 

Try to drink at least 2 litres (3.5 pints) of fluids each day. A large amount of this should be water.

Avoid straining

Do not sit on the toilet for too long and try not to strain. If you have not done a poo in the time that it takes you to have a pee, avoid straining. Try again later when your urge returns.

Sit forward on the toilet with your feet slightly raised. Use your tummy (abdominal muscles), not your shoulders, when having a poo. 

Go to the toilet when you feel the urge, rather than delaying this because you are busy. 

If you have any more questions, please contact your doctor or specialist nurse for more information.  

Avoid constipation

Take special care not to become constipated if you are pregnant.

Aftercare

No routine follow up appointment is required unless specified by the surgeon.

If your condition changes, you can start (initiate) a follow-up by contacting us. This is known as patient initiated follow-up (PIFU). If you have any concerns in the initial 6 months after your surgery, you can contact us by email: [email protected]

After 6 months you should your GP to be referred back to our team.