My Post Surgery (Fistulotomy and Seton Placement) essentials:
Hey guys just wanted to share some things I bought that have helped me post surgeries (fistulotomy and seton insertion): all of this I was able to find on Amazon and made a huge difference in my last surgery recovery! I was given very little aftercare advice after my first surgery so I was left a bit lost but since discovering these groups it’s been a great help! After multiple surgeries over the last 2 years, I just had my most recent surgery (fistulotomy and Seton placement) and found the below products very helpful!
1: A sitz bath: I don’t have a bathtub and this can be placed on your toilet seat. It helps keep the area clean, and the warm water can also provide some comfort to the area.
2: Peri bottle: This is great for keeping the area clean I use it every time i use the bathroom/ change pads. I got a travel one that comes with a travel bag so I pop it in a large handbag when I’m out so that I can keep the area clean I just nip into the disabled bathroom so I can have access to warm water.
3: Disposable fragrance free face towels: These are great, no chemicals or anything in them and come in a multipack. I use one to lightly pat the area dry after using a Peri bottle/ sitz bath/ shower. They are lint free so nothing sticks to the open wound!
4: Absorbent pads: Fold or position the pad so the absorbent side rests gently against the skin around your seton and abscess opening. Make sure it covers the area where you notice drainage.
5: Water wipes: I use it to gently pat area after bowel movement before I use the peri bottle to ensure I’m keeping the area clean
6: Stool softener: I was prescribed this and take it daily to help with bowel movements, I will also say if you have any upcoming surgery as part of your surgery prep I would eat light meals. To prepare for a seton placement surgery, your main goal is to build a consistent baseline of soft, bulky stools so that your first post-operative bowel movements pass easily without straining the surgical site. Unless your surgeon has advised differently, you should focus on a high-soluble fiber diet paired with lots of hydration. Post surgery it’s very important to keep hydrated so I would always have my Stanley filled with ice water that I would sip on throughout the day and refill with every meal!
*** Another tip for recovery is to have a relaxing environment to come home to! Knowing I was going to be on bedrest for a few days with minimal activity, I cleaned my room bought new bedsheets and pjs, bought a few new candles and treated myself to some new facemasks! This really helped with the mental aspect of surgery and recovery! I cleared out my bedside locker so that i could put my painkillers, tv remote, kindle and essentials inside for easy reach. And start a new show/ book so that when you come home you have something to binge :)
If anyone is getting surgery for the first time and has come to Reddit for a bit of reassurance just know we all have experienced and know the struggle so reach out within the community for support if needed! The first few days might feel overwhelming but it does get easier ❤️