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Object in Rectum: Care Instructions

Overview

An object in your rectum can cause pain, infection, bleeding, constipation, or leaking of stool. The rectum is a muscular tube about 13 cm (5 in.) long that is at the end of the large intestine (colon). The rectum connects the colon to the anus, which is the opening where stool leaves the body.

Your rectum may feel tender or irritated after the object has been removed. It may hurt when you have to pass stool.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
  • Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
    • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If your doctor suggests it, sit in 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in.) of warm water (sitz bath) 3 times a day and after bowel movements. The warm water helps with pain and itching.
  • Add fibre like bran or psyllium to your diet to help prevent constipation. Other good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
  • Don't put anything in your rectum that can break, leak, or cut you.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You cannot remove the object.
  • You have new or more blood in your stools.
  • You have a new or higher fever.
  • You have new or increasing pain in your rectum.
  • You have belly pain.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.