If you’ve just undergone or are considering Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE), understanding what to expect during recovery can help ease any anxiety and ensure optimal healing. The good news? HAE recovery is remarkably straightforward, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort and returning to normal activities within just a few days.
At Seamless Medical Centers in Port Arthur, TX, we’ve helped countless patients through successful HAE recoveries. This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of the healing process, from the moment your procedure ends to your return to completely normal activities—hemorrhoid-free.
Immediate Post-Procedure Period (First 24 Hours)
In the Recovery Area
Immediately after your HAE procedure, you’ll be moved to a comfortable recovery area where medical staff will monitor you. This monitoring period allows the sedation to wear off and ensures there’s no bleeding from the catheter insertion site—typically in your wrist or groin.
During this time, you may feel drowsy from the sedation medication. This is completely normal and expected. Some patients also notice mild fatigue or lightheadedness, which resolves as the medication leaves your system. You’ll be offered water and light snacks once you’re fully alert.
The puncture site will have a small bandage that should remain clean and dry. Staff will check it periodically to ensure proper hemostasis (blood clotting). Most patients feel well enough to walk to the bathroom and move around the recovery area without difficulty.
Going Home
Before discharge, you’ll receive detailed written instructions for home care, prescriptions if needed (typically just over-the-counter pain relievers), and contact information for reaching our team if you have questions or concerns. It’s essential to have someone drive you home, as the sedation medication temporarily impairs your ability to drive safely.
Most patients go home feeling surprisingly good. The absence of surgical trauma to the anorectal area means you won’t experience the severe pain that characterizes traditional hemorrhoid surgery recovery.
First Evening at Home
On your first evening home, plan to take it easy. Rest on the couch or in bed, avoid strenuous activities, and focus on staying comfortable. You can eat normally—there are no dietary restrictions after HAE, though staying well-hydrated is always beneficial.
You may notice mild rectal pressure or a feeling of fullness in the anal area. This is a normal response to the embolization and typically doesn’t require more than over-the-counter pain medication.
The puncture site may feel slightly sore or bruised. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid removing the bandage for at least 24 hours unless instructed otherwise.
Days 2-7: Early Recovery Phase
What to Expect
During the first week after HAE, your body begins responding to the blocked blood flow to your hemorrhoids. This is when post-embolization syndrome may occur—a normal, expected response to embolization procedures that affects a small percentage of patients.
Post-Embolization Syndrome symptoms include:
- Low-grade fever (usually under 101°F)
- Mild fatigue
- Localized discomfort or irritation in the rectal area
- General malaise
These symptoms are your body’s inflammatory response to the embolization and typically resolve within three to five days. They’re mild enough that most patients manage them easily with rest and over-the-counter medications.
Bowel Movements: You can have normal bowel movements after HAE. There are no restrictions, though some patients prefer to use stool softeners for a few days to avoid straining. You might notice slight spotting or minor bleeding during the first few bowel movements—this is normal and should decrease quickly.
Activity Level: Most patients feel well enough to return to work within one to two days, especially if your job involves primarily desk work or light activity. If your work is physically demanding, you might want to take three to four days off to allow for complete healing of the puncture site.
Avoid heavy lifting (anything over 10-15 pounds) for the first week. Light walking is encouraged and helps prevent blood clots, but save vigorous exercise for after your first follow-up appointment.
Caring for the Puncture Site
After 24 hours, you can remove the bandage and shower normally. Gently wash the puncture site with mild soap and water, pat it dry, and leave it open to air—no need for continued bandaging unless there’s drainage or your doctor advises otherwise.
Some bruising around the puncture site is normal and expected. It may look alarming initially but will fade gradually over one to two weeks. Call us if you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from the site, as these could indicate infection (though this is very rare).
Managing Discomfort
- Most HAE patients report minimal pain during the first week. If you do experience discomfort, these strategies can help:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Apply a warm compress to the rectal area for comfort (avoid ice, which can cause discomfort)
- Use a donut cushion when sitting if you experience pressure
- Stay well-hydrated to keep stools soft
Weeks 2-4: Hemorrhoid Shrinkage Phase
Symptom Improvement Begins
Weeks 2-4 post-procedure are when you’ll start noticing real improvement in your hemorrhoid symptoms. As your hemorrhoids start to shrink, bleeding should decrease significantly or stop entirely. Many patients report that rectal bleeding—often their most troublesome symptom—resolves completely during this timeframe.
The sensation of fullness, pressure, or a “lump” in the anal area diminishes as the hemorrhoid tissue reduces in size. Itching and irritation also improve as the engorged tissue shrinks away from sensitive nerve endings.
Returning to Full Activity
By week two, most patients have returned to all normal activities, including:
Full work schedules, including physically demanding jobs
Regular exercise routines, including running, weightlifting, and sports
Normal sexual activity with no restrictions
Travel and all usual daily activities
There are no long-term activity limitations after HAE. Once you’ve healed from the puncture site (typically within one week), you can resume everything you did before without concern about damaging your treatment results.
What If Symptoms Persist?
While most patients notice improvement by week two to four, hemorrhoid shrinkage is a gradual process that continues for several months. If you’re not seeing any improvement by four weeks, or if symptoms worsen, contact our office. Sometimes simple interventions can enhance results, and we want to ensure you’re progressing as expected.
Months 2-3: Continued Improvement
Maximum Benefit
The full benefits of HAE typically become apparent around the three-month mark. By this time, the hemorrhoids have shrunk to their minimal size, and you should be experiencing the maximum improvement in symptoms. Most patients report:
- Complete resolution of rectal bleeding
- Elimination of pain and discomfort
- No more itching or irritation
- Return to normal bowel function without fear or anxiety
- Restored confidence and quality of life
Follow-Up Appointments
Your interventional radiologist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment during this timeframe to assess your results and ensure optimal healing. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss any lingering concerns and confirm that your hemorrhoids have responded as expected to treatment.
If you’re among the small percentage who haven’t experienced adequate symptom relief, your doctor can discuss options, which may include repeat HAE (the procedure can be safely repeated) or alternative treatments.
Long-Term Outlook and Maintenance
Sustained Results
One of HAE’s greatest advantages is the durability of results. Clinical studies demonstrate that most patients maintain their improvement long-term, with many remaining symptom-free for years after a single treatment. The procedure doesn’t just temporarily mask symptoms—it actually reduces the size of hemorrhoidal tissue by cutting off its excessive blood supply.
Because HAE preserves the normal anatomy of the anal canal and doesn’t create surgical changes, your body functions naturally after treatment. There are no permanent alterations that could cause problems down the road.
Preventing Recurrence
While HAE is highly effective, hemorrhoids can potentially recur if the underlying factors that caused them aren’t addressed. To maintain your results and minimize recurrence risk:
Dietary Habits: Consume a high-fiber diet with 25-30 grams of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Adequate fiber keeps stools soft and reduces straining during bowel movements—a primary contributor to hemorrhoid development.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration works synergistically with fiber to maintain healthy bowel function and prevent constipation.
Bathroom Habits: Don’t delay bowel movements when you feel the urge. Sitting on the toilet for extended periods increases pressure on hemorrhoidal tissue, so complete your business and move on. Avoid straining—if you’re having difficulty, fiber supplements or stool softeners can help.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise promotes healthy bowel function and reduces constipation risk. It also helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing pressure on pelvic blood vessels.
Weight Management: Excess weight increases intra-abdominal pressure, which can contribute to hemorrhoid formation. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise supports long-term hemorrhoid prevention.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting: If your job involves long periods of sitting, take breaks to stand and walk every hour. Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the rectal area.
Tips for Optimal Recovery
Do’s
- Stay Active: Light walking from day one promotes circulation and prevents complications. Gradually increase activity as you feel comfortable.
- Maintain Hygiene: Keep the anal area clean with gentle washing after bowel movements. Pat dry rather than wiping vigorously.
- Eat Normally: Continue your regular diet with emphasis on fiber-rich foods and adequate hydration.
- Take Prescribed Medications: If you were given any medications, take them as directed.
- Rest When Needed: Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard in the first few days.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Keep scheduled appointments so your interventional radiologist can monitor your progress.
Don’ts
- Don’t Lift Heavy Objects: Avoid lifting anything over 10-15 pounds for the first week.
- Don’t Exercise Vigorously: Save intense workouts for after your first week of recovery.
- Don’t Ignore Warning Signs: Call if you develop fever over 101°F, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection.
- Don’t Remove Bandages Early: Follow instructions about when to remove the puncture site bandage.
- Don’t Drive While Sedated: Have someone drive you home on procedure day and don’t drive until sedation has completely worn off.
- Don’t Strain During Bowel Movements: Use stool softeners if needed to keep bowel movements comfortable.
When to Call Seamless Medical Centers
While serious complications after HAE are extremely rare, you should contact us immediately if you experience:
- Temperature above 101°F that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter fever reducers
- Severe pain not controlled by recommended medications
- Heavy rectal bleeding (more than spotting)
- Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from the puncture siteInability to urinate
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling
- Any symptoms that concern you
Our team is available to answer questions and address concerns throughout your recovery. We’d rather you call with a question than worry unnecessarily or delay addressing a potential issue.
Comparing HAE Recovery to Other Treatments
HAE vs. Hemorrhoidectomy Recovery
Traditional surgical hemorrhoid removal (hemorrhoidectomy) requires two to six weeks of recovery, with significant pain that often requires prescription pain medications. Patients describe the recovery as one of the most painful experiences they’ve endured, with difficulty sitting, standing, and having bowel movements for weeks.
In contrast, HAE recovery is so mild that most patients return to work within one to two days and resume full activities within a week—all while experiencing minimal pain that’s easily managed with over-the-counter medications.
HAE vs. Rubber Band Ligation Recovery
Rubber band ligation causes the banded hemorrhoid tissue to die and fall off over several days, often causing significant discomfort, bleeding, and the unsettling experience of passing necrotic tissue. Multiple treatment sessions are usually needed, extending the overall recovery process.
HAE is completed in a single treatment session with minimal discomfort and no tissue necrosis to manage during recovery.
Your Recovery Success at Seamless Medical Centers
At Seamless Medical Centers in Port Arthur, TX, we’re committed to supporting you through every stage of your HAE recovery. Our board-certified interventional radiologists provide detailed post-procedure instructions, remain available to answer questions, and schedule appropriate follow-up appointments to ensure optimal outcomes.
We understand that choosing hemorrhoid treatment requires trust, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our goal is not just to perform an excellent procedure but to guide you through a comfortable recovery that leads to lasting relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover medically necessary HAE procedures. We handle all insurance verification and pre-authorization, so you can focus on healing rather than administrative concerns.
If you’re considering HAE and have questions about recovery, or if you’ve already had the procedure and have concerns, we invite you to contact our office. We’re here to provide the support, guidance, and expert care you need throughout your journey to hemorrhoid-free living.
Contact Seamless Medical Centers for Recovery Support
Have questions about HAE recovery?
Our team is here to help.
Phone: 409-213-9575
Address: 3300 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Suite #130, Port Arthur, Texas 77642
Contact us for expert guidance and compassionate care throughout your healing process—the seamless way.