Hemorrhoid Advice - Smithfield,VA

I had some due to VCB. the nurses recommended - 1. plenty of water. 2. plenty of fibre (but not too much all at once). 3. stool softener (this is different than a laxative). 4. heat or cold (whatver seems more agreeable). 5. milk of magnesia applied topically (on a gauze pad). cream and cleanliness are good ideas.

they hurt, and are a constant bother.

if they don't resolve in a week or two, you may want to see the doctor. At that point, the pain and discomfort will far outweigh the perceived indignity of the doctor's inspection.

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First of all - buy some baby wipes to use when you go to the bathroom instead of toilet paper. Gob on the Prep. H, and you can also use tucks pads (or witch hazel, they are basically the same thing except w/tucks it is already on a pad for you).

I know this sounds gross, but when you are applying the Prep. H or whatever hemroid cream you buy - try to tuck them back up inside your rump. It will give you some relief until they pop back out.

:0( I know they hurt VERY bad, the above tips are what I have learned to help with the pain - OH ~ also, take some ibuprofen!! That will help take the edge off! Hope you get better soon!

edited to add: Oh yeah - I forgot about the stool softeners, they really do help - you can get the generic kind at Target that are the same as Dulcolax - for $4 for a bottle of them. Take one in the am and one in the pm!

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I agree with Luv My Wonderful Life... But, buy a box disposible plastic gloves and after applying the cream, tuck them back in. This helps with the comfort a lot. Stool softeners and drinking plenty of water also help!

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URGH!! Child bearing does some "wonderful" things to our bodies!!

If yours is hanging out - then you really need to go to a Dr and have it looked at. No, it's not pleasant. No, it's not fun - however, should the hemerrhoid burst - it will be worse - much worse. Because they are veins they can and will bleed, especially when touched too much....causing blood in your stool - if it's bright red - it's close to the surface, end of your rectum - if it's dark red - it's dangerous.

They can be removed - via surgery - and your life will be yours again.

As to diet - make sure that your bowel movements are a smooth and soft as possible. That means fiber, water, etc. If you have to push or grunt - you aren't getting enough fiber.

DO NOT take ANY supplements until you have checked with your doctor. While supplements and natural remedy's work for many people - Aloe Vera juice doesn't work for everyone (kinda like antibiotics - some work for you and not for someone else).

I STRONGLY urge you to go to see a protcologist about this. I'd rather suffer one degrading moment than being uncomfortable for days.

Good luck!! I feel your pain and embarrassment - but seriously - go to the Dr!!! He might suggest a colonoscopy as well - they can remove the hemerrhoids the same time they do that - or at least I think they can. Hemerrhoids can be the first signs of colon cancer or pollyops. Don't mess with your health!

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As others have said, it's pretty common after birth.
The easiest thing that I have suggested to my doula clients with this issue is green cabbage. Take a leaf, cut it down to about several inches and roll it like a cigarette. Before bed, put some oil on it, and put it into your rectum with some sticking out. Cabbage has the property of drawing tissue. So, it will pull the hemorrhoid back into your body. No doctor, and it has worked for many people.
There are also homeopathic remedies that you can take internally as well that will help.
I disagree with the person who said check with your doctor about any supplements. Most doctors have no clue about supplements.
If you have any questions about which homeopathic remedies work, feel free to contact me.
Good luck

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Hot bath. Fill up your tub with the warmest water you can tolerate and sit in the water until the water starts to feel cool. Do this everyday, in addition to using the Tucks (or witch hazel); use toilet paper as needed but DO rely on the wet wipes (baby wipes are fine, too) to finish cleaning the area. Use Preparation H (maximum strength, not the cooling gel) every time you use the bathroom. You don't have to use your fingers...use a Q-tip. Glob it on and try to put some of the medication on the inside. Acetaminophen for the pain but if you are pregnant, don't use ibuprofen unless your doctor instructs you. Acetaminophen is safe during pregnancy .
Make sure you are drinking a lot of water but if you do continue getting "flare outs," then it might be time to see a doctor.

My husband has had major issues with them lately. Sitz baths really help (the pharmacy dept at target can order it for you). I remember after childbirth using a tucks pad with a layer of dibuticaine cream sprayed with I think it is dermaplast spray (you use it on burns and cuts). Target can order the cream if nOt in stock. That preparation helPed alot but he went to a gi doc who prescribed a special cream that worked wonders. Use a stOol softener and eat lots of fiber and try not to strain.

I choose a natural method and I have gotten rid of my hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are vericose veins on your butt and cayenne is good for circulation. I had inner hemorrhoids from having my boys and I was at the doctor's office every 6 months. I got really sick of this degrading experience and mentioned my problem to my friend at the health food store. She told me that Aloe Vera Juice and cayenne pepper pills would do the trick. I did this for a couple of weeks and the problem was solved. Just one pepper pill in the morning usually does the trick for outside hemorrhoids. I would not do this if you are pregnant. Witch Hazel for the swelling and preperation H for nighttime works good. Extra fiber works well at the same time.

The suggestions from Lori are great. You can also try witch hazel. They sell it at drugstores and some larger retail outlets. Walgreens and Target both sell it. It is a clear liquid, plant derived, in a bottle. Just soak a cotton pad in it and apply it. It helps get rid of the major part of itching and reduces the swelling. They never truly go away but reducing any swelling helps make it seem like they are gone. Witch Hazel is the main ingredient in Tucks Pads.

Just wanted to add that sometimes there are other issues with diet that can have an effect. If your stool is already pretty soft (especially if it is too soft or too frequent), possibly you may have an allergy or chemical sensitivity that might contribute to this problem.

try witch hazel! You can buy it in a bottle I would think at the drug store or at a health food type store. It was a HUGE help!