Posts by Michael Diaz4

Donna Johnson16 said:That's just not right.

The way a local anesthetic—specifically lidocaine—works has absolutely nothing to do with corticosteroids. That goes for my point and the comment from Body Halleck.

I actually think it does. Believe me, I spent 20 years dealing with this stuff. Most creams back then had corticosteroids in them, and I’m just repeating what my old doctor told me two decades ago... Back then, the advice was specifically not to use Fact because it lacked corticosteroids. And honestly? Fact didn't work for me back then either. Since it was during wartime, options were limited, so I used Lidoproct (it had a different name back then). That actually calmed things down. I never claimed lidocaine is chemically related to corticosteroids. What I said is that lidocaine is the best anesthetic. After my surgery, the instructions were to use only Lidoproct, which, again, has nothing to do with steroids. My recommendation remains Lidoproct, or anything similar that contains lidocaine...

Donna Johnson16 said:Look, I have to say it: corticosteroid creams aren't exactly a miracle cure for hemorrhoids. Honestly, they aren't even particularly good, let alone useful in the long run. Sure, they might knock down the inflammation for a split second, but there's a catch. They actually cause the skin—and especially the mucosal tissue—to atrophy. It thins out. You lose that essential elasticity, everything gets dry, and then you’re left with skin that cracks more easily than before. You don't need that kind of damage anywhere on your body, and you certainly don't want it in the perianal area.

So, my answer is: NO.

It’s interesting looking back. About twenty years ago, my old doctor told me that Faktu wasn't worth much because it lacks corticosteroids. Then, later on after my surgery, a professor told me that only Lidoprokt actually works. Since Lidoprokt contains lidocaine, I stuck with it—it numbs the tissue perfectly. For the digital massage, I just used a lidocaine-based gel. So, there were no corticosteroids involved in that routine either, which means...🤷 So, that brings up a valid question: why does almost every hemorrhoid cream out there rely on corticosteroids? From what I’ve seen personally, nothing works quite as well as a cream containing lidocaine. In fact, that was the only thing my doctor actually prescribed for me. So, yeah—lidocaine is definitely the way to go.

Emily Fisher said:Which part makes you think I don't know what I'm dealing with? My doctor actually suggested a stool test for parasites. She suspected maybe a fungal issue too... because the itching is just relentless. Unfortunately, I have those other symptoms too—some bleeding and pain during bowel movements—but that happens so rarely it’s almost negligible. It’s the itching that’s the real nightmare!

I'm heading out tomorrow to grab some propolis; hopefully, it helps take the edge off.

Best,

I see. So it sounds like it might just be hemorrhoids then... Just try not to touch or scratch them. Maybe a little if you absolutely have to, but be careful not to cause any damage. How much are they protruding? Based on what you're saying, it feels like it could be third or fourth degree...?

He’s honestly my best friend...😁

Emily Fisher said:Thanks everyone for the replies. I read somewhere that you shouldn't scratch... but how am I supposed to stop when the itching is absolutely maddening? I end up causing little scratches myself, which just makes the itching even worse. I can't help it!

The doctor basically just took a quick look at the situation (prescribed Faktu, gave some advice—like using olive oil or applying butter) and then handed me a referral for a specialist. Now I'm just waiting for them to call me in, though I hear the waitlist for an appointment can be months long. 😢

She suspected maybe pinworms or a fungal thing... I did some testing for parasites, but everything came back negative. So, we'll see. What frustrates me most is hearing people say their specialist just prescribed suppositories or some cream. Honestly, I could do that myself; what's the point of seeing a doctor if that's all they do? I'm just hoping for a real solution.

I might try some propolis... Thanks. 🙂

Michael Diaz4... I don't think my condition is settling down. At first, I just had some pain and stuff, but never any itching. Then about a month or two ago, the itching started, and it just won't go away. 😢

Thanks for the advice!

So, you aren't even sure if it's just hemorrhoids...? Do you actually have swollen hemorrhoids at all?

Angela Smith14 said:My doctor deals with this stuff too. After I ended up with hemorrhoids from spending way too much time bouncing around on a long bus ride, she suggested using a calendula ointment. She actually wrote me a prescription for Faktu, but I decided to try the calendula route first. Honestly, just some basic Balea cream with calendula applied liberally works wonders. Calendula is great for this, and the cream itself helps soften the tissue so things don't tear as easily.

On top of that, I ordered an Anuice device online ( and that provided some relief as well...

Look, I don't have massive issues with it, but whenever I feel that stinging sensation afterward, I immediately apply the calendula and they never flare up again.

Plus, calendula can have a slight anesthetic effect sometimes, which might help in the beginning...

velvetmoose9 said:Don't even think about using a corticosteroid cream on the perianal area without checking in with a doctor first!

Those creams work wonders for hemorrhoids, but I have to stress—that’s only if you’re dealing with hemorrhoids alone... If there's something else going on, it's better not to play around... That's why sticking with a lidocaine-based formula is a safe bet... If it's just hemorrhoids, go for it, but if there's a fungal issue involved, that changes everything. That's why I suggest Lidoproct or something similar...

Emily Fisher said:Hi everyone! I’m going to try posting this here too, hoping someone might have some advice for me.

For two months now, I’ve been dealing with this unbearable itching around my anal area. Occasionally I notice a little blood after using the bathroom, but it’s just a tiny amount and happens very rarely. I likely have hemorrhoids. I also think I have fissures. I’ve tried absolutely everything to stop the itching. At first, it only happened at night, but now it’s constant throughout the day. It’s worst at night and especially when I shower; even though I try to wash the area with just water and no soap, the itching persists.

The only relief I get is right after wiping and applying cream, but then the stinging and itching starts back up again—it feels like something is crawling on my skin... that’s really how it feels! Honestly, it drives you crazy.

I tried Fact, but it didn't help; if anything, it seems to make it worse. Olive oil, Modolex, aloe vera—I’ve tried every little thing I could find or read about, but nothing changes. The only thing that provides any relief is calendula gel... but even that only lasts two or three hours before the cycle repeats and I have to apply more.

They did a parasite test... nothing there. I’m waiting for my appointment with a proctologist, but until then, I have no idea how I’m going to endure this. It is truly unbearable!!!

Maybe it’s Candida? I really don't know... or maybe an allergy, because the irritation is spreading beyond just the immediate area.

Is it possible for hemorrhoids to itch this much? They don't actually hurt, except maybe occasionally during a bowel movement or if I touch the area, but otherwise, no pain!

The itching gets even more intense after I go to the bathroom... it's terrible.😢 I honestly don't know if it will stay this way, or how I'll manage.

Best,

Ugh, I feel like I've answered similar questions before, so I'll just repeat myself for you... When hemorrhoids are in the early stages, or even later once the inflammation begins to subside and those micro-lesions (tiny cuts or abrasions) start healing, they can itch intensely. Honestly, itching is better than pain, because once it starts hurting, you'll regret being born. Now, whether there is something else going on alongside the hemorrhoids, I can't say for sure, but I'll say it again: as hemorrhoids heal, the itching can be brutal. Try creams containing corticosteroids or lidocaine... your doctor will give you the specifics once you see them for your exam...

Donna Brooks18 said:Guys... I have a question. I haven't dealt with hemorrhoids in a long while... but two days ago, they came back with a vengeance. About three years ago, I had a really bad flare-up and took Detralex to help tighten those blood vessels... and man, it worked wonders. I was fine within two days.
Now it’s happening again... I am absolutely dying from the pain when I'm on the toilet... and afterward, I have to just lie down because my whole body is still shaking from the pain for like half an hour. The worst part is I can't take Detralex because my blood pressure is way too high, and I'm already taking Enap to dilate my vessels for the pressure. So now I have to prioritize my blood pressure, which basically means I'm just making the hemorrhoid pain even worse....
Can anyone suggest a cream... or a pill... something I can actually take without messing with my blood pressure?

By the way, for any acute hemorrhoid inflammation... Detralex... it's a powerful drug... expensive... but it works miracles...

Maybe try Lidoproct or Lidex—if that's what it's called now—with a lidocaine base... That will literally numb the area right out...

Daniel Martin50 said:Hey everyone. So, about two weeks ago, I dealt with some harder stools and ended up with what looked like maybe two external hemorrhoids. I applied some Fact, and they actually subsided pretty quickly—maybe within 10 to 20 minutes.
Now, two weeks later, everything feels fine except for this slight sensation of pressure or pulsing at the end of the rectum, and that only happens after I wash up (regardless of whether I just had a bowel movement).
I don't have any other symptoms. No visible hemorrhoids, no burning, no itching, no bleeding, and my movements are always complete.
Is it possible the anal rim just swelled up a bit from straining during those harder stools?

If it popped up and then vanished, you might just be seeing the very beginning of things. As an amateur, I’d say it looks like a precursor stage... though that doesn't necessarily mean you're headed for trouble down the road. Just keep an eye on your stool consistency, stay on top of hygiene, and monitor how things feel. If issues crop up later, definitely go see a doctor. No need to panic, though. It's nothing to lose sleep over.

Sophia Davis4 said:I feel like I should weigh in here too. I’ve been dealing with hemorrhoids for 12 years now—ever since my last baby—and they flare up quite often, though maybe not as frequently as some of you mentioned. When they get bad, the pain radiates down my entire leg, probably because a nerve gets compressed, and my lower back just feels destroyed. It’s a nightmare. As for treatment: besides the standard stuff like creams, I use ice or even a frozen potato, or just really cold water. To be clear, that was actually advice from a doctor who leans toward "alternative" methods. Basically, when the inflammation is at its worst, I apply ice or a frozen potato and it just... kills the swelling. Sometimes I get relief within an hour; other times, nothing works. I tried Pilex... it's expensive and helped for maybe a month or two before I went right back to square one. I didn't mention this earlier, but mine are Stage IV. I have one massive one on the outside about the size of a large hazelnut. So, I'll just keep pushing through as long as I can, even though surgery is staring me in the face. Try the ice when things are at their worst; it might help, even if only briefly..

The idea of your leg going numb from hemorrhoids sounds almost impossible to me. It's likely just the pressure causing referred pain. But how long you decide to endure it is entirely up to you. Good luck...😉

analogpanther41 said:Thanks, Michael Diaz4. Everyone at home is freaking out, trying to rush me to the ER, but I just don't want to go. Does anyone know a good proctologist in New York City they could recommend? Private practice is fine, or even a hospital specialist... So far, I've found some good names, Kocman and Ivanovic over at KB Merkur. I actually called Dr. Solomon, and he suggested I come in next Thursday for a quick colonoscopy. I suppose if it were truly urgent, he would have told me to come right away... though, then again, who knows how closely he was actually listening to me on the phone. He mentioned it could be bleeding from a polyp, which is why it's better to check those first 60 cm of the colon (or the last 60 cm, depending on how you look at it). But honestly, the second I hear the word "colonoscopy," my heart sinks. I still remember how much I screamed during my first and only one. Still, I’d rather see a proctologist first; if he determines the bleeding isn't just hemorrhoids, then we can deal with the next steps. Is there any risk in heading to the beach for ten days in this state? Surely nothing bad will happen... and even if it is hemorrhoids, how is an exam with the doctor going to help stop the bleeding immediately? Michael Diaz4, do you have any advice on how to stop the bleeding? I'm drinking that Donat, so my stools are soft, but I'm not sure what else to do.

It really could be a polyp. Those stringy structures usually develop when enlarged hemorrhoids have been present for a long time... The main thing is keeping your stools soft, but you definitely don't want diarrhea either. Hold off on that beach trip until things settle down a bit. See a doctor first, then you can make a smarter decision...

analogpanther41 said:Dear fellow sufferers... I see there are varying degrees of severity among you all. I joined this thread for the first time on June 18th, even though I've dealt with hemorrhoids for years. Usually, they only bleed when I have a hard stool, but over the last three days, blood has been leaking from my anus and even during urination. I suppose when things spread out on the toilet seat combined with gravity, it just leaks out. I can't really tell how much we're talking about—maybe 1 ml, maybe 5 ml. It's hard to judge once it hits the bowl and spreads. I should mention that during the day, while doing normal chores or sitting around, there is no blood. It only happens when I sit on the toilet. I called the ER tonight, and they told me to come in immediately. Honestly, I don't want to go, so I'm asking you: do you think this is an emergency, or can it wait a few days? I'm also on my period right now, so the thought of going to the hospital isn't appealing... Otherwise, I have no pain, no burning, no itching... just this unfortunate bleeding. Do you think it's just the hemorrhoids, or could it be something more serious? Like the stomach? But if it were from the stomach, the blood wouldn't be bright red. Do hemorrhoids require immediate medical attention when they bleed like this, or does it settle down? Do I really need to rush to the ER? Please let me know how long yours have been bleeding or how much you've experienced. Can it really bleed this much? Thank you; you're the only ones who can calm me down now.

You don't necessarily need the ER, but once you create the conditions for a smoother doctor visit, make sure you go (in a few days) to have them look at it. Typically, bleeding is a sign of hemorrhoids, but that symptom can also show up in other dangerous illnesses—though that usually isn't the case, and there's a huge probability it's the same for you. Still, to ease your conscience and prevent complications, go to a good doctor to get checked. Don't be afraid; it's nothing embarrassing. I'm telling you this as a bit of an expert on the matter because I suffered from hemorrhoids for years, and thank God, I finally got rid of those attacks forever. It was unpleasant because I waited too long, but in the end, I conquered that nuisance. To avoid ending up at the doctor as a neglected case, go while you aren't in major pain yet...

Amy Garcia38 said:What should I do? I'm 22 and I've been dealing with hemorrhoids since I was maybe 15 or 16. 😢
I eat incredibly healthy—I'm vegetarian—I exercise regularly, and I don't have any other health issues, yet I just can't shake these things. It's both external and internal, and they bleed about five days out of seven, and it's been going on for years. Using an over-the-counter cream helps quite a bit, but there are still those awful days where I just want to lie down and cry because of the pain. Clearly, I need surgery. :/

Go see a doctor... Something definitely needs to be done. Surgery is usually the most predictable route if you're looking at a prolapse or if it's reached stage 4...

analogpanther41 said:Does anyone have a doctor recommendation? I'm based in Washington, D.C.

Actually, I'm from out of town myself... But you can find some solid recommendations for Washington, D.C. if you scroll back through this thread for a bit. If I recall correctly, someone mentioned "butterfly" and Ivanovich... Or maybe it wasn't "butterfly," but that other clinic "unknown" or something like that. Regardless, I know Ivanovich usually gets a lot of praise from people around here...

analogpanther41 said:Oh, yeah, that’s possible. Does everyone always see bright red? For me, sometimes it's light and sometimes it's dark.

If you head to the doctor... I'm almost 100% certain it's hemorrhoids, but you really need to talk to a solid physician to get the specifics...

Patrick Taylor16 said:I don't really know what to tell you... To me, that sounds like the skin flap from a hemorrhoid after it heals up... though maybe I'm just talking nonsense. I've dealt with them myself a few times before. I know when one ruptures; it stings for two or three days, and if that little bit of skin shows up right then, I know exactly what happened. I'm actually heading in for a follow-up soon... it's been 21 days since my HAL procedure... and honestly, I'm not feeling great about it. This massive hemorrhoid that's been bothering me for the last 15 years has flared up again. The others are gone, but this giant is back 😢. I need to see what the doctor says because right now, I am far from satisfied... and I simply don't have the money to go through the HAL surgery all over again. 🙂 I didn't ask the doctor if there was any kind of guarantee—you know, if this doesn't work, will he redo it at no extra cost? Has anyone else dealt with this type of thing?

In my opinion, the surgery was only a partial success. What do I do now?

Wait, is that the guy from that clinic out in the suburbs...? If it's the same person one of the forum members described two years ago, then I wouldn't be surprised by these issues. It's a shame if that's the case...🙄

There’s really no point in overthinking this one. It’s just raw, painful reality—hemorrhoids are bleeding... It's a mess, honestly, but there is a way out... HAL...

Patrick Taylor16 said:Oh, and I almost forgot to mention... I've tried every single method and medication out there over the last 15 years. Nothing sticks. I might feel better for a few days, but then it just comes right back. Creams, ointments, all that stuff... nothing has actually worked for me. I've been lurking on this forum for a long time now, so I'll be checking in from time to time to see if this surgery actually provides lasting results or not...

If they successfully closed off the actual vein, then it should be permanent...

Bryan Jackson12 said:Hey everyone. I wanted to weigh in on this issue my father has been struggling with since he was a kid. I think there’s probably already been some talk about Pilex—is it actually worth taking? Does it even work? He tried taking it once, but he had a really bad reaction. He ended up with a fever and chills and all that. The lady who recommended it told him he should just push through because it was just his body "detoxing." He stopped taking it, obviously, but I'm wondering if it's even worth trying again or if it could be dangerous. Has anyone else dealt with something like this?

A fever shouldn't have anything to do with Pilex... And honestly, that "remedy" doesn't do much for serious, acute conditions anyway...