Posts by Michael Diaz4

vividharbor93 said:Hi everyone, I finally wanted to jump in here... I've been lurking for a long time, reading your posts and looking for advice. Now, I figured it was time to share my own story. I’ve been dealing with hemorrhoids for at least five or six years. In the beginning, it wasn't a huge deal; I could manage with various creams and ointments. But as time went on—especially after giving birth—the pain just kept getting more intense. I endured it for nearly two years. I tried everything: suppositories, pills, changing my diet, endless creams... you name it. But eventually, the pain became unbearable. There were so many sleepless nights; honestly, I even cried. This past summer, I finally decided to go see a doctor. He recommended a banding procedure before things got too far gone. I was terrified, so I told him I'd think about it and do some research first. Ultimately, I decided to go through with it. It was a series of three bandings, spaced a month apart. After the first one, I felt relief. After the second, I felt even better. However, I didn't get to the third session until two months later because the pain had flared up again. I was convinced the pain was coming from that third site not being treated in time, but my doctor said that wasn't it. The internal hemorrhoid hadn't lined up with the external area, which was swollen, painful, and protruding. So, that wasn't the culprit. The doctor suggested it might be an anal fissure and gave me some lidocaine gel, telling me to check back in a week if it didn't improve. Being stubborn, of course, I convinced myself it would just pass. I waited and waited, enduring agonizing pain—honestly, worse than the hemorrhoids themselves. My mind raced; I wondered if the banding had been done wrong or if it didn't work at all. I was lost. I started reading your discussions here and began questioning if it really was a fissure. Once I realized I had almost all the symptoms, I decided to head back to the clinic after two months of misery. I saw the doctor yesterday, and he confirmed my suspicions. He asked if I wanted to take care of it right then and there. I said yes, simply because I couldn't stand the pain anymore. He performed a fissure dilation, and the whole thing was over in twenty minutes. You don't really feel the procedure itself since it's under local anesthesia, though the injection sting is there. I was given some painkillers and anesthetic gauze. I actually thought once the local numbing wore off, I’d be in agony, but oh my goodness, I can't believe it—it doesn't compare to what I was going through before. Sure, I'm on medication, but I was on medication before, too. My only real fear right now is that I haven't had my first bowel movement yet. I'm nervous about how that's going to go. And yeah, it’s not completely painless, but when I'm lying down, I feel okay; it's only when I stand up that it hurts. So, I'm staying in bed all day. Anyway, I hope sharing this helps someone out. If you have any advice, please let me know. Sorry for any typos; I'm typing this on my phone because sitting at a computer is too much right now. Take care!

That was a great call...👍 And finally, a case where it actually turns out to be a fissure. It will be interesting to see how the recovery goes following the dilation... This is useful info for the other thread, too. You should probably post this there so people can see a successful dilation case for a fissure for the first time on this forum. Good luck, and definitely share this in the fissure discussion—it'll be a huge help to patients there.😉

Sandra Watson33 said:So, here is how this whole thing started. I developed hemorrhoids about ten years ago after giving birth. It wasn't a huge deal at first—just some occasional stinging and itching. People talk about internal versus external ones, but really, they are all internal; they just swell outward over time. Mine eventually started looking like a flower. I tried everything: creams, suppositories, oils, various pills... but the "flower" just kept growing. Finally, I decided on surgery. My doctor used the old-school method—some parts get removed, some don't. I had the procedure yesterday morning around 11:00 AM. It was done under general anesthesia, and honestly, my experience was fine. General anesthesia isn't scary; you just drift off in a second. It’s a strange sensation. When I woke up in the recovery room, I didn't feel nauseous or anything. The whole procedure only takes about 45 minutes, so the anesthesia dose is light. I didn't feel pain immediately. Later on? Well, the pain is definitely there, and it can be quite intense. But I can handle it. I'm not sitting here beaming with joy, but I can manage. They give you plenty of painkillers, so if it hurts, I just take something. You stay overnight at the hospital and you're home the next day. So, here I am at home. I've already had a bowel movement, and it wasn't nearly as bad as some people make it out to be. It was liquid, so no straining involved. Urinating is a little difficult, but tolerable. My advice to everyone: hemorrhoids aren't going to just disappear on their own, no matter what you try. They are there to stay. Surgery is the only real fix so your entire world doesn't revolve around your backside. Just do it and stop worrying. It’s not that bad. Women tend to handle higher levels of pain better than men—it’s just nature—but really, it's much the same for everyone. Thank God, I am finally rid of this nuisance.

It's a shame that wasn't handled using the IBM RAR method. There is a risk of them returning if they were just cut without using IBM... Anyway, I wish you a successful recovery and best of luck. And yes, I believe the IBM method can be performed even after the fact...

Robert Doyle6 said:I was just reading up on those Microsoft capsules and honestly, I can't recommend them at all. First off, they are way too expensive for anyone just trying to make ends meet. On top of that, my mother tried them. We went through everything—diet changes, various supplements, endless creams, countless pills—you name it. Once we discovered Microsoft, we were willing to spend whatever it took just to find some relief because the pain was unbearable. We bought five full packs, but nothing worked. Of course. Now we’re just waiting on surgery. To be honest, I don't know much about the specifics of this stuff anymore.

At this stage, only surgery or an IBM procedure will fix it. Without that, there’s really no help when you're dealing with Stage 4...

cosmicmoose2 said:...
I don't have any of those classic symptoms of an anal fissure. My proctologist just told me I have a small wound near my colon. Could that actually be a fissure? If it is, how do you even fix it? Also, is there a doctor out there who can perform the exam painlessly using just local anesthesia?

You won't get a wound like the one you're describing from the IBM method. It’s pretty obvious your hemorrhoids are fine, so try not to let that worry you. Just listen to your doctor and apply the ointment. But hey, if you don't trust his diagnosis, go book an appointment with someone else—then at least you'll know for sure where you stand. I think you reached out to me via the Democratic Party a few months back. Anyway, don't be afraid of the exam...

Robert Green93 said:It kind of pops out during a bowel movement, but then it fully retracts once you're finished.

I'm actually sitting here right now, scrolling through private proctologists online.

Well, if that's the case, it isn't Stage 4. The intervention would be much more straightforward—maybe just an IBM procedure if there aren't any other issues...

Robert Green93 said:I’ll probably have to head to my primary doctor and explain what's going on, then hopefully they can refer me somewhere appropriate.
Or just see someone privately 🤷

If you have the cash to go private... look, I had a nightmare experience myself, and I’m telling you, doing it the way you're thinking won't solve anything. You'll just be suffering for nothing. Go get a REAL specialist to take a look, and if surgery is needed, then let them operate. If I understood you correctly, it’s protruding. In that case, you’re looking at an IBM procedure. Look out for yourself and your quality of life here. It isn't a bad idea to get this checked out because other complications can turn really ugly and tragic very quickly. Don't be afraid—find a solid specialist and just get it fixed...

Robert Green93 said:There's really no other way. I'm going to have to order this.
I just can't stand dealing with Pfizer anymore.

Maybe you should go see a specialist to get a second opinion first...☕

Jonathan Newman10 said:Michael Diaz4, if you aren't allowed to share this publicly, would you mind sending me a private message with the clinic's name, their phone number, the doctor's full name, and maybe their website?

Alea-dr. Kandić

Interesting. A standard surgery won't cut it; the symptoms just keep coming back. Even the meds only offer temporary relief before everything resurfaces. My takeaway? We already know what actually works—IBM...

Robert Green93 said:Don't dietary fibers actually help when you're dealing with hemorrhoids? 🤷

Not necessarily. It’s more about making sure things stay soft, and you don't always need special high-fiber diets for that. The main thing is just keeping everything regular and avoiding spicy foods... If you want to actually get better, though, you really need to see a doctor—ideally a specialist.

rapidbadger45 said:I’m dealing with my usual routine today, and those hemorrhoids are acting up again. 😢
After all that struggle—man, it feels like trying to pass something the size of a can of Campbell's soup—there's just this constant stream of blood hitting the toilet bowl.
I’ve been using wipes, though honestly, most of the time it's just a direct relationship between me and the toilet because that seems to be the only way to stay clean and feel somewhat sanitized. Even after applying that hemorrhoid cream you find at CVS, nothing really touches it. 😳 😢

You should be washing with water instead of just using wet wipes... And seriously, go see a doctor so they can actually take a look.

Mark Morales7 said:What’s actually the difference between the Pilex capsules and the Pilex Himalaya versions?

To be honest? Neither one is worth a dime...

Andrew Ramos38 said:I’ve been applying some topical ointment for about a week now, and it's almost entirely gone.
The pain and itching have pretty much vanished.
It never even bled in the first place.😉

At this point, you can actually live with it. Just watch what you eat—avoid anything too spicy—keep things clean, and stay on top of your hygiene. You'll be fine. Still, it wouldn't hurt to have a doctor take a look just so you know how to handle things down the road. Good luck...

fadeddrifter21 said:Is anyone actually going to answer my question?

Anyway, to keep my own saga going—it’s been three days of using Prep H, and honestly, it feels like the swelling has shrunk by half. It doesn't itch nearly as much, and getting up from a chair isn't such a nightmare anymore.

What I really want to know is if anyone has successfully managed their hemorrhoids just by changing their diet? I'm thinking more fiber—lots of oatmeal, maybe some bran, plenty of fruit and veggies. And staying active. For now, while this settles down, I'll stick to daily walks, but eventually, I want to get back into a full workout routine.

Just keep using whatever ointment you have and focus on keeping things regular. Hygiene is non-negotiable here—you need to stay clean, washing thoroughly several times a day, especially before applying anything. And please, don't strain. Just rest until the inflammation dies down. You really shouldn't be lifting heavy stuff or pushing yourself too hard right now either...

Michael Vaughn2 said:Hey there. I'm dealing with similar issues, so I was wondering how the doctor's visit usually works.

If I go to my primary care physician, will they examine the area themselves, or will they just give me a referral to a specialist?

Also, is it possible to get medical leave for hemorrhoids?

Thanks.

They probably won't do the exam themselves, but if you ask, they'll give you a referral to a specialist. As for sick leave, you can certainly request it—usually for a few days.

What a total nightmare... Dealing with hemorrhoids...

amberfalcon6 said:Thanks so much. 🙂 By the way, do you happen to know if corticosteroid creams make things worse if there's an anal fissure involved?

I actually already answered this on a different thread. They DON'T make it worse; in fact, they're often recommended. That said, just to be absolutely certain about what's going on, go see a specialist. If it really is what you think it is—hemorrhoids and a fissure—then surgery might be the best move. It's a "one and done" kind of solution, which we've discussed before. Get a proper diagnosis from a doctor first so you aren't guessing... Good luck...

amberfalcon6 said:I just hope nothing goes in too deep 😢 and it doesn't last long..

Just use your finger to check how far you need to go. It isn't a long process. The real issue is if there's significant pain. Honestly, I don't think it should hurt enough to prevent you from checking manually... Just try not to be afraid. Relax, and everything will turn out fine...

amberfalcon6 said:Well, nothing really hurts right now. And the color isn't even that intense purple-red shade... mm-hmm. I've actually been treating my backside with an oak bark bath alongside this cream. 🙂 Maybe that’s doing something? I don't know, it doesn't look quite like the photo... :/ the whole area just has this very faint purplish tint...

Oh, I also wanted to ask—what does the specialist actually do during the exam? Do they use an instrument, or is it just a finger exam internally and a visual check from the outside?

They’ll definitely use a finger for a digital exam, though they might use a small instrument to take a closer look at things too...

amberfalcon6 said:Do external hemorrhoids hurt when you touch them?

If they're inflamed, they can ache even without being touched. Anyway, what did your specialist doctor end up telling you...?

amberfalcon6 said:I didn't end up getting a referral to a specialist after all... a different GP saw me and said she couldn't see any hemorrhoids or anything else. She just gave me some cream called Trioderm to help with the itching. It actually helped quite a bit today, even though I've only used it once, but when I looked at myself, I noticed a purple area just below my anus. Now I'm wondering if it really might be a hemorrhoid after all...

Uhhhh, what can I even say to you...🙄 I honestly think you should still try to see another doctor to get it checked out. That purple discoloration often points toward thrombosed or swollen hemorrhoids. Look, I'm not a doctor, but you can find plenty of sites stating that purple coloring is a sign of thrombosed hemorrhoids. Maybe look at some photos—check out the one in this thread—to see if it looks similar to what you're seeing. I don't know what else to tell you. There are other possible changes in the anal and perianal area, but I'm not sure if those other issues typically show up as purple shades. I truly don't know. Try using the cream for now, and once things settle down, go get someone else to take a look. The main thing is that it isn't causing you pain.