Posts by Michael Diaz4

You really need a specialist to take a look at this. Your typical family doctor is just going to give it a quick glance without actually doing a digital exam. So, if you’re heading to a public clinic, go see your primary care physician first and ask for a referral to a specialist. Honestly, if you ask me? If you have the cash, I’d just drop the money right away and head to a top-tier surgeon at a private clinic. It gets handled immediately. Of course, that assumes you can afford it. The initial consultation isn't exactly breaking the bank, and sure, if they need to run more tests, it might cost a bit more, but you get everything sorted out on the spot. Take a look back through my previous posts. Check who else has chimed in on this thread, click on my username, and you'll find everything I've written. Just a heads-up: there is a ton of info out there. Don't let what you read scare you; use it as motivation to actually see a doctor. When you're in the exam room, just relax. Don't tense up, don't clench, and just let them do their job. Don't be afraid...

Scott Martin6 said:I think I’ll head to the drugstore tomorrow to pick up some cream. I'll grab some calendula ointment too, since I'm honestly at a loss. Other than hoping this just disappears on its own, I don't know what else to do.

Now I'm actually terrified to even step into the bathroom. 😢?

Let me recap this quickly for you. Honestly, there’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s just that this isn't something that ever truly goes away for good. They might shrink—if it's just stage one, they might vanish for a bit—but they have a habit of coming back later down the road. You really need to stay regular. Stick to fruit juices, veggies, boiled foods, and soups. Plenty of greens are highly recommended. Don't deal with constipation, but don't trigger diarrhea either; that's lethal. And for heaven's sake, stay far away from spicy food. Hygiene has to be spotless... and please, go see a doctor to get it checked out properly...

So yeah, they really are hemorrhoids. I’m honestly not sure what else to tell you at this point. It’s such a massive topic, and everyone seems to have a different story to tell about it. It started the same way for me, too—though I can't even pin down the exact cause; I think I actually developed them from all the physical strain back during my service. Eventually, I ended up having to go under the knife for surgery. Just scroll through the threads for a bit and see everything we've discussed here.

Scott Martin6 said:Hey everyone. I honestly never thought I’d be the type of person to go online asking about this kind of thing.
Over the last day or two, I’ve noticed these two little black spots—one slightly larger than the other—right at the opening. Before that, there was this strange, uncomfortable ache that actually prompted me to start wondering what was going on. I went straight to the internet to see if I could figure out what it might be. 🤦

From what I managed to dig up through my research, it seems like an early stage of something. I’m pretty certain about the cause, too. Last week, I went several days without a bowel movement, which eventually led to a really painful and difficult experience when I finally went (it had been over five days).😢
Generally speaking, my diet has been pretty dry and irregular lately.

What I want to know now is, for those of you who have dealt with this or are currently going through it: what should my first step be? What should I be using? How do people typically move forward from here? Also, is there any sort of rule regarding how fast this progresses or if it turns into something worse?
😕

First off, what do you mean by "spots"? Hemorrhoids aren't usually described as spots... Are you absolutely sure it isn't something else?

Angela Smith32 said:Thank you all so much for the replies!!! We've scheduled everything for September because that's when the specialist finally arrives in New York City for the THD procedure, but I honestly don't know how we're going to make it until then. They're taking Daflon (plus Tylenol for the pain) and using Dolokain, and they can only handle soups and yogurt right now. The bleeding has let up, but the pain just won't stop—it’s absolutely agonizing. I need one more piece of advice: which method is actually better, or are they basically the same? Is it DG HAL + RAR or THD for stage 4? We want a permanent fix and the fastest recovery possible. He might be able to do the DH-HAL+RAR sooner, so waiting until September feels unnecessary if the results are identical. I've read up on both, but I trust real-world experience way more than brochures. Thanks in advance, and sending best wishes from San Diego!!!

If it's stage 4, you'll likely need an anal area reconstruction too, which points toward DG HAL RAR. Honestly, try looking elsewhere for the surgery; you shouldn't have to wait for someone to fly into New York City... If you were closer, maybe Boston would be an option, but since that's a long haul, I guess that's out immediately...

Angela Smith32 said:Hello,
my husband is going through hell right now because of hemorrhoids. He took Pilex (two boxes $267) for 14 days, but the pain just came back even worse, and the bleeding is more intense than ever. Even Always pads aren't cutting it; he leaves a trace everywhere he sits. He ended up in the ER last night, but they just exhausted him with exams in surgery and sent him home with a prescription for Daflon ($40) and instructions to follow up in seven days. The pain isn't stopping and the bleeding hasn't slowed down at all. I read here that Lidoproct is good, so I'm wondering if anyone knows where we can buy it. We are in San Diego, and tomorrow we are calling clinics in New York City to see who can take him for surgery ASAP. I'm assuming it's stage 4 at this point. I just want to know if anyone can suggest something for the pain or to help reduce the bleeding just so he can hold out until the surgery, which we hope happens very soon. Thanks so much, and best wishes from San Diego!!

Google... I am so sorry to hear that...😢 I know all too well what hemorrhoid pain feels like. Please, make sure he doesn't take Metamizole, as that can actually increase the bleeding. I'm not sure where you could find Preparation H locally; maybe someone could bring some over from Canada? But honestly, there's no time to wait. Get him to a doctor in New York City. I've seen people here successfully resolve this through surgery. Good luck...

Betty Nelson71 said:I’m not really one to get worked up about things, so it's fine. My main worry is just staying regular. Sometimes it goes on for ten days straight without me being able to go. I eat a varied diet and take Metamucil for digestion. I also have some Voltaren suppositories for the pain; I used one and it actually helped the pain, 🤷though it took a little bit of effort to get it in there.😍 😂

Man, that constipation situation isn't great. I'm not sure how effective Metamucil really is. Regardless of what the commercials say, it can cause bloating if your system is already struggling. Maybe try taking some magnesium citrate. Someone suggested that to me when I had to do a cleanse, though it wasn't my first choice, so I don't think it'll send you running to the bathroom immediately or give you diarrhea if you just take a bit. For general regularity, maybe look into fiber supplements—maybe something like Benefiber. You usually take one to three tablespoons before a meal. Check the label; I remember it saying to start with just one tablespoon, then gradually increase the dose until you see results that work for you. I once had to chug an entire bottle at once before a surgery. Ugh, it was disgusting. Just thinking about it makes me nauseous. That was back in March 2012. You shouldn't overdo it, or you'll end up with diarrhea, and then you'll be right back to hurting. And please, go see a doctor. Dealing with bleeding and pain like that isn't okay. Surgery might be the next step. Don't be afraid of doctors or their diagnoses...

Betty Nelson71 said:Yesterday morning I dealt with diarrhea and flared up some hemorrhoids—one small one and another about the size of a walnut. It’s not my diet or standing too much that triggers them; it's always the diarrhea caused by certain pills I take. If I stop the medication, the diarrhea stops. Yesterday, I made the mistake of only taking half a dose of my caffeine supplement, and now I'm paying for it. I actually fainted from the pain at work, bled, and ended up in the ER. They gave me a painkiller. The staff at the ER were all shocked by how big the hemorrhoid was—literally the size of a walnut. I've struggled with this before, but the last time it was this bad was two years ago, and it lasted for a month; I thought I'd be stuck like this forever. While they were giving me meds to calm things down, the doctor told me to sit in a warm chamomile bath and apply ice. I just applied some soothing balm and feel a little better. Does anyone have advice on a specific cream? I don't mind ordering something online. This only seems to happen to me during the summer. Please help! The pain is unbearable, and surgery is absolutely out of the question right now. I heard someone mention those specific tablets might help.

Give Lidoproct a shot. It works incredibly well for the pain. Most of the advice out there is pretty standard stuff you probably already know: maintain perfect hygiene, don't strain, eat light, and stay away from spicy food—seriously, no heat at all. Stick to greens, avoid anything that causes bloating or constipation, and try to manage the diarrhea. Don't sit on the toilet for too long either. feralsurfer172 mentioned a good way to clean up after using the bathroom (to be honest, even though I cleared everything up over a year ago, I still follow that method because I prefer showering while I'm at it anyway...😁)

@feralsurfer172/">@@feralsurfer172
You really can't push yourself too hard at the gym. Avoid heavy lifting or anything that puts intense strain on your body. That’s when hemorrhoids tend to flare up or even prolapse...

Donna Gray81 said:I mean, I’m just thinking out loud here. I’ve heard so many people swear by it, honestly. Maybe it really does just come down to the individual. Everyone is different, right?🤷

I can’t say I have much experience with it to give a glowing review. I only tried it when things had already gone south—when I was facing emergency surgery just to save my life because the inflammation had gotten so bad. My throat was in absolute agony. When I mentioned the symptoms to my specialist, he actually flinched. He frowned, took one look at my throat, and told me I needed an IV drip immediately. I also know that people around here don't usually brag about seeing results. In fact, I know plenty of folks for whom it didn't help at all. It might be useful in the very early stages, perhaps, but that’s about it. It’s telling that even my professor only ever recommends two specific creams. I’m not saying there aren't other good options out there, but honestly? You go to a decent doctor, they take a look, and they’ll lay out a real treatment plan for you right then and there.

Timothy Wright2 said:I have a question... I was dealing with some constipation for a few days (about four, give or take), and things finally went back to normal. However, yesterday I noticed a hemorrhoid popped up—well, an external one. Actually, it might not even be a standard hemorrhoid because those can just be internal, so maybe it’s some kind of thrombosis? I don't know the exact medical term... anyway... the first day was a little painful, but today it only hurts a bit when I sit down. It doesn't hurt at all when I go to the bathroom, so I'm wondering how I can speed up the healing process for this thing. It's not exactly a huge deal, but I'd rather get rid of it. Since there's no major pain, if anyone has any advice besides "just see a doctor," please let me know... thanks.

Watch your stool consistency. You don't want it too hard, but you shouldn't be dealing with diarrhea either. Use some over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream, and honestly, you should still check in with a doctor. They'll give you specific dietary advice. Stick to plenty of vegetables and leafy greens...

Morgan Brown2 said:I’ve run into a bit of an issue and could really use some advice. Right by the edge of my anus, where the skin starts to transition, things have started swelling up. It feels hard and bumpy. It actually looks more swollen today than it did a day or two ago, though I don't think it'll get much worse than this. It feels like a little ball protruding from the area. There isn't any bleeding, but the spot is pretty sensitive and gets quite painful when I have to use the bathroom.

Well, there you have it. Looks like you've got hemorrhoids. Watch your diet, use some ointment, and honestly—just stay calm and go see a doctor. Basically, it started... Just keep it under control, look back through some of our previous posts here, and you should be fine... Good luck...

feralsurfer172 said:I imagine recovering from surgery wasn't exactly a walk in the park.

We’re looking at this from two different angles. You were forced into having the surgery, whereas I’m just trying my best to prevent it or push it back as long as possible.

Looking at how some of you are thinking, it almost sounds like you believe prevention is pointless since we aren't facing immediate death anyway—or that we should just jump straight to heavy-duty chemo because nothing else seems to have a measurable impact. I guess people prefer to wait until they're truly underwater before they actually start swimming.

If medicine actually tackled the root cause—think how antibiotics go after the bacteria itself—we wouldn't be stuck in this endless debate. A knife might fix the immediate problem at the site of the weakness, sure, but if you keep feeding the body all those other risk factors, isn't there just going to be another issue popping up somewhere else? I certainly wouldn't wish that on myself, and I wouldn't wish it on any of you, either.

Before I take any drastic measures, I’m going to try a preventative approach. It won't cost me anything, really—just a little extra discipline and some focused attention.

Is it actually rational to put any faith in attempts like these?
I don’t know, but I truly believe that by changing how we carry ourselves, we can actually support other scientifically proven medical treatments. 🙂

I think I’ve touched on this before, maybe even shared some articles written by the specialist who performed my surgery. Here’s the thing: hemorrhoids aren't just going to vanish on their own. When it comes to health, you have to be proactive—and I don't just mean with this specific issue. Why am I so adamant that surgery is often the only real fix? I actually didn't realize it myself until right before my procedure, but it's a mechanical failure. It’s a physical malfunction in our body's mechanism. You can't fix a structural issue with just creams or topical ointments, much like how varicose veins in your legs won't disappear just because you rub some lotion on them. Modern surgical methods are what provide a permanent solution. Now, look, I’m not saying everyone needs surgery immediately. As I’ve mentioned before, most people can manage their lives with varying degrees of discomfort without ever stepping into an operating room. But for some, it’s not an option. In the past, these procedures were brutal—if you check my old posts, I explained why those older methods could really mess with your control and sensation. Thankfully, things have changed. In my case, it was more complex; I needed a full reconstruction of the area, which I've detailed elsewhere. But generally speaking, to get rid of hemorrhoids for good, you have to cauterize the blood vessel deep inside. Using the Doppler effect makes this possible. If you're dealing with advanced Stage 4 issues, you're looking at more intensive procedures like DG HAL RAR. My surgeon pointed out that if people truly understood the benefits of Doppler technology, they’d jump on it at the first sign of trouble. It allows you to destroy the vein supplying the blood to the hemorrhoids. If you just go the "classic" route and leave the underlying supply intact, the body eventually bypasses the removed veins, and the problem just comes right back. That’s why catching it early with these less invasive methods is so vital. I’m obviously not a doctor or a medical professional here. This is just how it was explained to me as a layman, and this is my simplified take on it. I actually wrote a piece about this for a newspaper recently—you should give it a read. I'll try to dig up more articles from that same author, too. It’s incredibly educational and worth sharing with family. Ultimately, it’s about showing people what their options are so they can stop suffering unnecessarily.

Reading through your description of the pain you're going through, I’ve come to the conclusion that you're dealing with an advanced stage of this condition—one that's clearly taking a massive toll on your quality of life. Please, listen to me: go see a proven specialist. Find someone who actually deals with this stuff and get it sorted once and for all. If you wait, it’s only going to get harder. In the most complex cases, it eventually becomes a scientific nightmare where even the best doctors in the country can't fix it. They end up putting themselves and the patient in a terrible position because, at that point, resolving issues like hemorrhoids can become incredibly difficult, if not impossible. It's rare, sure, but it happens. Don't wait until the situation reaches a breaking point.

feralsurfer172 said:Are you actually certain about that?

I'm no medical expert, but it seems to me like hemorrhoids are partly a mechanical issue that gets worse with age and poor lifestyle choices. It feels like diet and daily habits really drive the risk of them developing.

I agree with you—once things progress, you have to move toward more aggressive treatments. Creams aren't going to cut it because they don't fix the root cause; they just mask the symptoms.

If we have a genetic predisposition to a disease, there’s a chance we'll get it regardless of what we do. Personally, I refuse to do anything that increases my risk. The real question is whether we actually want to know our vulnerabilities and if we're willing to stop doing the things that hurt us in the long run.
We don't always have a choice... 😢

It's funny how many useless methods exist where experts offer theories while regular people offer actual experience. My body might react differently than someone else's, but that doesn't mean what worked for them won't work for others too.

Boomer 🙂

I am absolutely certain. I know way too much about hemorrhoids due to sheer circumstance. My doctor only recommended two specific creams to use after my surgery. Everything else was just ineffective...

Donna Gray81 said:I really believe diet plays a massive role and it’s definitely something we should all focus on. But let's be honest—sometimes a health issue just won't budge no matter how clean you eat. I'm curious what you all think about Plex. I see some people aren't fans, which surprised me because everything I've heard has been glowing.

That's just plain old misinformation. Trust me, I've been there. I ended up needing surgery in the end...

analogbison62 said:Look, rectal bleeding can definitely be a red flag for something serious. That’s why doctors exist and why colonoscopies are a thing—to find out what's actually going on. But you shouldn't spiral into a panic. If your veins are weak and you're straining too hard, they can pop, which explains a few drops of blood. Honestly, I'd rather have something pop down there than in my brain. As we age, hemorrhoid issues usually taper off, provided you're proactive about prevention through lifestyle changes. Beyond the usual advice of softening things up with more fiber, grains, and fruit, there are other ways. For instance, cutting back on red meat from seven times a week to just two or three, and bumping up your intake of fish, poultry, and stews—things that aren't staples in our diet much anymore. What I mean is, a lot can be done for prevention before it's too late...

That is absolutely incorrect. Problems generally get worse as you get older. However, if people stay disciplined, they can slow that progression down. Many people manage to go their whole lives without ever needing surgery. And some, God knows, end up suffering quite a bit...

feralsurfer172 said:When symptoms get bad, you need meds or surgery—there’s just no other way.

The real question here is whether we can actually slow down the progression of the disease.

Aging is inevitable, sure, but changing up your habits shouldn't make things any worse.
To be honest, I don't know the first thing about medicine.

Best, 😉

Prevention is everything. Take a look at this recent article I shared in its entirety...

feralsurfer172 said:Hygiene alone didn't do it for me—I stayed on top of that religiously, but then the extra complications started hitting.

Surgery isn't always a magic bullet either. It’s incredibly painful, and honestly, the symptoms can come back.

Regardless, changing up your lifestyle is never a bad move. ☕

There’s an old saying floating around these forums: "The older I get, the more I know, but the less I can actually do!"😍

The surgery I mentioned over a year ago IS the only permanent fix. Once it's done, they don't come back. Take a look at some of the older posts and links here; you might be surprised by what you find once you dig into it. I was a skeptic too, right up until I had the procedure and my doctor confirmed that this specific intervention was the only way to make it stick for good...

Melissa Sanders35 said:I’m planning to check in with my doctor in a few days, but honestly, I’m curious about what everyone else has dealt with. Regarding these thrombosed hemorrhoids (which is what I'm facing right now)—is it true that counts as stage 4?? Is there any chance this can be cleared up with the mild treatment I'm on currently, or am I looking at surgery? Such a headache, especially since I was supposed to travel this week..

If the pain isn't unbearable, you could probably still make your trip—provided things settle down enough so it's not a constant issue. But as for the thrombosis? You usually need a procedure to get rid of that...

feralsurfer172 said:Hey there.

The situation:
-------------

The downside is when bits of "material" fly "off target" and end up where they shouldn't. It's honestly gross... just a total mess.
It just takes a little focus to manage.

😂🤣 Seriously... But all jokes aside, you really need to maintain perfect hygiene. I’d actually agree with the method you mentioned. So, what does "deep cleaning" even mean to you? The bottom line is that bowel movements should be smooth, effortless, and natural. The way you described the cleaning process sounds fine. But there's a catch... You have to make sure you're completely empty. That's the only way to ensure everything stays clean, because nothing should be contaminating an already washed area. Hygiene is everything here. And if I'm being honest, I can see surgery in your future...