11 posts shown.
Michael Diaz4
I know that might be my only real option, but my job just doesn't give me much wiggle room with my schedule. I'm currently on a six-month contract, and they can stretch that out up to four times before the law actually kicks in and grants me permanent status—which takes about two years. If I were to take a month off right now, I’d pretty much be risking my entire career. So, yeah... I guess I'll just sit here and deal with it.
So, I’ve been dealing with stage IV hemorrhoids, and man, it’s been a ride. I’ve tried just about every ointment and suppository out there. Last year, I took Pilex twice, which helped a tiny bit, but then I was right back where I started. Same goes for Detralex. Honestly, work has been so crazy that I haven't had a spare second to actually go in for surgery, so I’ve just been forced to deal with the pain on my own terms. While browsing all the random creams at the drugstore, a buddy of mine suggested I pick up some Flogocid. It’s actually used for all sorts of things—inflammation, ingrown nails, soothing burns, frostbite, or stubborn wounds. It’s got boric acid, white petrolatum, anhydrous lanolin, cholesterol, lavender essential oils, liquid paraffin, methylparaben, and a nice herbal scent. (Funny enough, you usually find it at vet clinics!) When things get acute and I see blood, I’ll use a Faktu suppository, and then I slather this Flogocid cream thick over the area. Usually, after two or maybe three bowel movements—or three suppositories—the bleeding stops for about three days. I stop using the Faktu and just stick to the cream on the sore spot. If the pain hits hard after I go, I make sure to take a lukewarm bath for about 10 to 15 minutes while lying down or propped up. Since the hemorrhoids are basically external, it feels like my backside looks like a rosebud. And since they're so "accessible," I keep a little trick handy: I fill a small 16oz plastic water bottle, pop it in the fridge, and once it's cold (around 40°F), I lay it on the floor and gently press against the area. Believe me, the relief is almost instant because it constricts those veins.
Oh, I should probably mention one more thing.
When I really have to go, I don't just sit on the toilet normally; I put a small stool under my feet—maybe 8 to 12 inches high—so I'm not straining so hard. To keep things moving smoothly every day, I eat a few dried prunes before meals. Between all that and the stuff I mentioned above, I can manage these pesky hemorrhoids. I really hope sharing this helps someone else out. If someone had told me all this ten years ago, I would've saved myself so much unnecessary misery.
mistystag48
Hey, could you do me a huge favor and share some details? How long did the surgery actually take? Was it just local anesthesia or did they put you under completely? Also, did you have to stay overnight, and how was the recovery process—like, when did things finally get moving again? Oh, and if you don't mind sharing which clinic you used—I promise I’m not trying to run an ad here! I just want to know so someone can look them up if needed. Thanks!
I'm currently out in Asheville. I’ll probably make a call next week once I get a better feel for things at the office. This whole situation has me feeling a little thrown off balance, honestly.
"mistystag48"
It's weird when they say they were in Pittsburgh, since that's way closer to me. Now I'm genuinely stuck. If General Electric is operating over there and the costs are significantly lower, what am I even supposed to do?
So, I went in for my checkup with Dr. Candace today. The verdict? Stage IV hemorrhoids. Total bummer.
She told me she’ll probably be in surgery for about two hours. Sounds like it might be a similar situation to yours, Michael Diaz4?
mistystag48
I had surgery at General Electric in Pittsburgh last Friday, April 8th.
Could you share a few more details? Like, who was your surgeon, how long were you stuck there, what was the damage in terms of cost, how are you feeling now, and what kind of severity level were we talking about?
Has anyone here actually tried that hemorrhoid pad they’ve been advertising lately? Apparently, some innovator named Edward over in San Francisco came up with it, and I was just wondering if anyone here has put it to the test yet?
Thanks,
Since I’m planning on going through with that treatment soon, I’m really interested in everything. Like I mentioned before, things tend to flare up if I strain too much on the toilet or if I deal with a bout of diarrhea.
It usually happens maybe two or three times a year if I'm not careful, but honestly, it feels like they're lurking after every single bathroom trip. That’s why right after I go, I immediately sit or lie down just to let things settle back into place. And if I still feel that discomfort? I'll hop in a warm bath for about 15 minutes, and that usually keeps them at bay. This is just my experience, but if anyone out there is currently struggling with Hemorrhoids, seriously—just get in some warm water and sit or lie down. If you're feeling that intense pain deeper inside, try to ease that tension first, then get in the water. It’ll definitely make you feel better.
So, that’s basically where I’m at. What do you think? Should I keep playing this little game of wits with them, or should I just get rid of them for good? If there aren't any long-term side effects, I'm leaning towards trying to fix the problem once and for all. Sorry if I sound overly cautious; it's not an emergency right now, but I see that this method you mentioned seems to have almost no downsides. So, what’s your take—should I go for the procedure or just keep doing what I'm doing?
Michael Diaz4,
When you had your surgery, can you tell me if they put you under general anesthesia or just did it locally? And how long did the whole thing actually take?
Best,
Thanks Leslie! I’ll probably head out to Boston next week since that’s where you were hanging out.
Michael Diaz4 said:Look, varicose veins—just like a lot of other physical issues—aren't going to just fix themselves. It’s impossible. It’s like when a car's suspension goes out or you have a busted axle; it’s a mechanical failure, plain and simple. There's no magic cure. With veins, those little bulges...
Michael, I really need your take on this.
I've been dealing with hemorrhoids for about 10 years now, and they flare up two or three times every single year. I've actually managed to keep them under control by doing this one thing: after I go to the bathroom, I just lie down for maybe thirty minutes to an hour, and that keeps them from acting up. But if I have to rush off somewhere immediately after, they flare up right away. Basically, the straining is what triggers them, so I’ve conditioned myself to only go to the restroom when I'm at home. After reading through all the previous posts, I'm thinking I might be at stage 2 or 3. I rarely bleed, but when I do, I just use some FAKTU suppositories and the bleeding stops, though the external ones still show up. Since I can still manage them, I guess my routine is working for now, but I've finally decided I want them gone for good. My job is pretty specialized, so I can't afford to take much time off work. Reading everyone's advice, I was thinking about heading over to Indianapolis to get laser treatment. I know it isn't necessarily a permanent fix, but the speed of it appeals to me—you go in, get it done, and you're back to your life in a day. If I went that route and the hemorrhoids popped up again in a year or two, would having had that laser procedure interfere with the type of surgery you had?
If anyone else on the forum has some insight, please jump in! Cheers!