Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice?

My doctor put me on Detralex capsules for some internal hemorrhoids, but he didn't actually mention how long I need to stay on them—typical. Has anyone here dealt with this before? Do you know what a standard course looks like? Thanks.

Hey everyone.

This is going to be a bit of a long one, but please, just bear with me because I am honestly at my wits' end here...

About five months ago, hemorrhoid issues started messing with my life. I went to see an internist who did a rectoscopy and told me I had Grade II internal hemorrhoids.

I was using Ultraproct cream and taking Daflon tablets. After two weeks—and a month of dealing with this crap total—nothing was getting better. So, I headed over to the Butterfly clinic to ask about the IBM method.

In the end, I pulled the trigger on the procedure. Everything seemed fine at first; they tied off the arteries in seven spots, and after about five or six weeks, the hemorrhoids were completely gone.

But here’s the kicker: I still had these nagging symptoms... pain and pressure in the rectum and perineum. My doctor actually suggested it might be a prostate issue.

I went for a prostate exam, and the urologist thinks it could be chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. It can mimic hemorrhoid symptoms a lot, and usually, you don't even get the typical "urological" stuff like bladder issues. For me, the trouble hits whenever I sit too long—like 3 or 4 hours straight—and there's this constant, dull ache/pressure in my rectum.

The last three days have been brutal. The pain flared up way more than usual since the hemorrhoids cleared, and it felt so much like the old hemorrhoid pain that I panicked. I seriously thought the surgery failed or the hemorrhoids had flared right back up.

So, I went for a second opinion from a proctologist. After an exam, he said the hemorrhoids aren't back, but he spotted some kind of tiny wound near my tailbone.

He kept dancing around it—calling it a little wound, then maybe a fissure... but man, that exam was agonizing. I’ve had plenty of these exams because of the hemorrhoids and the prostate stuff, but this was hands down the most painful thing I have ever experienced. I actually turned pale and had to lie down for ten minutes...

He gave me some cream, but everything is so irritated right now that the mere thought of applying anything near my colon makes me nauseous, let alone actually doing it.

I mentioned to him that I’d already had the IBM procedure, and honestly, I think I was right to doubt him. Based on how he acted and what he said, it felt like he didn't even know what that method was, and this guy is supposed to be a specialist... he's pretty well-known, but I really don't want to throw his reputation under the bus here...

From what I understand, a fissure is supposed to hurt like hell when you go to the bathroom, burn, bleed, and all that.

I don't have any of that. Nothing. Just this constant pressure and dull pain all day long, regardless of whether I've used the restroom or not.

I haven't had a single instance of bleeding, not during the hemorrhoid phase and certainly not now.

Now I'm stuck wondering if it's actually a fissure. Where did this wound come from? Is it even a wound, or is it just some scar tissue left over from the IBM procedure that he just couldn't identify?...

I remember that in those first few weeks after the surgery, it hurt exactly in that spot by my tailbone. But after that first week, the tailbone pain vanished completely, even when I had harder stools.

Honestly, I have no idea where to turn or which doctor to trust anymore. I've been living this nightmare for five months. First the hemorrhoids, then they get "fixed," but the pain "down there" just persists. I keep going through these miserable, painful exams, and I'm still getting zero answers.

Is it even possible to have a fissure without the classic symptoms? If not, then I'm right back to square one with the potential prostate problem.

And how do you even treat a fissure? To be honest, I was thinking about just doing nothing for now and focusing on the prostate issue. If it starts bleeding or hurting more, then maybe I'll deal with the fissure with a procedure... I don't even know anymore. It's depressing seeing doctors and getting nowhere. It's just a nightmare...

After that last exam, I am genuinely terrified of undergoing any kind of rectal exam again...
Does anyone know a doctor who performs fissure diagnoses under local anesthesia? I just need to be 100% sure what we're dealing with.

I've dealt with hemorrhoids before, so I know it can be nasty, but damn... at least I knew what I had and what my options were.

tl;dr
I don't have any of those textbook symptoms of an anal fissure, but my specialist told me I just have some sort of small wound near the colon. Could that actually be a fissure? And if it is... how do you even fix that mess? Also, is there a doctor out there who can do the exam without making it a total nightmare? Like, maybe using local anesthesia so it’s actually painless?

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...

If an external hemorrhoid pops up and hurts like hell for about 4 or 5 days—but there's absolutely no bleeding involved—and then suddenly the pain just vanishes, leaving behind this tiny little bump about the size of a pea that’s shrunk by maybe half... is it actually okay to just leave it alone?

Basically, if it stays like that permanently—meaning it doesn't hurt anymore and there's no blood—should I just stick to good hygiene and keep using my creams, or am I supposed to go racing to the doctor to demand they just cut it out surgically?

Greetings to everyone

This is how it all started for me... I developed hemorrhoids about ten years ago, right after giving birth. It wasn't a huge issue at first; just some occasional stinging and itching here and there. Technically, they aren't separate "internal" or "external" things—they’re all internal, but over time, they can swell outward. Mine eventually reached a point where things were looking quite... irregular. I tried everything—creams, suppositories, oils, various pills—but the situation just kept getting worse. Eventually, I decided I had to go through with surgery using the traditional method. My doctor explained that some parts get treated while others might not, but I went for it anyway. I had the procedure yesterday morning around 11:00 AM. It was done under general anesthesia, and I suppose I should share my experience. General anesthesia isn't actually that scary; you just drift off in a second. It’s a strange sensation, being the first time. When I woke up in the recovery room, I looked around and felt fine—no nausea or vomiting at all. The whole procedure only takes about 45 minutes max, so the anesthesia dose isn't even that heavy. I didn't feel any pain immediately; it only starts later on. As for the pain... well, people say it’s unbearable, but personally, I think I'm managing okay. I wouldn't say I'm sitting here with a massive grin on my face, but I can handle it. They give you plenty of painkillers, so if it hurts, I just take something right away. You stay overnight at the hospital and then you're back home the next day. So, here I am at home. I’ve already had a bowel movement, and honestly, it wasn't nearly as bad as some people make it out to be. It was liquid, so there wasn't much straining involved. Urinating is a little difficult, but it's manageable. Now, if I could offer some advice to everyone: hemorrhoids aren't going to just disappear on their own, no matter what you try. They are there to stay unless you act. Surgery is really the only way to go if you don't want your entire world to revolve around your backside. Just do it and stop worrying; it isn't as terrifying as you think. Women tend to handle it better because we're naturally built to endure more pain than men, though I suppose it's mostly the same for everyone. Thank God, I'm finally rid of this nuisance.

I was just reading up on those Microsoft capsules right here and I really can't recommend them to anyone, mostly because they are just way too overpriced for someone who is actually working hard to make ends meet, but also because my mom tried them and it was a total bust, and honestly, we had gone through so many different things—everything from complete diet overhauls to various supplements, creams, and a million different kinds of pills—and once we discovered those Microsoft ones, we were willing to spend whatever it took just to get some relief because the pain was so unbearable, so we went ahead and bought five full packs, but obviously nothing happened and now we're just sitting around waiting for her surgery, though I can't even remember all the specifics regarding all that medical stuff anymore.

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...

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...

thanks, Michael Diaz4 ...I’m honestly not sure which method works best, but I just know I don't have them anymore, thank God. It's been three days now and everything seems fine... there's a little stinging and urination is a bit difficult... but it's alright... it can be aggravated if you aren't careful. I am just happy this is all over and behind me, because I really don't want this controlling my life anymore.

Hey everyone, finally jumping into the fray here... I've been lurking for ages, reading your posts and looking for advice, but now I figured it’s time to share my own story. I’ve been battling hemorrhoids for at least five or six years now. In the beginning, it wasn't a total nightmare; I could manage by using various creams and ointments and just pushing through. But as time went on—especially after I had my baby—the pain became much more frequent and way more intense. I basically endured this hell for nearly two years straight. I tried everything: suppositories, pills, changing my whole diet, God knows how many different creams... but eventually, the pain just became unbearable. There were nights where I couldn't sleep at all, and honestly, I was even crying from the discomfort. This past summer, I finally worked up the nerve to go see a doctor. He suggested a banding procedure before things got too far gone. I was terrified, obviously, so I told him I needed to think about it and do some research first. Eventually, I decided to pull the trigger. The plan was three sessions, spaced a month apart. After the first one, I actually felt some relief, and the second one helped even more. However, I didn't go back for the third session until two months later because the pain had flared up again. At first, I was convinced the pain was coming from that third site because I hadn't gotten it done on schedule, but my doctor told me that wasn't it. It turns out the internal issue wasn't lining up with the external area, which was inflamed, painful, and swollen. So, that wasn't the culprit. The doctor mentioned it might be an anal fissure, so he gave me some Lidocaine gel and told me to check back in a week if the pain didn't subside. Of course, being as stubborn as I am, I kept telling myself it would just pass. I waited, and I waited, and I suffered through these excruciating pains that were actually worse than the hemorrhoids. My mind was racing—I started wondering if the banding was botched or if the whole procedure was useless. I didn't know what to think. I spent so much time reading your discussions here that I actually started questioning if it was a fissure. Once I realized I had almost every symptom, I decided to head back to the doctor after two months of pure misery. I saw him yesterday, and he confirmed my suspicions immediately. He asked if I wanted to deal with it right then and there, and I said yes, because I simply couldn't take the pain anymore. He performed a fissure dilation, and the whole thing was over in twenty minutes. You don't really feel the actual procedure since they use local anesthesia, though the needle prick hurts a bit. They gave me some painkillers and anesthetic gauze... To be honest, I thought once the local numbing wore off, I’d be dying from the pain, but guys, I can't believe it—it doesn't hurt nearly as much as what I was dealing with before. Sure, I'm on medication, but I was on medication before, too. My only massive fear right now is that I haven't had my first bowel movement yet. I'm genuinely scared of how that's going to go. And yeah, it’s not like there’s zero pain, but as long as I'm lying down, I feel okay. The moment I stand up, it starts hurting again, so I've just been stuck in bed all day. Anyway, I hope sharing this helps someone else out there. If you have any advice, please, please let me know. Sorry for any typos; I'm typing this on my phone because sitting at a computer is just too painful right now. Hang in there!

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.😉

I have a question... it involves external hemorrhoids, the kind that don't retract and just stay out all the time. Has anyone actually managed to deal with them using nothing but creams and diet changes, without having to undergo surgery?

feralwolf7 said:I have a question... it’s about external hemorrhoids, specifically the kind that don't retract inside but stay out all the time. Has anyone actually managed to get rid of those just using creams and diet, WITHOUT having to go under the knife for surgery?

It sounds like you might be dealing with stage 3 or 4. At that point, there isn't much else you can do. It's either live with it or face surgery. Just a quick note—technically, all hemorrhoids start internally; they just prolapse and end up on the outside. If it were stage 1 or early stage 2, they might retract on their own. Fix your diet... hygiene needs to be spotless. But honestly, once things take a turn for the worse, you're going to need a doctor. Don't wait for complications to hit; just go see a physician to get it looked at properly...☕>

feralwolf7 - I had the exact same experience... there really isn't anything that works except surgery. They were internal issues that just spread and broke through to the surface, so all the creams in the world aren't going to touch them. I tried everything. In the end, it had to be surgery. It’s my fifth day post-op now... I'm doing okay, mostly feeling better than yesterday, though I have to admit, the pain is pretty intense.🙂

I haven't had a chance to read everything yet, but I felt compelled to post because I’ve been dealing with symptoms for nearly two years now. I just left my doctor's office for the second time today, and she handed me a referral for surgery—specifically, I think it's a sigmoidoscopy.
To give you some context, my first run-in with hemorrhoids was about five or six years ago when I was twenty. It was an external one, nothing major, or so they told me. They prescribed some Fact ointment, and after a few days, the issue basically vanished. My doctor chalked it up to being a student and sitting around too much, which, honestly, he wasn't wrong about. He did advise using the cream more consistently—three times a day—and continuing even after the symptoms subside until you're certain it's completely gone. What's odd, though, is that this seems to flare up at almost the exact same time every year for me, usually around April.
The more serious issue, the thing that actually keeps me on edge, is that less than two years ago, I saw blood in my stool for the very first time. And I don't mean a tiny speck on the paper like you might get from a minor scratch; I mean bright red, liquid blood. When I wiped, it looked like I’d dipped the paper into a bucket of blood. It’s genuinely shocking when it happens to you for the first time; you suddenly start self-diagnosing every worst-case scenario you can imagine. You start obsessing over cancer, tumors... all those things you hear about suddenly feel very personal and very real. A neighbor tried to reassure me that it's definitely just internal hemorrhoids. Regardless, I have the sigmoidoscopy coming up soon, and maybe a colonoscopy after that, depending on what they decide.
Fear isn't really the issue here; I just want to find a way to fix this because it keeps happening. In the last ten days alone, it's happened at least four times. I've noticed the bleeding doesn't happen right away with the initial bowel movement, but rather during the subsequent straining. I can easily adjust my diet; that won't be an obstacle for me.
What I really need to know is this: what about physical exertion? Am I allowed to lift weights? Carry heavy groceries? I can drink more water throughout the day, no problem. I can eat more vegetables. But what about coffee? Cigarettes? Alcohol? I don't think I need those anyway. My main concern is the physical strain. Should I be avoiding heavy lifting entirely?
So, the problem is internal. Thanks in advance for any insight. Catch you later.
P.S. There's no pain, just the blood. Liquid, disgusting, bright red blood all over the paper—gross.

Hey everyone. I’m 19, and honestly, this whole situation has hit me pretty hard... there's a fair amount of embarrassment involved, plus some anxiety, if you know what I mean. I noticed the first symptoms just a few days ago—specifically this past Saturday. It started as a minor itch that’s gradually turning into a dull ache or a stinging sensation. In a moment of questionable judgment, I decided to do a little "self-examination," and I found what looks like a tiny, raised bump (I'm not quite sure how else to describe it) right on the edge, somewhere between the external and internal areas, though mostly on the outside. There isn't any bleeding, and it hardly hurts at all; I can sit down normally despite the slight itching, so it's nothing extreme. Still, I wanted to see what you all suggest. I'm almost certain I should go in for a professional checkup, but I figured I'd ask here first. Is this something that can be managed with standard ointments or creams? (Side note: I actually did my clinical rotations at a local hospital for two years, so I’m familiar with the medical side of things—everyone knows me there... :l )
Also, is there a possibility of a full recovery, and am I cleared for physical activity?
Thanks in advance!

Noah Chase4 - I am fairly certain that lifting weights will only end up making things worse... nothing heavy should be lifted at all... maybe some light walking is okay... maintaining hygiene, avoiding alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes is a major rule when dealing with any illness, including this one, though how much anyone can actually tolerate varies... generally speaking, stick to a light diet: fruits, vegetables, yogurt, juices, and plenty of water... your lifestyle habits have to change when you deal with hemorrhoids, and you need to adapt if you want to avoid surgery and get rid of them for good... I dealt with them for ten years before finally having surgery five days ago... it isn't easy, but it is what it is... don't let fear take control of you; everyone deals with hemorrhoids at some point... for some people they cause issues, while for others they don't... regardless, don't let it get into your head or dominate your mindset... you can live a very pleasant life with this if you are careful... diet, hygiene, increased fluid intake to ensure regular bowel movements, light walking, staying relaxed and calm... perhaps you won't even need surgery; many people live quite normally with this condition... provided, of course, that it isn't as painful as you are describing... all the best... regards

Michael Diaz4 said:It’s likely stage three or four at this point. There isn't much else to be done... You either live with it or face surgery... And just a note—they are all internal hemorrhoids; they only protrude because of prolapse... They can resolve on their own if it's only stage one or the beginning of stage two. Adjust your diet... Hygiene needs to be perfect. But again, once things take a turn for the worse, you'll have to see a doctor. To avoid waiting for complications, you really should go see a physician to have it looked at...☕

Yeah, I figured that might be the case... I won't pass. But it's fine. I've had them for about a year now. There isn't any actual pain, but they're a nuisance... they just get in the way of everything, twenty-four hours a day... I guess it really is time to make an appointment with the doctor... 😁

Nicholas Patel2... that sounds incredibly painful. But I suppose a week of suffering is better than living with that burden forever... How long did you have to wait for the surgery? Did they run any preliminary tests first? I wonder if your supplemental insurance covers the costs... I read somewhere that symptoms can sometimes return after the procedure, but if they treat it properly this time, maybe it'll finally be resolved for good... I'm not sure how accurate those reports are... either way, for these specific cases, there really isn't any other option... 🙂

Noah Chase4 Asks:
I haven't managed to catch up on everything everyone has posted yet, but I felt like I should chime in since I've been dealing with some symptoms for nearly two years now. I went back to see my doctor for the second time today, and she just handed me a referral for surgery—specifically, I think they want to run a sigmoidoscopy.
So, looking back, my first run-in with hemorrhoids happened about five or six years ago. I was only twenty at the time. It was an external one—nothing life-threatening, as the doctor put it. He handed me some Pfizer cream, and honestly, within a few days, the whole thing just settled down. His diagnosis? My lifestyle. Apparently, being a full-time student and sitting in a chair all day will do that to you. He wasn't wrong. One thing I learned, though, is that you can't just stop the moment you feel better. You have to keep applying that cream three times a day, even after the symptoms fade, until you’re absolutely certain everything is completely back to normal. It is strange, though. There’s a weird pattern to it. It seems like this flares up almost every single year around the exact same time—for me, it’s always April.
What’s been weighing on me more heavily—and honestly, this is the serious stuff—is that less than two years ago, I saw blood in my stool for the very first time. I don't mean just a tiny little smudge on the paper like you'd get from a minor scratch. No, it was bright red, liquid blood. When I wiped, it looked like I had dipped the toilet paper directly into a bucket of blood. It was terrifying. When you see that for the first time, you immediately start self-diagnosing everything. You go straight to the worst-case scenarios—cancer, tumors... all those things you hear about suddenly feel like they're living inside your own head. My neighbor told me it's almost certainly just internal hemorrhoids. Still, I have a rectoscopy scheduled soon, and who knows, maybe even a colonoscopy after that.
I’m not saying I’m terrified or anything—it’s just that I want to get ahead of this, because it keeps happening. Over the last ten days, it’s flared up at least four times now. I’ve noticed a pattern, too; the blood doesn't show up right away with the first movement, but rather after things have moved along further. Honestly, I can adjust my diet without any issue. That really isn't the problem here.
I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately. What exactly is the deal with physical exertion? Am I allowed to hit the gym and lift weights? Or maybe even tackle some heavy lifting, like moving bags of mulch around? I can certainly up my water intake—that's really no issue at all. Same goes for eating more vegetables; that sounds perfectly fine. But then there’s the other stuff. What about coffee? Cigarettes? Alcohol? I mean, I don't necessarily have to indulge, but it's a question. The main thing on my mind, though, is the actual physical strain. Should I be avoiding strenuous activity altogether?
So, it looks like the issue lies with the internal components. Thanks in advance for the help—talk soon.
P.S. I’m not feeling any pain, just seeing blood. Liquid, disgusting, bright red blood on the toilet paper. Just... ugh.

You really need to avoid any heavy physical exertion. On a side note—and this might seem like a random tangent—sitting actually isn't the main culprit behind hemorrhoids; if anything, standing all day is even worse. Evolutionarily speaking, we were built for different postures long before we became modern humans. That’s why you see it most often in people like retail clerks, hairstylists, or surgeons. I’ve heard it said that you almost never find a surgeon who hasn't dealt with them at some point. Please, just go see a doctor to get an official diagnosis and handle it while it's still manageable. I learned that the hard way. It started for me about twenty years ago, and it eventually ended with me on the operating table.

Ronald Johnson92 said:Hey everyone. I’m 19, and honestly, this whole thing has really hit me hard. It’s a mix of shame and anxiety, if you know what I mean. I started noticing symptoms just a few days ago—this past Saturday, actually. It began as a slight itch that’s slowly turning into a dull ache or a stinging sensation. I decided to check things out myself, and I "found" this little swollen bump right on the edge—not quite inside, not quite outside, but leaning more toward the exterior. There’s no bleeding, and it barely hurts; I can sit down without any real issue, so it isn't anything major. Still, it's weighing on me. What do you guys suggest? I’m pretty much set on going in for a professional exam, but I wanted to ask here first: can this be treated with standard ointments or creams? To be honest, I spent two years doing my clinical rotations at a local hospital, so I'm familiar with how things work. Everyone there knows me. But yeah... what do you think?
I wanted to ask if a full recovery is actually possible, and whether physical activity is allowed?
Thanks in advance!

Avoid heavy exertion, but there’s absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed. You think the staff at the hospital doesn't understand human anatomy? Don't let shame hold you back from getting help...

feralwolf7 said:Yeah, that's what I thought too—that I wouldn't get through it. But look, I've had them for a year now. It doesn't exactly hurt, but they're constant. They mess with my life 24/7 :/ so yeah, I definitely need to see a doctor.😁

Aki — "painful" is an understatement. I suppose a week of pain is better than living with this forever. How long have you been waiting for surgery? Did you do any preliminary testing first? Does your supplemental insurance cover it? I read somewhere that symptoms can sometimes return after surgery, but if they treat it properly the first time to fix it for good, who knows how accurate that is... either way, there isn't much choice left here.🙂

Of course you need to see a specialist; there is no room for hesitation here. And honestly, it's not just a "week of pain" if the condition has progressed quite a bit. There will be discomfort, certainly, but it isn't something you can't handle...