Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice?

Sean Hernandez12 said:Hey everyone. I’ve just spent some time scrolling through several pages of this thread—skipping around a bit—and I have to say, I’m feeling pretty uneasy. It’s a bit unsettling, honestly. I'm only 20 years old, and yet here I am, already dealing with this. First and foremost, though, I really hope we can all find a way to get past this once and for all...

Alright, here’s how things stand with me: I’m 20 years old, weighing in at about 176 lbs, and standing around 5'11"—which I think is fine, though I am planning to drop maybe 10–12 pounds since that might be part of the issue. I used to hit the gym regularly until about three months ago, and everything was generally alright—even though, back then, I’d occasionally feel a little "bump" down there. It didn't really worry me much, though; it would disappear after a day or two, and there was no pain or bleeding or anything like that. I stuck to weightlifting for about three years, though my consistency was a bit hit-or-miss—I’d sometimes take a month off before getting back into it. I wasn't lifting massive weights, mostly staying in the 110–130 lb range, though I did hit 240–260 lbs on deadlifts every once in a while, but nothing too frequent. Now, I haven't touched a barbell in three months. I've become pretty lazy, honestly, and I’ve dealt with a few stressful situations during this stretch. On top of that, I spend a ridiculous amount of time sitting in front of a computer—I'm an IT student—so I'm not moving much, aside from the occasional run or a game of soccer.

Things started about a month ago when I noticed a streak of fresh blood on the toilet paper. I panicked immediately—mostly because I’ve never seen anything like it before (though, to be fair, I probably wasn't paying enough attention in the past to notice if it were happening). I remember that after my bathroom trip that night—around 8 PM, since that’s my usual routine—there was this slight stinging sensation down there. It wasn't exactly painful, just an irritation. The next day was much of the same: a little more blood on the paper and that same stinging feeling. After two or three days, both the stinging and the bleeding subsided. Honestly, I have a sneaking suspicion this might all be tied to some recent stressful situations I've been dealing with... Moving along—after I finish using the restroom, I can feel a sort of "little bubble" protruding. Sometimes it's larger, sometimes smaller, and I realized after a while that I could just push it back inside right after I'm done. Of course, I’m very diligent about hygiene; I make sure to clean up thoroughly every single time. To reiterate, nothing actually hurts during the bowel movement, nor does it hurt afterward. It’s just incredibly annoying because it only happens while I'm on the toilet; otherwise, everything feels completely normal down there. About three or four days ago, I finally hit the gym after being away for quite a while. I really enjoy working out, so I spent some time on the treadmill running, did a few push-ups, and knocked out two or three arm and back exercises—nothing too intense, just keeping it light. But when I got home after two hours and went to the restroom, I had quite a surprise waiting for me: blood in my stool. Specifically, fresh blood at the very beginning—right at the top. It seems pretty obvious to me that it's hemorrhoids, though I suspect they are internal ones? I felt that "bubble" again after using the restroom, the one I can push back in. Again, I must emphasize: there was no pain involved. Since then, things have returned to somewhat normal—no more blood—but that "bubble" is still there, popping out during bowel movements and needing to be tucked back in. I’m trying to increase my fiber intake as much as possible and ensure my bowel movements stay regular; I go every day without fail. I drink plenty of water, too. My one real weakness is that I don't exactly crave vegetables, but I am making an effort. I don't drink alcohol—never have in large amounts, and I'm staying strictly away from it now—and I avoid spicy foods.

Should I try using Fact ointment or Fact suppositories?

I’m trying to ramp up my activity levels—starting mostly with running, cardio, and that sort of thing—but I’m feeling a bit hesitant about hitting the weight room. I'm worried about how to start lifting heavier weights when, after just one session where I didn't even push myself too hard, I started experiencing some bleeding down there...

Can you actually pick up those caps over the counter without a prescription? Or maybe there’s some other cream or something else out there that might help me out... I'd really appreciate any advice you guys can throw my way. Thanks in advance for any help.

Based on my own experience, I’d strongly suggest booking an appointment with a proctologist as soon as possible. From what you’ve described—and just between us—it sounds like you might be dealing with internal hemorrhoids, likely second-degree. There is a chance you could manage the symptoms with medicated suppositories; personally, Ultraproct L worked wonders for me, though you usually need a prescription for those since they contain corticosteroids. I have heard they are quite effective, and if I recall correctly, there might be some over-the-counter options available that don't require a script. In the meantime, try to stick to a cleaner diet—lots of cooked foods, fruits, vegetables, and anything high in fiber. You really ought to steer clear of spicy seasonings, alcohol, and heavy, greasy meals altogether.

Well, I’m not going to sit here and offer you any empty comfort—my own experience with hemorrhoids has been nothing short of "wonderful." I started out at stage 2 myself. I first felt them during my third month of pregnancy, and for the next six months, I swear I tried everything under the sun, yet nothing provided a permanent fix. There were several suppositories and creams that offered some temporary relief, but the symptoms just kept coming back. On top of that, I dealt with a few smaller external thrombosed ones that were quite painful. So, after roughly five different hospital visits and being prescribed a dizzying array of creams and suppositories, I finally decided to see a specialist for an LHP laser procedure. However—and this is where it gets interesting—once they sedated me and my muscles fully relaxed, all the internal ones prolapsed, and the surgeon realized that a simple LHP wouldn't cut it. He had to pivot to a classic Morgan-Milligan operation instead. It turns out I actually have four internal hemorrhoids—some at stage 2 and others at stage 3. To be honest, the internal ones weren't the main issue; they would just pop out after a bowel movement and slide back in, but the external ones were the real pain. So, I ended up having a combination of both surgical techniques. Now, it’s been four weeks since the surgery, and I’m still dealing with open wounds that are healing incredibly slowly; I suspect I won't be able to function normally for at least another month. As for the post-op pain... let's just say I'll spare you the details. My surgeon told me everything looks fine so far and that it just needs to take its course—apparently, patience is the most important part of this recovery process.

Internal hemorrhoids simply cannot be cured by creams, suppositories, or dietary changes; those things only provide temporary management. Once you have that first flare-up and manage to calm it down with medication, believe me, they are just waiting for one wrong move to strike again. Just like my surgeon told me, the only real cure for internal hemorrhoids is surgery—everything else is just a band-aid.

Good luck!

My internal hemorrhoids are acting up again—right in the middle of everything
But honestly, I’m not even in pain, which is weird
I’m just scrolling through these posts and reading everyone's comments... it's like you all act as if you swallowed a live grenade or something
For me, I just go to the restroom, see some blood, and that's the whole story
It’s been going on for decades now
This makes it the fourth time this year alone
I keep a log of it and everything

So, does Pilex actually work then????
Man, that stuff is expensive as hell

Lawrence Booth2 said:For me, it’s the same old story—blood in my stool again.
But honestly, nothing hurts.
I read through these posts and you all act like you've swallowed a live grenade or something.
I just go to the restroom, see some blood, and that's the end of it.
It’s been going on for decades.
This makes it the fourth time this year alone.
I keep track.

So, does Pilex actually work then????
Damn, it's expensive.

Pilex didn't do anything for me, though apparently, there are people who swear by it. Total waste of money.

They’re too embarrassed to admit it 😁
Maybe it’s just a placebo

hollowhawk15 said:What is it—it’ll pass, but there is no way I’m seeing a doctor because of hemorrhoids.😲 I haven't gone myself, but a friend of mine did and had a pretty terrible experience with a rectal exam.😲 😢 😁

Hi everyone.
My story really started after giving birth back in 2013. I was in labor for 33 hours—quite a marathon—and I was discharged from the hospital with hemorrhoids that they told would just resolve on their own. I tried everything, creams and oral meds, but about a year later, the pain in my lower body became unbearable. It was enough to wake me up in the middle of the night, and even walking felt painful. I still had external hemorrhoids at that point. After a long string of tests, I decided to take matters into my own hands and visit a specialist at a private clinic—the Dr. LASTRIC Clinic. Dr. Peric examined me and was honestly shocked; I had abscesses inside that were at risk of rupturing and causing sepsis. That same day, I ended up on dr. Prica's operating table. During the procedure, they used ten local anesthetic injections. Between the cauterization and draining those abscesses... it was awful. The cost was around $250. I went back for follow-ups, only to have a ball-sized abscess reappear two weeks later. Dr. Peric sent me straight to the emergency room at Holy Spirit Hospital for an immediate incision near the rectum. From there, I was sent to Holy Spirit for more tests to discuss surgery. It turned out I had an anal fistula, and it was deep. Dealing with the doctors at Holy Spirit was a nightmare—I underwent three surgeries that were all unsuccessful; they just kept opening things up without ever mentioning actually removing the fistula. For about six months, I was essentially walking around with a hole near my rectum that kept draining pus. Long story short, one of the doctors at Holy Spirit also works at a private practice called Arither, where they charge about $850 for the HAL-RAR method. He’s the same doctor who operated on me three times and frankly, he makes me sick. Later, I sought a second opinion at Mercury Health with dr. Ivanovic. He opened his ledger and told me he could get me in two years—though he does work in private practice and gave me his card. That doctor works at leptir, and the HAL-RAR method there is $850. I was losing my mind because, quite honestly, doctors like that make me nauseous. Eventually, I went to see dr. Nol. He didn't make any grand guarantees, but we agreed on a surgery. Given how deep the fistula was, it had to be a classic surgical approach. The total cost, including dressings and follow-ups, was about $1,050. I am beyond satisfied; I am incredibly grateful to dr. Nol, who even sent a nurse to change my wound at home. I should mention, it hurts—you won't be able to use the restroom for 3 or 4 days even with strong meds—but that first trip was definitely intense. I’d recommend taking a stool softener like Colace to help. This happened in 2015, and thank God, everything is fine now. No more external hemorrhoids and no more internal fistula. Just please, be careful about which surgeon you choose. I chose dr. Nol because he seemed honest and decent—he didn't try to play games with me, and most importantly, he doesn't juggle hospital shifts and private practice like most others, which is something that really turns me off. If you have any questions, I'm here.

loneeagle62 said:Hello!

About six days ago, I started noticing a slight itch in my rectal area, though I didn't give it much thought at the time. To be perfectly honest, I’ve never dealt with hemorrhoids before, nor did I truly understand what they actually entailed.

Then, three days later, this mild stinging sensation began to develop, steadily intensifying until it became quite severe—not to mention the sheer discomfort during wiping after a bowel movement. After six days of essentially just waiting to see if it would pass, I finally went to a local pharmacy, explained my symptoms to the pharmacist, and she provided me with some hemorrhoid cream.

I don't believe I have external hemorrhoids, as there aren't any visible lumps or swelling in the area, yet there is this intense burning sensation internally. When I had a bowel movement today, I noticed a significant amount of blood, which was a first for me. That internal burning and searing pain is still very much present. I read somewhere that internal hemorrhoids aren't supposed to be painful and only cause bleeding, so I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced such intense internal pain?

My internal ones are causing me quite a bit of pain as well; did you manage to find any relief? I picked up some Detralex, but I'm feeling a bit hesitant to actually start taking it.

Sophia Brooks50 said:I'm dealing with some internal pain myself—did you manage to get everything sorted out? I picked up some Detralex, but honestly, I'm a little hesitant to actually start taking it.

Poxz
I would strongly suggest getting a checkup—and making it a priority. If you can't see dr. Nol privately, please schedule an appointment at the hospital right away so things don't escalate. I've tried Detralex before, and frankly, it felt like throwing money down the drain. If you can find some safflower oil, you might find it helpful to use both topically and internally. Wishing you all the best.

quietpanther37 said:Poxz
I would strongly advise you to seek a medical consultation—and make it a priority. If you can't secure a private appointment with dr. Nol, then schedule something at the hospital immediately to prevent any complications. As for Detralex, I’ve used it myself, and frankly, it feels like throwing money down the drain. If you have the option, buy some castor oil; you can apply it both internally and externally. Wishing you all the best.

I have been undergoing regular check-ups for years now, dealing with hemorrhoids since my childbirth and even an anal fissure. Things had actually been quite manageable for about five years, but clearly, I made a dietary error about ten days ago—was it the cabbage and beans? Regardless, I am feeling quite hesitant to go back for another exam because the doctor is the same one who wasn't particularly personable during our last encounter. He recommended Detralex back then, which I declined, but I ended up buying it yesterday and it's just sitting there on my side table. I also picked up some castor oil, and I already have Hemeroprotekt at home; I usually keep it close by for when there's a bit of stinging, but lately, applying it seems to actually aggravate the burning sensation, so that's why I bought the oil. What has your experience been like? Did Detralex truly offer no relief whatsoever? Oh dear, I just finished reading your post, and honestly, a wave of panic has washed over me—I tend to be quite prone to anxiety and panicking. I haven't decided what to do yet. I'm not from Washington, D.C., so I'm a bit lost here... but did the oil actually help?

Hey, does anyone know for sure if Bank of America in Washington, D.C. performs hemorrhoid banding? I'm talking about the rubber band ligation method specifically.

Hey everyone, looking for some advice or a helping hand here.

I’ve been dealing with internal hemorrhoids for about 7 or 8 years now—it wasn't a huge deal before, just popped up once or twice a year and went away quickly. They've always bled, though, and they usually hurt like hell.

But about a month and a half ago, things escalated—it got so painful and bloody I actually had to start using ointments and suppositories for the first time. I guess it's finally getting worse.

The Faktu stuff actually worked for a few days, and everything seemed fine until about ten days ago when the real agony started—and it hasn't let up since. Basically, every bathroom trip is brutal—pain, bleeding, the whole nine yards. I've been using Faktu for a week straight after I go, but nothing's working. A few days back, I switched over to Hemeroprotekt, but honestly, it's not any better.
After I'm done, I just have to lie down—I'm in pain for like 7 to 10 hours at a time some days. Walking helps a little bit, but man, I'm just exhausted and too drained to get anything done.

I'm thinking the culprit is my lifestyle—not moving enough, sitting too much, my diet, and this weird, chronic digestion situation where I swing between long bouts of diarrhea and rock-hard stools. I'm not even overweight or anything.
My digestion is actually okay right now—I hit the restroom every day between 11 AM and noon, which has been consistent all year—but the issue is the very beginning of the stool😁 that comes out. It’s always hard as a rock, and it just tears everything up right as it starts to heal from the night before.

So, my questions:

-What can I do to make sure the entire stool is soft, so that initial "rock" doesn't happen?

-What should I be eating, and what should I stay away from?

-Any specific meds? Should I try Pilex tablets—yes or no?

-In this kind of shape, is it better to just lie down or should I try to move around a bit—like walking or staying on my feet?

-Which doctor or clinic should I see? I need someone legit, not some scammers just looking to drain my bank account—p.s. money isn't the issue.

I just want to fix this once and for all, or at least get some relief for a while.
The catch is my job—there's nobody to cover for me, so I have to power through at least until New Year's, and ideally until Easter, before I look into any kind of surgery.

Help me out, please! Thanks!

If anyone happens to be struggling with hemorrhoids, you might find some relief by trying Procto cream; I suppose if you look online, you should be able to find all the details on where to pick some up and how to use it properly, as I really don't want to sound like I'm just pushing an advertisement here.

Steven Castillo82 said:Greetings, I am reaching out in hopes of receiving some counsel and assistance.

I have been dealing with internal hemorrhoids for about seven or eight years now, though until recently, things weren't particularly dire; they would flare up once or twice a year and subside just as quickly. They have always been prone to bleeding and frequently quite painful.

However, about a month and a half ago, the situation escalated to the point where I had to resort to using ointments and suppositories because the pain and bleeding became unbearable; I suspect the condition has significantly progressed.

To be fair, the Faktu ointment provided some relief within a few days, and everything seemed fine until ten days ago when the true agony began—an ordeal that continues to this day. To put it plainly, bowel movements are excruciating, accompanied by discharge and blood; even after applying Faktu for an entire week following my movements, there has been no improvement. A few days ago, I switched over to Hemeroprotekt, but it hasn't yielded any better results.
After using the restroom, I find myself lying down, in total discomfort for roughly seven to ten hours at a time; while walking offers slight relief, I am left feeling utterly exhausted and too drained to maintain any kind of steady work schedule.

I suspect the root causes are my sedentary lifestyle, excessive sitting, my diet, and a chronically erratic digestive system characterized by alternating bouts of diarrhea and hard stools. I am not overweight.
My digestion is currently somewhat regular—I usually go every day between 11:00 AM and noon, which has been consistent for a year—but the issue lies with the very beginning of the stool,😁 which emerges as hard as a stone, tearing through the delicate tissue that managed to heal slightly overnight.

My questions are as follows:

-What can I do to ensure the entire stool is soft, so that the initial part doesn't harden so intensely?

-What should my diet generally consist of, and what should I strictly avoid?

-Which medications are worth taking? Should I consider Pilex tablets—yes or no?

-In this state of pain, is it better to remain lying down, or should I engage in light movement, such as walking or staying on my feet?

-Which doctor or medical clinic should I visit to ensure I am seeing professionals rather than charlatans merely looking to drain my wallet? Note: money is not an issue.

I want to resolve this once and for all, or at least secure a period of lasting relief.
The complication is that my job is one where I cannot be easily replaced, so I must endure this until at least the New Year, and ideally until Christmas, before considering any surgical procedures.

Please help! Thank you!

This sounds remarkably like an anal fissure to me. You really ought to see a doctor to get a definitive diagnosis; I suffer from hemorrhoids myself and was taking Detralex, but when I went in for an exam the day before yesterday, it turned out I actually had a fissure as well. So, I am dealing with both internal hemorrhoids and a fissure. I was told I needed to stick to a strict diet, high in fiber and plenty of water.

I didn't even know an anal fistula was a thing, but I just did some digging and—honestly? Based on everything I'm feeling, it’s definitely that. I’ve been dying all day long—started eating less, which means I'm barely even going...😁, but nothing is touching this pain. It's absolutely killing me🙂

Steven Castillo82 said:I didn't even realize an anal fistula was a possibility, but after doing some reading, all the symptoms seem to point right to it. Honestly, I've been feeling absolutely miserable all day—I tried eating less to see if that would help with my movements, but nothing is working. This thing is just draining the life out of me.😁, and seriously, nothing seems to help. It's killing me.🙂

I'm really not sure if this works for a fistula, though.

Give it a shot and let us know? That way, everyone else can figure out if it actually does the trick.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/p...tive-hemorrhoids/
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/p...hemorrhoids/comments

Steven Castillo82 said:I honestly hadn't even considered an anal fistula before this, but after reading up on it, every single symptom points directly to that diagnosis. It’s been an absolute nightmare today; I've barely eaten anything, which naturally means less movement through my system, 😁, but nothing seems to touch the pain. This thing is absolutely killing me.🙂

Look, if you want to find some relief, you need to overhaul your entire diet immediately. Think bland and gentle: boiled foods, light soups, plenty of vegetables—just steer clear of anything sugary, spicy, or heavy on the cheese. Personally, I struggle enough as it is because those aren't even things I particularly enjoy, but it's necessary. Beyond that, try sitting in a warm sitz bath with some chamomile tea for about ten minutes twice a day. If you're dealing with constipation, take a laxative—though, truth be told, I've been relying on them for years. Lately, I've been trying to transition to fruit compotes, oatmeal, or psyllium husk instead. For topical relief, I've found that using a simple baby cream helps, though currently, I'm using Proctis M ointment and it actually provides some soothing comfort. That's my best advice. I've been battling this for a decade now; I had a five-year stretch where things were quiet despite my poor dietary choices—I lived on sweets and ice cream, for heaven's sake—but I think I really overdid it this time. I consumed far too many tangerines and sauerkraut, combined with an excessive amount of laxatives. Being constipated is miserable, but having diarrhea is just as bad, so you're caught in a lose-lose situation. Just try these adjustments; hopefully, they'll offer you some initial respite.

Steven Castillo82 said:I wasn't even aware an anal fistula was a possibility, but after doing some reading, every single symptom points directly to that diagnosis. Honestly, I feel like I'm dying today; I've tried cutting back on food to reduce my movements, 😁, but nothing seems to touch the pain—it's absolutely debilitating.🙂

Sunscreen is actually a decent cream; I keep the whole 10g tube sitting right there in my bathroom, but if things start stinging, it doesn't always cut it. Since it failed me this time, I switched over to Proctis m, which comes with those suppositories, though frankly, I’m too intimidated to even try inserting them. I was worried that getting an exam would be a public spectacle and the entire hospital would hear me, but it wasn't like that at all—I went to a private clinic instead.

I’ve totally overhauled my diet over the last few days—lots of veggie stews, lentils, fresh fish soup, chicken, fruit, nuts... you name it. I've also been drinking a glass of probiotics with flaxseed oil morning and night (saw it online somewhere😁). Digestion feels okay overall, but for some reason, the first bit is always hard as a rock—total damage every single morning. It's like something down there isn't breathing right, so air gets in and just dries everything out😬

As for meds, I grabbed a small pack of Pfizer tablets just to test the waters—on day three now. Honestly, when you're desperate, you'll try anything. Besides, they're natural and don't have side effects, and usually, I stay far away from pills of any kind.
After using Tylenol for a couple of days, I tried applying some Hemopropin ointment several times a day, but that stuff is a terrible choice for a fissure. It’s way too aggressive and always burned like hell—I think it actually made things worse. Switched back to Tylenol since it's much milder. I tried the suppositories too, but everything is so swollen and ulcerated that they just won't stay in

Had a relatively painless bathroom trip today, but the pain hung around all day—still not great, though definitely better than yesterday's absolute agony.

Still gotta try a chamomile soak

Everything was under control while I was staying active with sports, but then I went on a few trips at the end of summer, let myself go, and basically drowned in alcohol. Everything went south immediately. Once this episode passes, if it even does, I really need to get my life together and fix my habits because this is terrifying. I've been stuck inside for the last 15 days suffering—completely useless, frustrated, and honestly, losing my mind.

Steven Castillo82 said:Over the last few days, I’ve completely overhauled my diet; I’m simmering vegetable stews with lentils, making fresh fish soups, chicken, eating plenty of fruit and nuts, and I start and end my day with a glass of probiotics mixed with flaxseed oil (which I read about somewhere😁). My digestion feels fine overall, but for some inexplicable reason, the initial part of the stool comes out as hard as a rock, causing damage every single morning—it’s almost as if there’s an issue with airflow down there, allowing air to enter and dry everything out😬

As far as medications and supplements go, I picked up a small trial pack of FedEx tablets and I’m currently on day three. Honestly, when you're desperate, you'll try just about anything. Besides, they're natural and don't have side effects; normally, I avoid pills of any kind at all costs.
After using Aspirin for two days, I tried applying Hemeropropy ointment several times a day, but that cream is a poor choice for a fissure; it’s far too aggressive and always caused a burning sensation—I actually suspect it made things slightly worse. I’ve reverted to Aspirin, which is much gentler. I tried the hemorrhoid rings, but everything is so swollen and ulcerated that they simply slip right out.

Today, passing a stool was relatively painless, though the ache persisted throughout the entire day, even if it wasn't the absolute agony I endured yesterday.

I still need to try a chamomile soak.

Back when I was staying active with sports, everything was under control, but toward the end of the summer, I went on a few trips, let myself go a bit, and there was alcohol flowing like water; naturally, everything took a massive turn for the worse. I think once this episode passes, I’ll have to seriously consider making some decisive changes to my lifestyle because this is truly terrifying. For the past fifteen days, I’ve been stuck at home suffering, incapacitated, irritable, and frankly, losing my mind.

I understand; for me, it lasted two years. You absolutely have to cut out alcohol. Try the chamomile baths at least twice a day, and pick up some ProctisM ointment—that works well for me. To be honest, FedEx won't help you much if it’s actually a fissure. I bought and took a whole box of Detralex thinking I had hemorrhoids, only for the doctor to tell me it was a fissure. I'm going through the exact same thing; the moment I eat something heavy or if the stool is harder, the burning intensifies, and then it settles back down. It’s a miserable situation, but I'm not looking toward surgery yet. Just go see the doctor for an exam; it’s over quickly, it doesn't hurt, and they'll probably just do a thirty-second finger exam and give you a diagnosis.

Honestly, just take a laxative to clear out whatever is causing that blockage. I have been relying on them for years now; it certainly isn't a healthy way to live, but at this point, what choice do I really have?

Take a laxative to clear out that blockage; I’ve been relying on them for years myself, and while it’s certainly not a healthy way to live, what else can one really do when things get stuck like that?