Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice?

Hey there! I'm looking for some solid recommendations for a good proctologist... any suggestions? Thanks

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I promised myself—next time things blow up like this--
I'm taking sick leave and heading straight to the doctor

Hey there...

I’m pretty sure it’s nothing major, and honestly, I haven't thought much about it until now, but here goes. I’m still pretty young—early twenties—and I’ve always had a crazy fast metabolism. It gets even wilder when I’m hitting the gym regularly (like for a six-month stretch), then I end up hitting the bathroom 3 to 6 times a day. Sometimes it even hits seven.

My stomach doesn't hurt, and I almost never deal with any digestive issues, but occasionally those last few trips of the day (like if I've gone five times already and hit the sixth) can feel a little rougher—nothing extreme, really—and I’ll see some traces of blood on the toilet paper when I wipe.

I just figured it was some irritation from going to the bathroom so many times a day, but is this actually something I should be worried about?

I don't really notice the blood when I’m only going three times or less in a day, but whenever my frequency picks up, it shows up. This has been happening for a long time, maybe a year now, but I never let it stress me out because I just assumed it was what I thought it was.

Thanks for the help

Just a quick question regarding hemorrhoids... I haven't actually sat down with a doctor about this yet, but after using the restroom, things look pretty grim (you know, checking via the toilet paper), almost like I’ve been living some kind of gritty prison life, even though I’m generally a very gentle and passive person.
Basically, from what I've gathered through my own Google deep dives, it seems like I'm dealing with some issues related to bile salts, and things just aren't staying "contained" the way they used to.

I popped into a pharmacy today and gave the pharmacist a rough idea of what’s going on. They handed me some Posterisan Acute. If you know what that is, you'll understand why it's making me a bit nervous. My old man deals with hemorrhoids, but I’m not exactly praying to God on the toilet or navigating a labyrinth of gas just yet, so I don't really feel like I'm in an "acute" phase. Should I be applying this stuff, or should I look for something else entirely?

Hey everyone,

I wanted to jump in here and share my own experience. I’ve been lurking for a while, reading through all the advice from both newbies and veterans dealing with this mess. My first piece of advice? Don't play doctor—go see a professional immediately. If you catch it at Stage 1, it's an easy fix.
To be honest, I ignored that advice a long time ago, and things spiraled until I hit Stage III with a 6th-degree fissure. I finally had surgery this past Monday. They went with spinal anesthesia, even though they originally planned to do a general anesthetic for my husband due to some other issues he's dealing with. The whole thing took about an hour, which was double what they initially estimated. There were two doctors involved, and they actually had to cut through some tissue because the fissure was just too deep to reach otherwise. For anyone wondering, the only real help for a fissure is Nitroglycerin ointment; it requires a prescription and you can pick it up near Pike Place Market. There's also another ointment that helps relax the sphincter (someone asked about this earlier), which is also prescription-only, but I can't recall the exact name. The absolute worst part of the pre-op is that moment when you lose all feeling in your legs even though you can still see them. You're positioned in a gynecological setup with your arms and legs restrained. Once the surgery is over, they move you to a recovery room where these incredibly kind and sensible nurses watch over you 24/7. To get discharged, you basically have to be able to stand up and go pee on your own. They keep you heavily medicated the whole time so you don't feel a thing; the anesthesia lasts about six hours, so you don't even need extra drugs right away. That first night was rough, though—I had to take morphine, but I pushed through. Every day since, the pain has been slightly less intense. I’ve only had one bowel movement so far, and it went fine. Look, there is still pain, but if you've ever experienced the actual pain of a fissure, trust me, the post-op recovery doesn't even come close to that level. So far, everything is going great for me, which is a relief because living with thrombosed hemorrhoids and a fissure was becoming a way of life I refused to accept. I’m hoping the recovery continues this smoothly. By the second day, I could already sit and walk for short periods without pain. Most of the time I'm still stuck in bed and relying on Motrin, but I'm officially on the mend. I had the procedure
at Kaiser Permanente with the highly recommended Dr. Ivanovic, and I echo all the praise people have given him.

Advil 500 mg is hands down the absolute best thing for treating hemorrhoids, whatever kind you're dealing with. No need for all those crazy procedures... you know, the tying off stuff, lasers, surgery, none of that.

For me, within just 24 to 48 hours, they worked so well it felt like there was nothing even there... though I did end up taking the whole course, all 60 pills.

So, for the first 4 days, I took 3 tablets in the morning and 3 in the evening, then for the next 3 days it was 2 in the morning and 2 at night, and for the rest of the days just 1 in the morning and 1 at night until I finished the box.

If anyone is actually considering trying a specific diet before surgery, I’ll share what I’ve gathered from people who experimented with this themselves—people who found it genuinely helped them within a 10 to 15-day window.
Because you always see those generic recommendations to "eat more fiber," but honestly? That isn't always the case.
So, here is what you should actually avoid:
1. Dairy products
2. Whole grains
3. Sweets and citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, all types of citrus, bananas...)
4. Legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils...)

Look, I wanted to put this out there because the standard advice is usually to load up on fruit and whole grains—which, let’s be real, feels like swallowing razor blades right before you head into surgery. This is based on the conclusions of people who tested this on themselves and realized exactly what was making their condition worse. And hey, it doesn't cost anything to give it a shot.

So, I figured I’d jump into this sensitive topic myself, mostly because the whole situation freaked me out enough to actually go get a professional opinion.
Turns out, what everyone calls an external hemorrhoid isn't even technically a hemorrhoid—it’s actually a perianal thrombosis. Yeah, fun times.
The heavy-duty symptoms really kicked in about ten days ago, though I’d actually felt a tiny little lump lurking around three or four weeks back. For the most part, it wasn't exactly agonizing, but it was incredibly annoying whenever I had to sit down or walk around. The only time I felt totally fine was when I was lying flat on my back.

I started getting paranoid that things were going to spiral, so I decided to stop procrastinating and take action. I didn't feel like sitting on some endless waiting list for weeks, so I just booked a quick appointment with a private specialist. I went in for the exam and the procedure today, and honestly? The actual procedure was a breeze. You just lie on your side, they give you a shot of local anesthetic, and that’s pretty much it—that was the only thing I actually felt. I don't think the procedure itself took more than 10 minutes. All in all, I was in and out of the clinic in less than half an hour.😁

Now we wait and see how the recovery goes... I'll check back in if I make it through.😁

ruggedcrane25 said:Advil 500 mg is hands down the best pill for treating any kind of hemorrhoid. Forget about all those procedures—ligation, lasers, surgery, whatever. Just skip the knife.

For me, within 24 to 48 hours, things were so much better it felt like nothing had ever happened—though, full disclosure, I downed the entire course of 60 pills.

I did 3 pills in the morning and 3 at night for the first 4 days, then dropped to 2 in the morning and 2 at night for the next 3 days, and finished off with 1 in the morning and 1 at night until the box was empty.

First I've heard of it.
Is this some kind of chronic thing or what?
I mean, I remember dealing with this stuff maybe 20 years ago...
I used to worry if I’d even be able to ride a bike with a standard seat,
but I didn't actually buy a bike until 2008.
I'd been wanting one for years.
So, yeah, I've basically had hemorrhoids for 20 years guaranteed.

Anyway, look at this:
Special Warnings

In cases of acute hemorrhoidal disease, using Advil for symptomatic relief isn't a substitute for addressing other specific anal issues. Treatment should be short-term. If symptoms don't clear up quickly, you really need to go get a proctological exam and figure out a new treatment plan.

Welcome to the club.
I actually only registered an account specifically to start this thread.
I'm dealing with anemia caused by grade 3 hemorrhoids, though I also have a fissure to contend with.
On top of all that, there's a hiatal hernia, and I really need to drop some weight.
My diet is pretty standard—mostly dry foods rather than anything steamed or boiled.
Work is where things get truly difficult, so I’m going to try combining different approaches since I've spent so much time reading through everyone's comments here.
All things considered, I have a nagging feeling that surgery might be my only real way out.
But hey, I’m going to give it my best shot and fight through it; if any of you have any advice, please let me know.
The bleeding stops for a little while, and then it just starts right back up again.
I've already had a colonoscopy and an irigography done, and thankfully, everything else looks fine, thank God.

I've dealt with hemorrhoids for a long time, but they never really bothered me this much...
Today was a total disaster.
Everything just came out at once, blood everywhere....😲...if you're easily grossed out, go read a different thread. 🤔
My digestion has been acting super weird the last few days. I'm hitting the bathroom several times a day. Honestly, I got a little spooked by how frequent it's been.
But I'm pretty sure my main issue is all the sitting. I barely move an inch.
Ever since this whole COVID-19 mess started, I've been working mostly from home, usually glued to my armchair. It sounds cozy, but spending 8 hours straight stuck in one chair is brutal. 😵 - and then I spend the rest of my day in that same chair, too.
Even when I actually get out, like grabbing groceries or a coffee—it's still basically zero movement.
Basically, the chemicals are out and they just won't settle back down....it's going to take a minute....
But I told myself: starting today, I am walking every single day!!
And tonight, I might even try that "natural" potato remedy....
Uffff....
Has anyone here bought special cushions, or do you use something specific to sit on?

I’ve been hitting at least 10,000 steps a day on my phone for over a year now... honestly, sometimes I’ll head out around 10:30 PM just to squeeze in another 3,000 or 4,000 steps to close the ring.
you should give it a shot too
it actually works

Greetings,

I was wondering how psyllium actually impacts this specific issue? Also, would it be an issue if I stick to regular yogurt, or is it absolutely necessary to opt for the lactose-free variety?
Furthermore, what is the consensus on plant-based milk alternatives, such as rice, soy, or oat milk?

Greetings. I am looking for some information regarding surgical options for hemorrhoids. Specifically, does anyone have firsthand experience or recommendations for a skilled surgeon in Miami who performs laser procedures? Whether it is a private practice or a hospital setting, I am indifferent to the venue. My primary concern is finding a specialist where the procedure is truly successful and there is no recurrence of the issue. Thank you.

Brenda Johnson75 said:Hey there,

I was wondering how much of a difference psyllium actually makes for this kind of thing? Also, is it a big deal if I stick to regular yogurt, or should I definitely be switching over to the lactose-free stuff?

And what about plant milks, like rice, soy, or oat milk?

Honestly, I think everyone reacts a bit differently, but keeping your digestion smooth is pretty much the golden rule when you're dealing with these issues.

I used to think my digestion was totally fine, but looking back, I realize it wasn't great at all and I was seriously lacking fiber. Psyllium can really help out, but for me, the absolute game changer has been starting my morning with oatmeal and chia seeds, which just keeps everything moving perfectly; thank God, because I haven't had any issues for a full year now, even though I haven't overhauled my whole diet or exercise routine. I mean, I still eat basically the same things I always have and I don't obsess over specific food groups. My diet isn't "unhealthy," it's just standard—nothing super fancy or strictly organic.

Of course, symptoms might pop up again occasionally, but I'm convinced that getting enough fiber helps immensely, though you really have to give it some time to let everything settle into a steady rhythm.

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After waiting months for surgery on a third-degree hemorrhoid, I finally got my turn toward the end of September. The day before the procedure, you get a call to head into the hospital for COVID-19 testing. That afternoon, you have to take something to clear out your system. You can't eat anything after 3 PM, though you can sip liquids until midnight. The next day, you show up at the window before 8 AM, check in, and then head over to the abdominal surgery ward. About thirty minutes to an hour before the actual surgery, you take a sedative pill with just a tiny bit of water. A nurse brings you a gown to change into—you have to strip down completely first, obviously. They also put compression stockings on your legs to prevent any blood clots. When it comes time to enter the operating room, they wheel you in on a bed. The "welcome party" is actually kind of funny. There were six medical professionals surrounding me. They were all in great spirits, asking how I was doing and stuff like that. Before the spinal anesthesia, the anesthesiologist cleans a spot on my back with iodine or something similar. Her assistant explains that they need to start an IV, hook up the EKG, the blood pressure cuff, and so on. He gets me positioned perfectly for the spinal. The anesthesiologist feels around for the best spot between the vertebrae to inject the anesthetic and reassures me that everything will be fine. The injection itself wasn't even that bad; I think I only felt two little stabs. It starts working pretty fast—first, you feel this warmth spreading through your feet. Then they laid me down, placed my legs in the gynecological position, and Dr. Domagoj Ivanović and his assistant jumped right into it. There were two surgical techs nearby too. The anesthesiologist checked in on me several times to make sure I was okay. I even chatted a bit with her and her assistant. I didn't feel a single bit of pain. The whole thing took about half an hour. Once it was over, they covered me with a green blanket and wheeled me to the transition area between the OR and the hallway, where nurses were already waiting with a bed to take over. They moved me to the abdominal surgery ward and immediately asked if I needed anything for the pain. At that moment, I was good. But a few hours later, the pain started kicking in, so they gave me something through the IV right away. Throughout the night, I received more pain meds, including around 6 AM, because that first night is honestly rough. By the following afternoon, the pain was much more manageable than it was during the night. I was supposed to be discharged, but since I'm a younger guy, I hit a rare side effect where I couldn't pee, so they had to put in a catheter. I ended up staying one extra day at the hospital just because of that issue. It took three attempts to try and go and three times they had to reset the catheter. After that, they let me go with the catheter still in. Eventually, everything went back to normal. For pain management, I took Motrin granules for two weeks. I’m feeling great now, and I truly believe you shouldn't spend years trying to soothe hemorrhoid problems with various creams, ointments, or pills like I did. All that effort just let them progress from stage one to stage three.
As for the staff on the abdominal surgery ward, I can't say enough good things. Seriously, huge props to them. Whenever I needed anything, a nurse was there within two or three minutes of me calling. They are incredibly professional and helpful; you can really tell they genuinely want to help people. Hats off to them.

Where exactly did you go for your surgery?

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mellowskipper said:Where did you get that surgery done?

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At Kaiser Permanente in Chicago.

I've heard that Kaiser Permanente has an excellent abdominal and gynecological surgery department.

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Casey Rogers47 said:After waiting months for surgery on a grade III hemorrhoid, I finally hit my date at the end of September. The day before, you get called in for a COVID-19 test at the hospital. That afternoon, you have to take a prep to clear out your bowels. No eating after 3 PM, though you can sip liquids until midnight. Next day, show up at the window before 8 AM, check in, and head straight to the abdominal surgery ward. About thirty minutes to an hour before the procedure, you swallow a sedative pill with just a tiny bit of water. A nurse brings you a gown to change into—you gotta strip down completely first. You also put on compression stockings to prevent blood clots. When it’s time for the OR, they wheel you in on a bed. The welcome is kind of funny; there were six medical staff members hovering over me. They were all in good spirits, asking how I was and stuff. Before the spinal anesthesia, the anesthesiologist cleans your back with iodine or something similar. Her assistant explains they need to set up an IV, hook up the EKG, blood pressure cuff, etc. He gets you positioned perfectly for the spinal. The anesthesiologist feels around for the best spot between the vertebrae to inject the anesthetic and tells you everything will be fine. The injection itself wasn't anything special—maybe two stabs. It kicks in fast; first, you feel this warmth in your feet. Then they laid me down, put my legs in the stirrups, and Dr. Domagoj Ivanović and his assistant got to work. There were two surgical techs standing by too. The anesthesiologist checked in on me several times. I chatted a bit with her and the assistant. Didn't feel a thing. The whole surgery took about half an hour. Once it was done, they covered me with a green sheet and wheeled me to the transition area between the OR and the hallway, where nurses were already waiting with a bed to take me. They moved me to the abdominal surgery unit and immediately asked if I needed pain meds. I didn't need anything then. But a few hours later, the pain started hitting, so they gave me something through the IV. I had more pain relief during the night and again around 6 AM, because that first night is brutal. By the next afternoon, the pain was much more manageable than it was overnight. I was supposed to be discharged, but since I'm a younger guy, I dealt with a rare side effect where I couldn't pee, so they had to put in a catheter. I stayed an extra day just because of that inability to go on my own. It took three attempts to pee and three times they had to reset the catheter. After that, they let me go with the catheter. Everything normalized eventually. For pain, I took Motrin granules for two weeks. I'm doing great now, and honestly, I don't think you should spend years trying to soothe hemorrhoids with random creams, ointments, or pills like I did. All that just let them progress from Grade I to Grade III.
What I want to say as a final "cherry on top" is about the staff on the abdominal surgery ward. All the best to them. Huge props. Whenever I needed something, a nurse was there within 2-3 minutes. They were incredibly professional and helpful—you can tell they actually want to help people. Hats off to them.

So, are you hemorrhoid-free now?

I don't trust doctors when it comes to these kinds of surgeries because if they screw up once, you're set for life. And there are zero guarantees they'll actually help you.
I'm extremely careful about what I eat and how long I sit just so something like this doesn't happen to me (fingers crossed).