Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice?

So, here’s my take on the whole DG-HAL RAR situation. I’ve been dealing with hemorrhoids since I was fifteen, and for the most part, it was just a nuisance I lived with. Last year, things got a bit scary when I had some heavy bleeding, but taking Detralex seemed to get it under control. Fast forward to two weeks ago, and suddenly I’m back to heavy bleeding every single time I go to the bathroom—weirdly enough, zero pain, which is its own kind of creepy. Anyway, two days ago, I went through with the DG-HAL RAR procedure at a private clinic near downtown Washington, D.C. The cost was $2833. It was a full-on surgical setup, too—complete anesthesia, a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a tech, and three nurses all working together, and everything went smoothly. They tied off the hemorrhoidal artery, cleared out two thrombosed vessels, and did the actual RAR reconstruction. That first night was rough, though; I was hooked up to an IV with Ketorolac just to cope. Yesterday was a marathon of Ibuprofen and more Ketorolac, and today I tried to go off the meds, but man... it felt like my head was hitting a brick wall... it’s just this constant burning, throbbing sensation. Plus, I haven't even had a bowel movement yet, which is the one thing I'm actually dreading😠 Sitting or standing is basically impossible right now because the pressure builds up so fast that I have to immediately lie back down. I’m typing this from a lying position, so please excuse any typos if they happen.
My dad dealt with this too, but he had the old-school surgery about ten years ago. He was in absolute agony for a solid month afterward, and then to make matters worse, they came crawling back almost immediately.
I’m only on day three, so I’ll check back in once I’m actually back on my feet and back at work. That’s really the only time I’ll be able to give a real verdict on whether the surgery was worth it.
take care...

Bryan Martin52 said:Is it actually possible that hemorrhoids could be making me pee all the time?! Like, could they somehow be pressing against the prostate or something similar? After I go to the bathroom, I just feel this constant pressure down there, and then it’s just non-stop urination for a while...
And my urine cultures and swabs didn't show any sign of an infection at all...🤷

I went through something pretty much identical, and I ended up grilling my doctor about it right after my surgery using the DG HAL RAR method. For me, the main issue was those annoying 5 to 10 drops of urine right after a bowel movement that would inevitably end up in my underwear. My doctor told me it's totally plausible that the hemorrhoids were the culprits, basically swelling up after a BM and putting pressure on the prostate area. I hadn't had a bowel movement in the two days following the procedure, but luckily, the bladder issues hadn't kicked in yet...

Thomas Doyle462 said:I was living on Ibuprofen and Advil all day yesterday, and when I tried to go without them today, it felt like my head was literally slamming against a wall—just this intense, burning, throbbing sensation. Plus, I still haven't had my first bowel movement, which is something I'm actually looking forward to.😠 The real struggle is sitting or standing up because the pressure builds up so fast that I have to immediately lie back down. I’m typing this from bed, so please excuse any typos if I messed anything up.
It’s only my third day, so I’ll check back in once I’m back on my feet and at the office. Only then will I really be able to say how successful the procedure was.
Best...

I know the pain is absolutely brutal, but please try not to overdo it with the pills; those meds are incredibly strong, and you don't want to be taking them constantly. I'm also not entirely sure about mixing different types, since my doctor told me to stick to either the granules or the Advil, but never both at once. Try using some Lidocaine ointment; it acts as a great local anesthetic and can really take the edge off.
If things aren't moving along easily with your bowel movements, maybe try some herbal tea or a gentle laxative, because you definitely shouldn't be straining or forcing it. And just a heads up, sitting down isn't recommended right away either...
Keep us posted on how you're feeling, and good luck! 🙂

I’m honestly surprised nobody else on this forum mentioned how much Hemo-ex stains clothes—it definitely bleeds right through two layers of fabric. Since the essential oils are so greasy, they’re a total nightmare to wash out. I barely managed to get it off my jeans, but my sweatpants are pretty much ruined, even after several washes. Just a heads-up! I really should have used a thicker pad under my underwear, but I didn't realize that until it was too late.

slytinker36 said:It honestly surprises me that nobody on this board has mentioned how Hemo-Ex can totally ruin your clothes. It definitely bleeds through two layers of fabric. Since it’s full of essential oils, it’s incredibly greasy and a nightmare to wash out. I barely managed to get it out of my jeans, but my sweatpants are basically ruined—even after multiple washes. Just a heads-up! I really should have used a thicker pad under my underwear, but I didn't realize that until it was too late.

Well, for the nice stuff, you can always just hit the dry cleaners. I used to struggle with that exact same issue back when I dealt with this. Everything is fine now, though...😉

slytinker36 said:I’m surprised no one else has mentioned how hemo-ex stains clothes—it definitely seeps through two layers of fabric. Since it uses essential oils, it's greasy and incredibly hard to wash out. I barely managed to get it out of my jeans, but it's impossible with sweatpants, even after multiple washes. Just a heads-up! I should have used a thicker liner under my underwear, but I realized that too late.

Maybe try wearing pads instead. 🤔🤣

Chloe Gomez6 said:Maybe you should just start wearing pads 🤔🤣

Nah, honestly? Just a little stack of gauze—maybe 2x2 or 2x3 inches—tucked right in between the cheeks and you're good to go...😁

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.

Checking in. I went for a follow-up at the hospital yesterday, and the doctor said my exam was totally normal. Everything looks fine on his end. I told him, "Look, we still don't actually know what happened or why," and he basically just brushed me off like, "No, you don't need to worry about that."🙄Now, apparently, my issue isn't hemorrhoids—it's anemia. He told me I need to focus entirely on fixing my blood counts and getting my strength back up.

Did my blood work this morning. Iron and red blood cell counts are low, obviously (thank God for that transfusion at the hospital, or I'd be in real trouble right now). So, starting today, I'm hitting the iron supplements hard and eating way more protein.🙂

Honestly, I feel okay most of the time, except for being super pale and getting exhausted out of nowhere. I feel like I need to lie down every five minutes.😁I'm technically on medical leave until May 31st, but I'm actually thinking about heading back to work this Monday.
The worst part seems to be over, though I really hope I won't be stuck recovering for months.🙂 I have an appointment coming up soon with the surgeon who operated on me, so maybe he'll actually be smart enough to give me a straight answer when he looks at the results.

So, I told you guys I’d check in once I actually got back to work. Today was my first day back at the office—which means sitting in a chair for 8 hours straight—and honestly, things seem pretty fine so far. Looking back to day three after the surgery; once that first bowel movement happened, those hemorrhoids were basically gone... it hurt, sure, but nothing crazy. I stuck strictly to the colitis diet they gave me at the clinic, and the stool itself felt normal, though I definitely had this subconscious dread about even heading to the bathroom. Since then, I’ve been going several times a day without much trouble. There was a tiny bit of spotting, but it was negligible. My only real confusion was trying to tell if I actually needed to go or if it was just some lingering pressure from the procedure. As for recovery, I spent the first seven days basically glued to my bed or propped up on pillows, but as I started feeling better, I gradually eased into taking walks and finally sitting up again.
Up to this point (still waiting for the stitches to dissolve), I have nothing but praise for the doctor and the nursing staff; they took such good care of me and the doc walked me through every single detail...
My one gripe is with the clinic itself; they wouldn't give me a receipt for the services when I asked for one.
Medication-wise, I’ve been on antibiotics to ward off any infection, and I have to stay on Detralex for the next three months. If anyone wants more specifics, just let me know.
I’ll write more once I hit the five-week mark and head in for my follow-up appointment. Good luck to everyone! 👍

fadedstag1 said:I’ve been diagnosed with fourth-degree hemorrhoids. I’ve tried everything—creams, suppositories, you name it. Last year, I took Pilex twice; it helped a little, but then I was right back where I started. Same goes for Detralex. Work has been so demanding lately that I haven't had a spare second to schedule surgery, so I’ve just had to deal with the pain and manage on my own. Among all the drugstore creams, a friend actually suggested I pick up some Flogocid. It’s used for inflammation, ingrown nails, and soothing skin from burns, frostbite, or slow-healing wounds. It contains boric acid, white petrolatum, anhydrous lanolin, cholesterol, lavender essential oils, liquid paraffin, methylparaben, and a floral scent. (You usually find it at vet clinics.) When things get acute and there's bleeding, I use a Faktu suppository, and then apply a thick layer of this ointment to the area. After two or maybe three bowel movements—three suppositories max—the bleeding stops for about three days. I stop using the Faktu then and just keep applying the ointment to the sore spot. If the pain after a movement is intense, I make sure to take a warm bath for about 10 to 15 minutes while lying partially reclined. Since the hemorrhoids are external, it feels like my backside looks like a rosebud. Since they're so "accessible," I keep a small 16-ounce plastic water bottle in the fridge. I fill it with water (around 40 degrees Fahrenheit) and set it on the floor for a few minutes. Then, I slowly lean against the bottle, making contact only with the affected area. Trust me, the relief is almost instant because it helps constrict the veins.
I should probably mention one more thing.
When I have to go, I sit on the toilet with a small stool under my feet, maybe 8 to 12 inches high. It helps me strain less. To keep things moving smoothly, I eat a few dried figs every day before meals. Between all of this, I can handle these "hemorrhoid" issues. I hope my experience helps someone out. If someone had told me this ten years ago, I would have suffered so much less.

You really need to just get the surgery. You already know the best place to go for it. There's no point in suffering through this; eventually, it'll just catch up to you and you'll be forced into the operating room anyway. Just fix it once and for all... I feel like a new man now. My quality of life is incomparable compared to how it used to be.

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.

fadedstag1 said:I know it's my only real option, but my job really ties my hands when it comes to free time. I'm on a six-month contract right now, and they can renew it up to four times before federal labor laws kick in and guarantee me a permanent position—which won't happen for another two years. If I were to take a month off work right now, it would absolutely put my employment at risk. So, for now, I just keep my head down and deal with it.

Well, you could always take a month of medical leave. I mean, if you didn't have a job, how would you even afford the surgery? You should look into sick leave. At the end of the day, your health has to come first.

Which doctor should I see for a recommendation on what needs checking out?

What's the deal with those essential oil suppositories? I haven't tried them yet.

Drew Reyes5 said:Do you have any recommendations for a doctor regarding a checkup?

I've heard mixed things about Dr. Kovacevic. I guess I'm just wondering what you all think—where should I go? 🤷

Drew Reyes5 said:I’ve heard mixed reviews about Dr. Kovacevic—some good, some bad. I'm really torn and would love to know where you all think I should go. 🤷

If you scroll back just a few pages, there's actually a ton of helpful info floating around... 🙂
At Bank of America, if you're looking for top-tier surgeons, Dr. Kocman and Dr. Ivanović are the names everyone mentions. Personally, I went to see Dr. Ivanović and had an absolutely wonderful experience, and JosephineL. also saw Dr. Kocman and was just as happy with the results.

Karen Thompson10 said:If you scroll back just a few pages, there's actually a ton of info in there... 🙂
At JPMorgan Chase, Dr. Kocman and Dr. Ivanović are known as top-tier surgeons. I personally saw Dr. Ivanović and was extremely happy with everything, and JosephineL. went to see Dr. Kocman and had a great experience too.

I read through it. Thanks. Honestly, I’m not really sure what to think about Dr. Ivanović right now, which maybe sounds a bit silly.
Someone recommended Dr. Kovacevic over at the Mayo Clinic—has anyone here ever been to see him?

Drew Reyes5 said:I read through everything. Honestly, I’m feeling a bit stuck on what to think about Dr. Ivanović right now—it might sound a little silly, but my head is just spinning.
I actually just got a recommendation for Dr. Smith over in Chicago, has anyone here ever seen him???

Oh, I totally get where you're coming from, which is exactly why I suggested taking a deeper dive into those reviews first. It feels like every doctor has their fair share of fans and critics, much like how every restaurant has its lovers and haters. Good luck making your decision, and please, please let us know how it goes! 🙂

Hey everyone,
here I am again..

I promised I’d check in after my doctor's appointment. Honestly, I'm just crushed.

The results show...
that 3mm fissure is still there, about 1mm wide, with grade 1 hemorrhoids..
Just keep using some calendula ointment...

So I asked the doctor if surgery was an option because I've just had enough, this has been dragging on forever.. He basically told me "not really... it'll either heal on its own or it won't." Just keep applying the ointment... see you in six months. Have fun, enjoy your baths.. Hahaha hahah ha!!!!!!😠
Of course, since the exam, things have taken a turn for the worse..
That tiny bit of healing actually tore right open..
And today, it was just a bowl full of blood..
Just wonderful..
I'm truly done with all of this..🙂