Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice?

Hey everyone,
I could really use some advice here.
Last week, I ended up with an external hemorrhoid from one of those sweepstakes I entered—and I mean, I know it’s technically one, but there are two distinct lumps. Of course, it's also accompanied by bleeding whenever I go to the bathroom and all that joy.
Usually, when I deal with a hemorrhoid, it clears up in a day or two, maybe three at most. But this time? Absolutely nothing is changing. I’m eating right, I’m staying active—it’s not like I’m just sitting on the couch all day doing nothing.
Is it actually normal for this to drag on this long without any improvement? Honestly, I'm starting to get a little spooked, so I wanted to reach out to the pros here.

steelangler7 said:Just slather on some calendula ointment...

Maybe try some propolis? There's this Hemopropin ointment—it's about $7 at any local CVS...🙏
It’s worked wonders for me so far—honestly, better than anything from Walgreens.

steelangler7 said:Hey everyone,
here I am again...

I promised I’d check back in after my doctor's appointment, and honestly, I'm just completely crushed by how it went.

The results are basically this...
there's still a 3mm fissure present, about 1mm wide, with grade 1 hemorrhoids...
And they just told me to keep using some basic calendula ointment...

So, I asked the doctor point-blank if we could just deal with this surgically because I've had enough of this constant misery, and he just shrugged and said, "Well, no... it'll either heal on its own or it won't. Just keep using the ointment... see you in six months." Like, seriously? Enjoy your life, go take a bath... Hahaha hahah ha!!!!!!😠
Of course, since leaving the exam room, things have actually gotten worse..
That tiny bit that had started to heal just tore right open again..
And today, I'm looking at a toilet bowl full of blood..
Just wonderful, isn't it?
I'm just totally done with all of this..🙂

Oh man... I'm honestly speechless hearing this. Please, just go see a different doctor—even if you have to head to a major hospital like Mayo Clinic—because what you're describing is just insane. And as for him saying it'll just heal itself or not? I don't even know what to say to that. 🙄
I've seen two different specialists for my own fissure, and when I asked about pills or that common over-the-counter ointment, they practically laughed in my face. There really isn't any other way out besides surgery or injections. If you don't get it handled, things can spiral and turn into a fistula.
Look, it's not like surgery just "removes" the fissure; instead, they make this incredibly tiny, almost invisible incision so that everything passes much more easily without you having to strain, which allows the area to slowly heal up over four or five weeks—though you feel the relief almost immediately.
It isn't just about the intense pain—though anyone who has been through it knows it's pure agony—it's about the fact that it can keep getting worse and spreading. I really, truly suggest you find another physician; if you're feeling skeptical, just do a quick Google search, and you'll see that those basic ointments are only useful during the first couple of weeks when it first starts, and after that, they don't do a thing.

Karen Thompson10 said:I feel for you... I'm speechless. Please, just go see another doctor, even if it means going to a hospital, because this is just insane. And regarding the idea that a fissure will just heal on its own... I have nothing to say to that. 🙄
I've seen two different doctors for my own fissure, and when I asked about certain pills or those common herbal ointments, they actually laughed at me. There isn't really any other way out besides surgery or injections. If you don't act, things could get worse... you could end up with a fistula from it.
Look, surgery won't "remove" the fissure per se, but they make a tiny, almost invisible incision above it. It makes bowel movements much easier so you aren't straining, allowing the fissure to slowly heal over four or five weeks... though the relief is immediate.
It’s not just about how much it hurts—though anyone who has been through it knows it's pure agony—it's about the fact that it can worsen as the tear spreads. I really suggest seeing someone else. If you're skeptical, just look it up online; you'll see those herbal creams only work for the first two weeks... after that, they're useless.

I don't know... Another doctor... there's no other way... This is terrible...
I am in so much pain today..
The bleeding and the gas... I haven't dealt with this before...😲 My god, the mess... what even is this??
😲

Greetings to everyone. Perhaps someone has already raised a similar question, but I simply haven't had the luxury of time to sift through ninety or so pages of discussion. I am currently dealing with an incredibly persistent itch in my rectal area, and please rest assured, this is certainly not due to a lack of hygiene 😲. Some have suggested this might be the early stages of hemorrhoids, yet I am experiencing absolutely no pain, no bleeding, and my bowel movements are perfectly normal. The only constant factor is that I spend eight hours a day sitting at my desk. When the itching intensifies, it becomes truly unbearable—especially while I am working at the bank or out in public—and I feel as though I might snap at someone just to vent the frustration. If this really is an early symptom, can anyone offer some guidance? What steps should I take?
Thank you

Honestly, if you ask me, out of all those different ointments and gels on the market, Hemoclin is the absolute GOAT. It’s easily the most convenient thing I’ve used, too.
That Hemeroprotect stuff they keep pushing in commercials? Total junk. For me, it did absolutely nothing. But with Hemoclin, I swear, after just two applications, the bleeding completely stopped.
The only catch is that I'm still dealing with some issues because I have this recurring fistula near my rectum that keeps triggering new hemorrhoids.

rowdybadger26 said:Hey everyone... maybe someone else already asked something similar, but I honestly don't have the time to scroll through 90 pages of posts. I'm dealing with this intense itching down there (and no, it's not a hygiene issue 😲). People say it might be the early stages of hemorrhoids, but I've got zero pain, no bleeding, and my digestion is fine. The only thing is I sit for 8 hours straight at work. When that itch kicks in while I'm sitting at the bank or somewhere public, it's unbearable... I feel like biting someone. If this really is just the beginning stage, can anyone help me out? What should I do?
Thanks

Classic 😁

I'm not sure which is worse, the pain or the itching—especially when it hits you hard in a public place like you mentioned...

There's nothing for it but to wash up properly after using the restroom, then apply some Preparation H and you'll be fine...
By the way, my diagnosis was Stage 1 internal ones.

Ever since I've had these things, whenever they flare up, it feels like everything is spasming. I don't know how to put it, but if I try to apply any ointment further in, it's a struggle...

Along with the itching, the area gets red enough to drive you crazy, so just dab it gently with some cotton to make sure you don't scratch yourself raw and start bleeding...

Edward Watson15 said:maybe give some propolis a shot.That Hemopropin ointmentis about five bucks at any local CVS🙏
has actually done wonders for me so far; honestly, I think it works better than the stuff from Walgreens.

👍. It’s great for itching, really.

On another note, I’ve noticed that since I started eating ground flaxseeds every single day, my digestion has stayed pretty regular, which naturally makes everything else feel a bit more manageable. I’m getting a little tired of them, though, so I was thinking about swapping them out for wheat germ. Does anyone know what those are actually good for? Do they help with digestion, or maybe provide a bit of an energy boost so I don't feel so run down?

Alright, let me tell my story... maybe someone here can give me an idea of what I'm actually dealing with and what the vibe is...

About 7 or 8 years ago, I polished off a massive bag of peanuts—like half a kilo—and the next day, when I went to use the bathroom, there was blood. That's when I first noticed this little lump right at the opening.
I know it wasn't the peanuts specifically, since I've always struggled with being overweight and my diet hasn't exactly been top-tier, so to speak. It was just a matter of everything finally catching up to me.
That little thing itches and stings sometimes. If I eat anything spicy or heavy on nuts, it starts burning and swelling up big time. But when I'm eating right—mostly greens and healthy stuff—it doesn't bother me at all. Honestly, I forget it's even there because it shrinks down. Basically, it only acts up when I go hard on the spices.
During those first few years, I’d see blood at least once a month whenever I ate junk. Lately, though, it’s only happened every 3 or 4 months. For the last two years, I haven't really touched spicy food.
Based on what you guys have seen, could this be a fistula? It looks sort of pinkish or reddish... mostly pink, really.

The thing is, I have a total phobia of doctors. Specifically, the whole "getting examined" part sends me into a panic. I get weak, I start shaking... so I've never actually gone in to get it checked out. :/

ironangler15 said:So, I figured I’d just share my whole story... maybe someone here can give me an idea of what I'm actually dealing with or what the deal is...

About 7 or 8 years ago, I polished off a huge bag of peanuts—like half a kilo!—and the next day, when I went to use the bathroom, there was blood... and that was the first time I noticed this little lump right by the opening.
Now, I know it wasn't specifically the peanuts that caused it, because honestly, I've always been carrying some extra weight and my diet hasn't exactly been top-tier... so it was probably just bound to show up eventually, right?
That little bump gets itchy and stings sometimes... especially if I eat spicy food or anything with nuts; then it really starts stinging and swelling up. But when I stick to eating healthy stuff (lots of greens and generally good food), I don't feel a thing... I almost forget it's even there! It stays pretty small... basically, it only acts up whenever I go hard on the spicy seasonings.
During those first few years, I'd see blood at least once a month (whenever I ate something heavy or spicy)... but for the last couple of years, it's only happened every 3 or 4 months... (since I haven't touched spicy food in about two years now).
Based on what you guys know, could this be a fistula? It looks kind of pinkish-red... or maybe just more of a pinkish color.

The thing is, I have a massive phobia of doctors—specifically the part where they make you strip down. I just freak out... I get weak and start shaking, which is why I've never actually gone in to get it checked out properly. :/

Man, I have the exact same symptoms! My diagnosis was an anal ulcer, basically a rectal ulcer. Spicy or heavy foods irritate it and cause bleeding, but when I eat light, everything is fine.
Do you have to strain when you're going?
Since you've been dealing with this for such a long time, I really, truly recommend you go get a colonoscopy just to clear the air and stop worrying.

rowdybadger26 said:Hey everyone... Maybe someone else has asked something similar, but I honestly don't have the bandwidth to read through 90 or however many pages are here. I'm dealing with this intense itching in my anal area (and before you ask, it isn't a hygiene issue 😲). People tell me it might be the early stages of hemorrhoids, but I’m not feeling any pain, there's no bleeding, and my bowel movements are totally normal. The only thing is, I sit at a desk for 8 hours straight at work. When that itch kicks in, it's unbearable—especially when I'm stuck at the bank or somewhere public... I feel like I could bite someone. If this really is just the beginning stage, can anything help? What should I do?
Thanks

You should try to take Advil or use some Voltaren gel. Honestly, though, your best bet is to see a specialist so they can actually take a look... And keep this in mind—it's fine while it just itches, but it gets real once the pain starts...

If it's itching, you might have some micro-tears or tiny fissures that are trying to heal (assuming it isn't something else). You can wash the area gently, which shouldn't be an issue, but make sure you apply something afterward. The stuff I mentioned above works wonders...

Scott Davis32 said:I’ve got the exact same symptoms. I was diagnosed with rectal ulcers or a tumor on the rectum. Spicy or heavy food irritates the area and causes bleeding, but if I stick to a light diet, everything seems fine.
Do you have to strain at all when you go?
Since this has been going on for a while now, I’d seriously suggest getting a colonoscopy just to rule everything out and get some peace of mind.

I don't really have to strain too much... it goes pretty smoothly, I guess. But then again, I eat a ton of greens, so that probably makes things easier on me...

Is yours right at the entrance? Mine feels like it's right on the edge of being internal vs external...
How are you treating it? Is surgery usually required for this stuff?

Thanks for getting back to me. Honestly, I think it's time I finally make an appointment with my doctor. :/

Hey everyone, I’ve been wondering—is there any actual truth to the idea that wearing thongs can cause hemorrhoids?

I feel like we’ve touched on these magnets on this thread before, but I can't seem to track down where.
Has anyone actually given them a shot?

Hello everyone

I’ve been scrolling through the posts from earlier this year, and honestly, I felt a sudden wave of hesitation about bringing up my own "issue" once I realized the sheer scale of the struggles people here are dealing with; compared to those, my situation feels like a honeymoon on a tropical beach with two local beauties cooling me off with palm leaves and fresh fruit, yet I still find myself plagued by a lingering sense of anxiety.

To be clear, my problem is more of an annoyance than actual agony, though about once or twice a month I deal with some discomfort following a bowel movement. It always happens after softer stools, whereas harder ones pass without any drama; I just get this stinging sensation, and on a couple of occasions, I've noticed a tiny trace of blood on the paper—literally just a speck, maybe a few square millimeters. This most frequently occurs when I've spent a lot of time sitting, so I tried adjusting my posture, but that isn't always feasible because when nature calls, it calls, and I suspect that straining or holding it in only exacerbates the issue. I started experimenting with various remedies, and much of them actually provide relief, which surprised me given what I've read from others. I also changed how I sit, staying very upright and using a footstool so I'm not putting direct pressure on the sensitive area; while this has helped, it hasn't completely solved the problem, though perhaps enough time and strict adherence to these habits will eventually do the trick.
I know self-diagnosis is a fool's errand, but from what I can tell and feel, I don't think there is anything internal going on, just a single external instance. I recently picked up some Voltaren gel to see how it performs, but I have a suspicion it's merely a temporary fix for the pain rather than a way to resolve the underlying cause. Does anyone here have experience dealing with these milder, more irritating cases, and can you suggest anything available over-the-counter that actually works?

Basically, I've been dealing with hemorrhoids ever since my last baby arrived. Up until now, I’ve just been getting by with some Vaseline and using wipes whenever things got uncomfortable... and honestly, it was working fine. But clearly, my body has decided it’s done playing nice, because nothing seems to touch them anymore. Now I’m stuck at a bit of a crossroads: should I try a course of Pfizer tablets, or is it actually time to look into surgery at a specialized clinic—specifically a hemorrhoidoplasty with Dr. Smith in Washington, D.C.? They have a website, and after reading through their articles, I’ve started feeling like it might be time to take action, especially since my symptoms have progressed to stage three in the meantime😢😲! Does anyone here have any actual insight or firsthand experience regarding that specific surgery😕, the clinic itself, or should I just stick to my guns and try one more 14-day regimen with those Pfizer pills🤷 instead🙏? Thanks

Linda Edwards74 said:Long story short, I've been dealing with hemorrhoids since my last pregnancy. Up until now, I just used Vaseline and some suppositories whenever needed, and honestly, it worked fine. But clearly, my body has built up a tolerance. Now I'm torn between trying Pfizer tablets or just going through with surgery at a specialty clinic—specifically a hemorrhoidoplasty performed by Dr. Smith in Washington, D.C. They have a website, and after reading their articles, I realized I can't wait any longer because my condition has progressed to stage 3😢😲! Does anyone here have actual insight or experience regarding that specific surgery😕, the clinic, or should I just stick to a 14-day course with those Pfizer pills🤷🙏? Thanks

Go ahead and try the supplement if you want, but let's be real: surgery is the only way to actually fix this...

Karen Thompson10 said:Oh man... I am honestly speechless. Please, just go see a different doctor—even if you have to head to a major hospital—because this is absolutely insane. And as for that comment about whether a fissure will just heal on its own? I have zero words for that level of ignorance. 🙄
I’ve personally consulted two different doctors regarding my own fissure, and when I asked about specific pills or even that common herbal ointment everyone talks about, they actually laughed at me. There really isn't any other way out besides surgery or injections. If you don't act, things could get much worse—you could end up developing a fistula from it.
Look, the surgery isn't going to "remove" the fissure in some magical sense; rather, they make an incredibly tiny incision—almost imperceptible—to allow for easier bowel movements so you aren't straining. That's how the fissure gradually heals (it takes about 4-5 weeks, but the relief is immediate).
The issue isn't just the sheer intensity of the pain—though, let's be honest, anyone who has dealt with this knows it's pure agony—but the fact that the condition can escalate, with that tear spreading further. I am seriously advising you to seek a second opinion; if you're skeptical about what I'm saying, just do a quick Google search. You'll see that those herbal ointments are only useful during the first two weeks of a new fissure; after that, they are completely useless.

Sending you good vibes—I am actually very curious to know which specialist you saw and how you finally resolved your fissure, because I'm dealing with the exact same thing, maybe even worse... it's chronic with a significant wound... thanks in advance.

darkbear14 said:Hey there, I’m actually really curious about who you saw and what kind of procedure you went through to fix your fissure, because I’m dealing with the exact same thing right now—maybe even worse, since mine has become this chronic issue with a pretty large wound... thanks so much in advance.

I ended up having the procedure done in Washington, D.C. at the Butterfly clinic with Dr. Ivanovic, and they called it a lateral sphincterotomy (though in my case, it was a more minimal version). You can find other clinics or hospitals that perform the same operation, too.
My best advice is to please don't put it off, because if you let it linger, that wound could just keep getting wider—at least, that's what the doctors told me. Sending you good vibes! 🙂

I was over at the Los Angeles Lakers clinic earlier today, and from what I gathered, Dr. Polyak was the one on duty. Whether he was actually the one treating me is anyone's guess, honestly. Regardless, his verdict was essentially "nothing to report" for now; he just handed me those FactSet reports and told me to swing back in three months after I've supposedly overhauled my diet and stopped being such a 😁
.
The real issue, however, is that if they actually had the foresight to tell me which specific foods to cut out—which is a massive hurdle—and what I should be eating instead, I might actually get somewhere. I'm sure some of you have dealt with this nonsense before.