Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice?

Frank Edwards95 said:It’ll probably clear up in a week or two. It keeps coming back if you live a messy lifestyle, sit too much, and things like that...

Nobody on this forum has ever gotten rid of them forever just by using ointments!

I sit a lot regardless. I'm a high school senior graduating next year and heading off to college soon. I'm always going to be sitting a ton. If it were possible to stand up in a classroom, I'd do it, but obviously, you can't. When I get home from school, it's just studying, practicing, and drafting in AutoCAD. Since I'm in construction and surveying, drawing and being stuck at a computer all day is basically my entire life. My future is pretty much set: I'll be sitting a lot. Still, it really depends on what "sitting a lot" means to you. For some people, that's an hour; for others, it's five hours or ten. It varies.

Jeffrey Roberts2 said:I spend a ton of time sitting anyway. I’m actually a high school senior heading to college next year, so sitting is going to be a huge part of my life regardless. If classrooms were designed so you could actually stand up, I’d take it in a heartbeat, but that's just not how it works. Once I get home from school, it's straight to studying, practicing, and drafting in AutoCAD—since I'm in a construction and surveying program, sitting at a computer is basically my entire job description. My future is pretty much set to involve a lot of sitting. Still, "a lot" is subjective, isn't it? For some people, it might mean an hour, for others five, or even ten. It really depends on your perspective.

Auuu, so young and already dealing with hemorrhoids...🙄 Sitting isn't actually the culprit here; you don't get them just from sitting down. You probably just need to focus on a healthier lifestyle and better nutrition. This is only the beginning, though. To prevent bigger issues down the road, you should look into a non-invasive procedure soon to get rid of them for good. If people actually realized how easy and simple those procedures are, everyone would just do it right away and move on with their lives...

Michael Diaz4 said:Auuu, so young and already dealing with hemorrhoids...🙄 Sitting isn't actually the cause; you don't get them just from sitting. You really need to focus on eating a bit healthier. This is just the beginning. To prevent bigger issues down the road, you should look into a non-invasive procedure to get rid of them for good. If people realized how simple the surgery is, they'd jump on it immediately and be done with the problem forever...

Sounds like things are going pretty smoothly, considering the surgery part, but tell me this: am I supposed to apply this Fact internally or externally? Also, just for info, I started applying it about 24 hours ago and honestly, there's zero improvement. This is the first time it's been like this for me. I've had hemorrhoids before, but usually, if they flared up on Monday, they were gone by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. Now I'm starting to worry because these have been bothering me since Tuesday and it's already Sunday. :/

Jeffrey Roberts2 said:It honestly looks like a nightmare, especially if surgery follows. But tell me, am I supposed to apply this Fact externally or internally? Just for my own info, I started applying it about 24 hours ago and frankly, there’s zero improvement. This is a first for me. I’ve dealt with hemorrhoids before, but usually, they’d flare up on a Monday and be gone by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. Now I'm starting to get worried because these have been bothering me since Tuesday and it's already Sunday. :/

Try putting a little bit inside too; it has that nice ridged applicator tip on the side to help it go on smoothly. It sounds like you're still in the early stages, but I’d really suggest seeing a good doctor to get it checked out when you can. Modern methods are incredibly effective—once they cauterize those internal veins supplying the blood to the hemorrhoids, the problem is basically solved. Also, try not to sit on the toilet for too long...

So, I’ve been using this with the Fact applicator. It feels a little awkward and honestly a bit uncomfortable to deal with, but here we are... Anyway, I have a question. I’ve already gone through more than half of my supply of Fact. What I’m wondering is this: when I use it with the applicator, I squeeze it all out, but there is always some residue left inside the tube. It genuinely bothers me to just wash it down the drain every single time. I make sure to take the tube off and give it a thorough cleaning, and I can’t help but notice how much of the product I’m actually wasting. There is no way to get it back in there. Does anyone know if there is a solution for this? It really feels like a waste. More of the product is ending up in my sink than actually helping with my hemorrhoids. Plus, I don't feel like it's hygienic to not clean the tube after every use, so I'm looking for some advice.

steelangler7 said:Hello, everyone,
well, here I am again...

I promised I’d check back in after my appointment, and frankly, I am utterly disillusioned.

The diagnosis is essentially this...
the fissure is still there, measuring about 3 mm in length and 1 mm in width, with first-degree hemorrhoids...
And the "cure"? Just slather on some calendula ointment...

So, I pressed the doctor for a more substantial solution—I asked if surgery was an option because, quite honestly, I am exhausted by this entire ordeal; it has been a constant, nagging misery for far too long. His response? A dismissive shrug. He basically said, "Well, no... it will either heal on its own or it won't. Just keep using the calendula." Then he tells me to come back for a follow-up in six months. "Enjoy yourselves, take warm baths..." Ha! Hahaha! Hah!!!!!!😠
Naturally, following the examination, things have taken a turn for the worse...
That tiny bit of tissue that had actually managed to heal has split right open again...
And today, I'm looking at a toilet bowl full of blood.
Isn't life just wonderful?
I am simply fed up with all of this.🙂

Are you still dealing with that fissure, and did that calendula ointment actually do anything, or did you end up going under the knife?

Should I see a specialist or can my primary care doctor just prescribe the cream? Also, which version is the most affordable? I'm on a tight budget right now, even with my supplemental insurance. I'm generally in pretty good health, thank goodness 🙂

Your primary care physician can write you a prescription...

Thanks! I picked up some Hemopropin over the counter, so if that doesn't do the trick, I'll head to the doctor...

vividsailor7 said:Just so you know, FactSet ointment requires a prescription. If FactSet doesn't do the trick, you might want to look into other options like Hemophiliac, Preparation H via prescription, or Lidocaine... Lidoproct isn't actually registered here in the States.

Harvey, I was told you were the one to ask for advice. To put it briefly, what’s the best and least painful way to deal with two shallow anal fissures that have been tormenting me for eight months now? Should I attempt using nitroglycerin ointment, even though I've heard it can trigger brutal headaches? I'm weighing my options: various ointments, undergoing anal dilation in NYC, or just going for a classic surgical procedure at the hospital in San Francisco where I actually live... I'm honestly not sure if you're a GP or a surgeon, but you were recommended to me, so please, help me out... thank you in advance.

Sophia Brooks50 said:vividsailor7, I was told you're the one to ask for advice. Basically, what’s the best and least painful way to deal with two shallow anal fissures that have been driving me crazy for 8 months now? Should I try that nitroglycerin ointment, even though I heard it can cause massive headaches? I'm torn between using ointments, trying anal dilation in NYC, or just going for a classic surgical cut at the hospital here in San Francisco where I actually live... I don't know if you're a GP or a surgeon, but people pointed me your way, so please help... thanks in advance

Look, I'm an internist. Since this issue has been dragging on for 8 months, the smartest move would be to undergo anal dilation—provided you don't have any contraindications, like chronic issues or if the fissure is already neglected. The procedure only takes about 5 to 15 minutes, it's pretty painless, carries minimal risk, and you can walk right out after. Best regards.

vividsailor7 said:As an internist, let me weigh in. Given that this issue has been lingering for eight months now, the most prudent course of action—provided you don't have contraindications like chronic issues or if the fissure itself has become neglected—would be to undergo anal dilation. It’s a brief procedure, lasting anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, typically performed on an outpatient basis. It is relatively painless and generally carries minimal risk of complications. Best regards.

Thank you, though I find myself stuck in a bit of a quandary now. The documentation suggests this is chronic; I first experienced this last year and it settled down after about two months, but now, a full year later, it has resurfaced and has been persisting for eight months. The pain isn't exactly agonizing, but there is this constant, irritating burning sensation. I'm a bit lost on what "neglected" actually implies in this context. I've been diligent—applying ointments, taking chamomile baths, sticking to a strict diet—so why isn't anal dilation a standard procedure performed in hospitals if it's truly that straightforward? And is there any truth to the fears regarding complications, specifically the risk of fecal incontinence? I'll admit, I'm feeling quite anxious. On the other hand, the idea of a full-scale surgery sounds significantly more painful. It's a heavy decision to weigh. I honestly never imagined a fissure could be such a significant ordeal; I always assumed hemorrhoids—which I also suffer from, though they are currently dormant—were the greater concern. Thank you once again.😕

Sophia Brooks50 said:Thanks, but now I’m even more confused. It says it's chronic. I first felt this last year and it settled down after two months, but now, a year later, it’s back and has been going on for eight months. The pain isn't excruciating, but the burning sensation is constant... I don't understand what "neglected" means? I’m using ointments, taking chamomile baths, watching my diet... why don't hospitals perform anal dilation when it's such a simple procedure? And is it true that complications like fecal incontinence can happen? Honestly, I'm scared, but then again, a full surgery sounds way more painful. It's a tough call. I never realized a fissure could be such a massive issue; I thought hemorrhoids—which I also have, though they're quiet for now—were the real nightmare. Thanks again.😕

A fissure is actually a much nastier problem than hemorrhoids. As for being "neglected"? That just means you aren't following the treatment plan properly or the fissure itself hasn't been managed correctly. And regarding whether incontinence is a real risk... honestly, most patients cause those complications themselves through improper care. You need a thorough exam and solid advice from a specialist proctologist. Best regards.

vividsailor7 said:A fissure is actually a bit more of a headache than hemorrhoids. Are you saying things are backed up? If you don't follow through with the treatment plan, given how bad the fissure is, could it lead to complications like incontinence? Usually, those issues are self-inflicted by patients not sticking to the protocol. You really need a solid examination and expert advice from a specialist. Best regards.

I honestly think what’s weighing on Jason Vaughn482 is just the fact that every single specialist seems to swear by their own specific method while bashing everyone else's approach, which makes it incredibly tough for us patients to make a call when we aren't experts in the field ourselves.

Karen Thompson10 said:I think what's bothering Jason Vaughn482 is that every single proctologist out there pushes their own specific method while bashing everyone else's approach. For us patients who aren't medical experts, it makes deciding on a course of action incredibly difficult.

That is exactly the point. That’s why you have to find one skilled surgeon you can actually trust and just "put your life in their hands."

vividsailor7 said:What you’re saying is absolutely spot on; that is precisely why one must track down a surgeon of true caliber—someone you can actually trust—and simply surrender oneself entirely to their expertise.

Exactly, Karen Thompson10, you made the right call and now that part is behind you... what follows are the heavy, consequential conversations with surgeons. Do you remember when I mentioned that one specialist at the Rib clinic told me to skip surgery altogether and just stick to nitroglycerin ointment? Well, I simply cannot endure this agony any longer... a final decision has to be reached.

Thanks, Harvey, and thanks, Karen Thompson10... I'll send you a private message the second I have some news.

Sophia Brooks50 said:Exactly, Karen Thompson10, you made such a smart move by getting this behind you... now comes the heavy lifting of actually sitting down and having those serious talks with the surgeons. It reminds me of when I mentioned that one specialist over at the Rib clinic told me to skip surgery entirely and just stick with nitroglycerin ointment, but honestly, I just can't live in constant pain anymore... a final decision has to be made eventually.

Thanks so much, vividsailor7, and thanks, Karen Thompson10... I'll shoot you a private message as soon as I hear anything back.

I totally get it, because I went through the exact same thing, but looking back, I really feel like I had a bit of good luck on my side during the whole process.
The hard truth is that even if you were talking to the absolute best surgeon in the entire country, nobody can give you a 100% guarantee that everything will go flawlessly—it's just one of those risks we all have to face.

Based on what you shared with me, I’d say those surgeons in San Francisco are definitely trustworthy, though of course, your specific doctor needs to sit down with you personally first.
Try to trust your gut a little bit too, because at the end of the day, your surgeon needs to make you feel completely confident in them; that’s at least how I made my choice.

Please keep me posted, and I am rooting for you every step of the way! 😉

I guess I’ll weigh in here too—I’m pretty sure I’m dealing with external hemorrhoids. From what I’ve gathered reading through the last few pages, things like a bad diet, constipation, and drinking alcohol are major culprits. Personally, I’ve been struggling with irregular bowel movements for quite some time—specifically constipation—and there have been stretches where I didn't go at all for a couple of days. Lately, I've tried to jumpstart my metabolism by hitting the gym regularly and being more mindful of what I eat; plus, I don't drink alcohol anyway. I even picked up some herbal tea from Whole Foods to help out, which has actually done wonders for keeping things regular. Despite that, this past Saturday, I felt this weird pressure in my rectal area, and when I checked, I could feel two little lumps that are somewhat painful.
The catch is that I just started a new job where I'm stuck sitting for eight hours straight because I don't really have any other options, so I'm looking for advice. Should I go see a doctor, or should I just pick up some Preparation H and start applying it?

What are your thoughts on this: Gavez
I've been using Hemophiliac alongside some homemade comfrey salve, and I'm feeling much better. Comfrey seems like a solid alternative to calendula ointment; it's generally great for all kinds of wounds.

graniteowl61 said:I figured I’d jump in here because I’m pretty sure I’m dealing with external hemorrhoids. Looking through the last few pages, it seems like bad diet, constipation, and alcohol are big triggers. I’ve been struggling with my digestion for quite a while now—basically chronic constipation. There were times when I wouldn't go for days on end. Recently, I started working out regularly and watching what I eat to kickstart my metabolism, plus I don't drink alcohol anyway. I also picked up some herbal tea for digestion from Whole Foods, and honestly, my digestion has finally stabilized. But then this past Saturday, I felt this weird pressure in the rectal area, and when I check, I can feel two little lumps that are actually kind of painful.
The real kicker is that I just started a new job where I have to sit at a desk for 8 hours straight because I don't have any other choice. What do you guys suggest? Should I go see a doctor right away, or should I just grab some Faktu ointment and start applying it?

You can try using Hemophar for a week or two. If the symptoms don't clear up or start feeling better by then, you definitely need to go see your doctor.