Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice?

cosmicmoose2 said:Even though things improved, I still haven't fully recovered, so I finally decided to just go ahead with General Hal. I really don't want to spend the rest of my life relying on suppositories and creams.

I've been reading through the forums, but I'd be grateful if anyone else could share their impressions after the procedure.

They promised me maybe 2 or 3 days of mild to moderate pain, and then it’ll be like I was never even there. Honestly, it sounds a little too good to be true...

Also, the doctor insists that in my case (Grade II internal), the success rate is nearly 100%. He says it's best to get this sorted now before things reach that critical stage.

I'll check back in with my thoughts once everything is over. I'm a bit nervous, though—I've honestly never had surgery or even stayed overnight in a hospital before...

With Grade 2, you really won't have much pain. For the specifics regarding Grade 4, take a look at my previous posts; you'll see how right you were to make this decision. It won't come back. Good luck.🙂

I spend a lot of time sitting
not as much as I used to, but things have flared up lately
there’s no blood, though... so maybe it's just an earlier stage
mostly, just lying down or going for walks helps
as the weather gets colder, I'll be doing less yard work
and spending way more time sitting around
so, uh, I don't really know what to do about it

There’s this old-school remedy that actually works: olive oil infused with thyme! My mom has dealt with hemorrhoids since she was pregnant, but luckily they’ve never really escalated beyond those initial stages... it usually just comes down to a bad diet, stress, and sitting too much. After treating them with that mixture for a week or two, they clear right up. Honestly, half my family deals with this stuff, so I'm basically just waiting for my turn to deal with 🙂 🙂

P.s. what's the move regarding anal sex once you're dealing with hemorrhoids? 😁

I wouldn't recommend it. I remember reading an article by a well-known professor once suggesting that hemorrhoids can also be caused by certain types of sexual activity. At the end of the day, it’s all about your diet, keeping things moving, avoiding straining, and making sure you stay hydrated...

Michael Diaz4 said:Well, it’s certainly not advisable. I recall reading an article by a prominent professor stating that hemorrhoids can be caused by certain sexual practices. Essentially, consistency is everything—you need regular bowel movements, minimal straining, and you have to stay properly hydrated...

Michael, I’ve gone back and read through all your previous posts, and after looking even closer this time, I feel terrible that I didn't pay more attention to the specific creams you were using. My surgeon didn't bother prescribing anything at all after my procedure, and let me tell you, those six weeks were pure agony. I was just relying on Advil. Mind you, I’m from Mexico and had my surgery there, so perhaps they don't carry the same things; they usually just suggest a Fact, so I haven't heard of those two you mentioned.
Anyway, I wanted to ask you: how is your condition now? What does the area actually look like? And how do you manage when you deal with harder stools? I'm asking so I can compare my experience to yours. I underwent the exact same surgery you did about eight months ago, though I didn't have polyps like you did. My doctor is considered one of our top surgeons, but unfortunately, he isn't a proctologist; since he had only a handful of patients before me, I suppose I was his guinea pig. He typically handles cancer surgeries for the heart, lungs, and so on, so this kind of thing was child's play to him, but I still harbor some skepticism. I’m constantly terrified that he didn't perform the procedure correctly or that I simply fall into that unlucky three percent. This is because after every bowel movement—except for the rare times when things are exceptionally soft—three little lumps or protrusions swell up. That's what surgeons call them; they are essentially the remnants of the external hemorrhoids he removed, and they become so painful that I have to lie on my side until the inflammation subsides, much like when I originally had hemorrhoids. It varies in intensity depending on my stool consistency. I actually suspect I still have one actual hemorrhoid left, because compared to these small bumps, sometimes a larger one swells up. Occasionally, I see a tiny bit of fresh blood on the toilet paper, maybe a couple of drops.
I truly thought this would pass, but it feels like things are getting worse. The area still looks quite raw. While it is significantly better than when I first had hemorrhoids—the pain is manageable—the discomfort is constant. I follow a strict diet religiously; I discovered that ground flaxseed is a lifesaver for keeping things soft. I've been taking a tablespoon in my soup daily with plenty of water for six months now, and when I do, everything passes smoothly. But if I miss even a single day, my stool hardens slightly and the trouble starts immediately. I paid $1,600 for the surgery. I hesitate to go back to him because I fear he isn't truly a specialist in this niche and might just tell me it's normal or suggest another surgery—and I simply don't have the strength or the money for that. We don't have many proctologists here who are proficient in these specific methods; this clinic was the only one in the entire country to acquire their specialized equipment two years ago, and he is the only one trained to use it. Going elsewhere just isn't a financial possibility for me right now. I am at a loss; honestly, there have been moments where I’ve thought about ending it all. I can't deal with the hemorrhoids anymore, and I can't endure the torture of the surgery, the anesthesia, the pain, or the agonizing bathroom trips. It’s hell. So, I have to ask: do you experience anything similar, or have you dealt with this too?
I'm asking you because I want to know if you've faced this exact same thing...
Even now, tears are streaming down my face as I write this.

I'm new here, though I've been scrolling through the previous posts. I've been dealing with hemorrhoids for two years now. It started with internal ones that I eventually got used to, and everything was fine until about six or seven days ago when an external one flared up. The pain is unbearable. I haven't slept in two nights. Interestingly, the inflammation seems to have gone down slightly because the pain has shifted; I can sit, but lying down is pure agony. I went to see my primary care physician at a local clinic for an exam. He did a thorough checkup, palpated everything, and then just prescribed some Ciprozad and Delta Hades ointment, telling me the hemorrhoids would just clear up. Based on what I've read here, grades 3 and 4 aren't something you just "clear up"—they usually require surgery. Has anyone else used this specific medication combo, or dealt with a GP who failed to refer them to a surgeon for a procedure? Please let me know.

Alright, so today marks day four since my General Hal procedure. Honestly, I’m feeling pretty good. The post-op pain is mostly gone—just some occasional light discomfort here and there, but nothing to freak out about... To be honest, they told me recovery would take maybe two or three days, and I didn't believe them. It actually was that fast.

The worst of the pain really hit right after they put me back in bed. I had this incredibly weird sensation inside... it's hard to even describe. It felt like something was pulsing or moving around in there, paired with this heavy, dull ache. But thank god the meds through the IV kicked in fast... 🙂 When I finally explained what was going on to the doctor, he just told me it was totally normal, which helped me chill out a bit...

I was super careful with what I ate during those first three days, so my first bathroom trip happened a little later than expected. Part of that was because they warned me the first one would be rough, but everything went fine. No bleeding at all, even though they said I should probably expect a little... Maybe it's because I've been on Daflon for three weeks, who knows... Also, dealing with gas for the first two days was a total nightmare...

My diet was pretty strict. I mostly stuck to protein shakes—whey isolate mixed with water—carbs were basically just clear broths, and I got my fats from a few spoonfuls of olive oil. 🙂

I only ate a tiny bit of applesauce just to get things moving for that first bowel movement... After that, I started eating more normally, but they recommended sticking to light meals for at least ten days...

I've got a follow-up scheduled in a month and a half, and man, I am really hoping this is the last time I ever have to deal with hemorrhoids...

It’s still way too early to say for sure, but if you're at Stage II (which is when most people get diagnosed), I'd tell you to seriously think about this method...

If anyone has questions or wants more details, just shoot me a PM.

That's all for now. I'll pop back in here every now and then, mostly just to help out where I can!

cosmicmoose2 said:So, here I am on day four following my General Hal procedure. Honestly? I’m feeling pretty good. The pain from the surgery itself has mostly vanished; there's just the occasional little twinge here and there, but nothing that has me worried. People kept telling me recovery would only take about two or three days, and I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical. Turns out, they were right. It really was that quick.

Honestly, I didn't even really feel the pain until they put me back in bed. There was this incredibly strange sensation inside—it’s hard to put into words, really. It felt like there was some kind of pulsing or movement going on deep inside, paired with this intense, dull ache. Thankfully, the Tylenol they gave me through the IV kicked in pretty quickly. 🙂 Once I finally sat down and walked my doctor through everything I’ve been feeling, he told me it was all completely expected. Honestly, hearing that just took a huge weight off my shoulders. I feel much calmer now.

I was being really careful about what I ate during those first three days, so my first bathroom trip happened a little later than expected. Part of that was probably because I’d been warned that the first one might be pretty uncomfortable, but honestly, everything went smoothly. I didn't even have any minor bleeding, which is what they told me to look out for. Maybe it’s because I’ve been on Daflon for three weeks now? Who knows. Also, dealing with gas during those first two days was a pretty painful experience...

I’ve been following a pretty specific eating plan lately. My main protein source has been whey isolate—just that lactose-free protein powder—mixed with water. For carbs, I mostly stuck to clear broths, and I managed to get my fats in by just adding a few spoonfuls of olive oil here and there. 🙂

I just had a little bit of mashed potatoes, purely to get things moving and trigger that first bowel movement. After that, I started eating a bit more normally, though they recommended sticking to light meals for at least ten days.

I've got an appointment scheduled in about a month and a half. I’m really hoping this turns out to be the last time I ever have to deal with hemorrhoids. Seriously.

It’s probably too early to call it, but I’d suggest that anyone currently in Stage II—which is when most people get their diagnosis—really takes a hard look at that method. Just give it some serious thought.

If anyone has questions or just wants to dig a little deeper into this, feel free to shoot me a private message.

That’s all from me for now. I'll be popping back in here and there—mostly just hoping to show some solidarity!

See? It’s exactly like I told you. Not a single detail is off. Everything matches up perfectly.🙂 It’s not over yet; there’s no guarantee that it’s completely finished. Just be careful—and definitely watch out when you're sitting down, because you’ll probably see some minor traces of blood in your stool. It’s really minimal, though, so don't let it worry you too much. I’m actually glad to see someone followed my advice. Look at us (plus a few other people on this forum from earlier)—we’re living proof that things can turn out just fine. You shouldn't have any more issues after this. Just make sure you avoid sitting for a while longer. I'm not sure exactly how long that should be in your specific case; your doctor should have given you those instructions, so you likely already know how long you need to stay off your seat. Regardless, it won't last nearly as long as it did for me...

Sean Peterson4 said:Hey everyone, I’m new here, but I’ve been scrolling through the older posts to get my bearings. I’ve been dealing with hemorrhoids for about two years now. At first, it was just internal stuff—I actually got used to it and functioned normally—until about six or seven days ago when an external one flared up. The pain is unbearable. I haven't slept in two nights. It seems like the inflammation has gone down slightly because the pain isn't quite as sharp, but it's strange; I can sit down, but lying down is pure torture. I went to see my primary care doctor at the local clinic for an exam. He was very thorough, did a full physical, and then wrote me a prescription for Ciprozad and some Delta Hades ointment, telling me the hemorrhoids would just clear right up. But looking through the discussions here, I’ve read that grade 3 and 4 cases don't just "clear up"—they usually require surgery. Has anyone else used this specific ointment and those pills? Or has anyone dealt with a GP who didn't immediately refer them to a surgeon for a procedure? Please, I could really use some responses.

I’m actually a perfect example of what we're talking about here. I struggled with this more than anything else in my life because my primary care doctor refused to refer me to a specialist. It was incredibly frustrating. Eventually, I just had to take matters into my own hands once I realized I wasn't getting anywhere. Feel free to look back through my previous posts if you want some context. But seriously, please go see a good specialist—get a professional opinion so they can tell you exactly what needs to be done.

Jonathan Newman10 said:Michael Diaz4, I’ve gone back and read through all your old posts—really dug into them this time. Honestly, I feel a bit bad that I didn't pay closer attention to the specific creams you were using before. My surgeon didn't give me anything at all after my procedure, and let me tell you, those seven weeks were pure torture. I was just stuck taking Diclofenac. Since I'm from Mexico and had my surgery here, maybe they just don't carry the same stuff? Usually, people around here just suggest Fact, so I hadn't even heard of those two you mentioned.
So, I wanted to ask you—how are things actually going for you now? What’s the day-to-day reality like? Specifically, how do you handle it when you have harder stools? I’m asking because I really need a baseline to compare my own experience to. I had the exact same surgery about eight months ago, though unlike you, I didn't have polyps. My doctor is supposedly one of the best surgeons around, but he isn't a proctologist. He only had a handful of patients before me, so it honestly felt like I was his guinea pig. He spends most of his time removing heart and lung cancers, so this procedure was probably child's play for him, but I still can't shake the skepticism. I'm constantly terrified that he didn't do the job correctly, or that I just happened to fall into that unlucky 3% where things go wrong. The reason I'm so worried is that after almost every bowel movement—except for those rare times when everything is incredibly soft—I get these three little bumps or swellings. They're painful. The surgeons call them "tags," which are basically just remnants from the external hemorrhoids he removed. It hurts so much that I actually have to lie on my side until the inflammation subsides, just like when I used to deal with hemorrhoids. Sometimes it's intense, sometimes it's mild; it all depends on the consistency of my stool. I even suspect I might still have one actual hemorrhoid left, because compared to these little bumps, there's occasionally one larger swelling that feels more significant. And occasionally, I'll see a tiny bit of bright red blood on the toilet paper—just a couple of drops.
I honestly thought this would be over by now, but it feels like everything is just getting worse. My area still looks inflamed. It’s definitely better than when I was dealing with actual hemorrhoids—the pain is manageable—but that constant discomfort won't go away. I’ve been following my diet strictly. I actually discovered that ground flaxseed is a total lifesaver for keeping things soft; I’ve been taking a tablespoon a day with plenty of water for about six months now. When I stay on top of it, everything moves smoothly, but if I miss even one day, things get hard and the problems start all over again immediately. I paid $1,500 for the surgery. I keep putting off going back to see him because I’m terrified he isn't actually a specialist in this specific area. I’m scared he’ll just tell me this is "normal" or suggest another surgery, and frankly, I don't have the strength or the money for that. We don't really have dedicated proctologists who understand these specific methods here. This clinic was the only one in the entire country to acquire this particular machine two years ago, so he’s the only one performing this procedure. Going anywhere else just isn't an option financially right now. I truly don't know what to do. To be honest, there have been moments where I've thought about just ending it all. I can't deal with the hemorrhoids anymore. I can't face the torture of surgery, the anesthesia, the intense pain, or the agony of every bowel movement. It's hell. And I find myself wondering... would even another procedure actually work? I'd honestly rather just die.
I'm asking you—have you ever dealt with anything like this? Have you gone through exactly what I'm going through?
Honestly, even now, I can feel the tears stinging my eyes as I type this out.

Google... this is a tough one. I’m truly sorry, I really am.😢 First, let me address my own situation. Honestly? I don't have any issues left—none at all. I’m pretty careful about what I eat, and I lost a significant amount of weight after the surgery, so I'm doing a good job keeping my figure in check. Even if things get a little firm during a bowel movement, it's absolutely no big deal. My doctor actually put it this way: "It's like being a baby again; everything is perfectly smooth." I did end up with one external stitch because they had to pull the skin inward, which left a tiny, barely visible scar. Other than that, there is nothing—absolutely nothing—that shows I ever even had the procedure. It sounds like what you went through is a textbook case of surgeon incompetence. Such a shame...😢 It sounds like they didn't actually retract anything and missed the vein entirely, if I'm reading you right. I honestly don't know what to tell you. I get it—I really do. I know how much this hurts. The money side of things is awkward, sure, but you’ll find the funds when it comes down to your actual quality of life. Life is just too full of unnecessary pain. If I were in your shoes, I’d seek out a different surgeon—someone who uses those more modern techniques for hemorrhoid surgery—and ask about a revision procedure like the one I had. Don't let fear or hesitation hold you back. Now, the cost is a real issue; it cost me a fortune, well over $1,500 in total, but that’s a small price to pay. It was a bargain because, 18 months after my surgery, I feel like a completely new person. I travel, I work, I can eat whatever I want without fear (well, I still avoid spicy food for other reasons), and I can drive hundreds of miles without stopping. My personal record is about 497 miles driving my own car straight through, including an 18-hour stretch once. This shouldn't ever come back to haunt you. I don't know what your condition was like before the first surgery or how neglected it had become, because it’s actually quite rare for things to stay fixed if the initial damage was severe. But that’s a scientific mystery at this point, and science is often powerless there. Regardless, it seems like the surgery wasn't done correctly and that doctor wasn't even a specialist in this field. I truly believe this can be fixed so everything feels perfectly normal again. Try somewhere else. Even if you have to look abroad, save your quality of life. You have nothing to lose; you only have everything to gain. And please, do not agree to a traditional surgery where they just cut everything away. That’s how you risk damaging the sphincter or the sensation in the area, and then you're in real trouble. Try to get this sorted nearby. You've got Boston, Chicago, New York City... anywhere where you can find a specialist you trust who can actually fix this. Good luck. Don't put it off, because clearly, that last operation was a failure.

Thanks for the advice, Michael Diaz4.
I'll stick with this ten-day regimen of the cream and pills. Since I can't really tell if the first application did anything, I'll see how it goes; if there's no improvement, I'll just head to my doctor to get a referral to a specialist.

Hey there,
Can someone please explain the difference between hemorrhoids and a fissure? Also, what exactly are anal fistulas and abscesses? I'm really not sure what I'm dealing with right now.
All I know is that it hurts when I go to the bathroom, and I'm seeing blood on the toilet paper.

Sophia Wright47 said:hey there
can anyone walk me through the actual distinction between hemorrhoids and fissures? And what exactly are anal fistulas and abscesses? I'm honestly lost as to what I'm dealing with here.
All I know is that it hurts like hell when I go, and there's blood on the toilet paper.

The reality is that you could very well be battling both hemorrhoids and a fissure simultaneously, as their symptoms often overlap in a rather deceptive way. Personally, I've been plagued by both, though the fissure is the true culprit lately—it leaves this lingering, stinging burn that persists long after I've finished in the bathroom. You really ought to schedule an appointment with a proctologist; you need a professional diagnosis to stop the guesswork.

Anyone got a clue what this might be? I obviously have my own theory since I'm posting here, but I'm mostly just hoping it's actually just hemorrhoids.

So, what should I do...

Basically, there's this tiny little HOLE near my anus. It doesn't hurt at all, and it itches sometimes, but rarely. However, if I have a bigger, harder stool, it tends to bleed. Sometimes it's just a little, sometimes more.
I was away from home for a bit and eating differently back then, and I didn't have any bleeding issues during that time, though the little hole was still there.

But look, it never bleeds when I'm not actually having a bowel movement...

I've had this for at least 6+ months and wasn't really sweating it, but now that I'm reading stuff online... I guess I'm freaking out a bit. I should probably just go to the doctor, damn it.

It could be an anal fissure—those things can look small on the surface but go pretty deep—or it might be hemorrhoids. Honestly, just go see a proctologist. You aren't going to cure this stuff via the internet. Seriously, get to a doctor and you'll be fine! 🙂

Sent from my iPhone using Twitter

Edward Booth6 said:Does anyone have any idea what this could be? Obviously, I have my own theories, which is why I'm posting here, but I'm really just hoping it turns out to be nothing more than hemorrhoids.

And what should I actually do about it...

Basically, I have this tiny little bump near my anus. It doesn't hurt at all, though it itches occasionally—but rarely. However, when I deal with a harder stool, it tends to bleed. Sometimes it's just a little, sometimes there's more.
I was away from home for a while recently and eating differently back then, and during that time, I didn't have any bleeding issues, even though the little bump was still there.

But just so we're clear, it never bleeds when I'm not having a bowel movement...

I've had this for at least 6 months now. I wasn't particularly worried before, but now that I've been doing some reading online... I'm starting to second-guess myself. For God's sake, I need to go see a doctor!

You've already gotten some answers here, but I'll add that it could also be perineitis. Seriously, go see a doctor before things get complicated; you'll be able to resolve it quickly if you act now...

I figured I’d jump in here too and explain what I’m dealing with regarding my hemorrhoids.

I first noticed them about a year ago—around this same time of year—but honestly, I didn't give them much thought at first. I was dealing with some itching in the anal area, but I just assumed it was probably from sweating, since I tend to sweat a bit more than most and my job involves a fair amount of physical labor. So, I didn't even realize I actually had hemorrhoids. Over time, though, that itching became pretty annoying and uncomfortable, and I started noticing some little lumps down there—I even noticed an unpleasant odor every now and then. Once the new year rolled around, it just became too much to handle, so I went to see my doctor to get it checked out. He prescribed me some Fact ointment. His advice was to wash the area with cold or lukewarm water after using the bathroom and then apply the ointment. Even on days when I didn't have a bowel movement, he told me to apply it at least once a day. Seriously, bless that doctor. I felt relief after just a couple of days; the itching subsided significantly, and after about three or four weeks, everything cleared up—no more itching and nothing palpable down there.
Of course, he also suggested making a few dietary tweaks. He told me to cut back on things like chocolate, rice, and Bananas, because those can lead to harder stools. He said to drink plenty of fluids (water) and stuff like that. I even read somewhere that cutting back on coffee might help, so instead of my usual morning coffee, I've been having chamomile tea. Everything was going great...

...until about two months later. The hemorrhoids came back, but the difference this time is that nothing hurts—there's no itching, no blood in my stool (at least none that I've seen), and I can go about my normal routine without any pain or irritation. However, I do have these sort of small bulges after using the bathroom; in the morning, they feel "inflated" (if you know what I mean) and soft. I wash with cold or lukewarm water after using the bathroom and try to gently push them back in. When I first noticed this, I didn't bother seeing a doctor; I just went out and bought some Vaseline. But there was absolutely no change, nothing at all. Once I finished that, I went back to the Fact ointment, which I recently ran out of. Still, no change. They are still right there, and while, like I said, there's no pain, no itching, and no blood, they are simply present, and it bothers me.

I drink plenty of water daily, some fruit juices, the occasional soda, chamomile tea every morning, and maybe one or two coffees during the day. For lunch, I usually just grab a sandwich, and my next meal—which is also my last for the day—is around 5:00 PM when I get home from work (just the standard stuff—soup, some meat with pasta, stews, veggies, nothing fancy). Occasionally I'll treat myself to pizza or some other kind of fast food (maybe twice a month max), but that's really it. There's nothing unusual about my diet, and nothing has changed drastically compared to the last 27 years of my life.🤷

I'm looking for advice on a cream, an ointment, tablets, or anything else I can try to resolve this without having to head back to the doctor. It's not that I'm embarrassed—I've already gone through the exam—but I'd really prefer to fix this without being referred to a specialist. It might not even be that serious. I promise, if it doesn't clear up within a month, I'll go back to the clinic.🙂

It's a bit of a long post, but I tried to paint a full picture of my situation.😁
Thanks in advance.

Checking in after quite some time. My hemorrhoids are essentially hit or miss. It isn't unbearable, but they’ve started interfering with my daily life. I actually postponed a trip recently because of them. Consequently, I've decided to go through with the General Hal procedure. They accept Medicare at Mercury. While there's a longer wait with Dr. Ivanovic, you can get seen quickly by the others. They claim to perform about five or six operations. Does anyone have experience with the other surgeons at Chase Bank besides Dr. Ivanovic?

Christian Smith2 said:Hey everyone, checking in after quite a while. My hemorrhoids have been pretty hit-or-miss lately. It’s not completely unbearable, but they're starting to get in the way of my daily life. I actually had to push back a trip recently because of them. So, I've decided to go through with a General Hal procedure. They take Medicare at Mercury. If you see Dr. Ivanovic, the wait is a bit longer, but you can get seen much faster by the other surgeons there. They mentioned they perform about 5 or 6 of these operations. I was wondering if anyone here has experience with the other surgeons at Chase Bank besides Dr. Ivanovic?

Hi there... I remember you mentioning these issues last year. What stage are your hemorrhoids at currently?

Michael Diaz4 said:Hello... I know you've been posting about your issues since last year. What stage are your hemorrhoids at?

Stage two, though they're approaching stage three. It's time for surgery—just artery ligation without the transanal rectal mucopexy. So, General Hal should suffice, skipping the RAR. My symptoms involve occasional bleeding (rarely), but there's a constant downward pressure. After using the restroom and cleaning up, lying down is the best option. If I do this before bed, which is my routine, the next day is fine. But if it happens during the day, the pressure is uncomfortable. It also depends on the weather since I have low blood pressure. Generally, it’s bothersome, especially when standing. There's no pain or thrombosis, but it's increasingly interfering with daily life. Since I still only need the DG HAL, I decided to get it done before the RAR becomes necessary.

Christian Smith2 said:It’s grade two, though they aren't far off from being grade three. I think now is actually the right time to move forward, specifically just doing the artery ligation without the transanal rectal mucopexy. So, a General Hal procedure should be enough, skipping the RAR. My main issues are some occasional bleeding—though that's rare—but there's this constant downward pressure. After I use the bathroom and clean up, the best thing is to just lie down. If I do this right before bed, which is my routine, I’m fine the next day. But if it happens during the day, it’s uncomfortable; that pressure just sits there. It also depends on the weather since my blood pressure tends to run low. Basically, it's a nuisance, especially when I'm standing up. There isn't any pain or signs of thrombosis yet, but it's starting to interfere more and more with my daily life. Since I can probably get away with just the General Hal for now, I decided to pull the trigger before I end up needing the full RAR.

That sounds like a smart move. You really should have handled this sooner. There’s no point in waiting around anymore...