Dealing with hemorrhoids – any advice?

How many of you self-diagnose with chemical imbalances without ever actually seeing a doctor?

I mentioned a few days ago that kiwi might help with digestion. I’m taking that back. Honestly, don't do it. For a lot of people, they’re just too acidic and hard to digest, which ends up aggravating hemorrhoids like crazy. Sure, it might soften things up, but the trade-off is just too much irritation. Seriously, skip them...

mistymaker8 said:How many of you have tried to play doctor and self-diagnose instead of actually seeing a professional?

I haven't had a checkup in two and a half years. I'm just waiting for things to clear up on their own😁. I hate guessing which doctor to see, so I'll head in once I find someone highly recommended
.

Raymond Sanchez78 said:Are there any over-the-counter options available?

Try Detralex (just Google it). It's about $33 twenty bucks per box.

Michael Diaz4 said:I mentioned once that kiwi helps with bowel movements. I’m retracting that advice. It turns out it's poorly tolerated; the acidity is quite harsh and irritates hemorrhoids terribly. While it does soften things up, the irritation is just too much. DON'T EAT THEM...

Kiwi works for me. Though, I don't deal with issues constantly—maybe once every few months. And mine are external.

For those dealing with chronic issues, it’s probably best to avoid them. 🤷

I’m heading into my second week on sick leave. Honestly, the pain only started easing up last night and today, to the point where it's actually tolerable. Right now, I’ve been using Ultraproct cream and taking Portalak syrup to help with digestion. I’d definitely recommend both. A few years back, Ultraproct didn't seem to do much for me—maybe I just wasn't consistent enough with it🤷—but after five days and cracking open a second tube, things finally seem to be looking up. And honestly? The best thing you can do while on this kind of treatment is just stay in bed. Stick to light soups, some gentle cooked meals—nothing heavy, just moderate portions with plenty of greens and chicken. Just lie down, binge some lighthearted shows, and stay far away from the news. You don't need the political stress messing with your recovery. That’s my current battle plan...

Michael Diaz4 said:PLEASE DON'T EAT THEM...

Look, you’re free to post whatever you want, but why just dump random thoughts here? If you want to talk about kiwi, you should actually know how to eat it properly—and if it tastes too sour for you, well, that's on you! Kiwi is one of the absolute powerhouses when it comes to Vitamin C. Forget oranges or those other citrus things... And please, people, stop acting like it’s some kind of miracle cure!
In my humble twenty years of experience, kiwi doesn't have anything to do with digestion issues or hemorrhoids, but there is one rule: stick to just one a day! What happens if you eat a pound of them? You might end up with an ulcer! Or if someone tries to wolf down five pounds at once, they might just lose their mind.

Chloe Gomez6 said:It's Detralex (google it), costs about $33 a box.

They don't sell it over the counter anymore, just like those caps.

Hi there. I’ve been dealing with what I assume are hemorrhoids following a recent gynecological surgery. My symptoms included anal itching, burning during bowel movements, and some bright red blood on the tissue. I used some Ultraproct ointment for a few days, but I stopped applying it as soon as the discomfort subsided. Now, the issues have returned: a mild itch and this persistent sensation of pressure, almost like a constant urge to go when there isn't actually any need to. I guess I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this specific pressure sensation, or perhaps some pain depending on how you're positioned?

Pressure, pain, itching, and maybe some bleeding? That’s almost certainly hemorrhoids 99% of the time...
When you're dealing with inflammation, your sphincter muscle can tighten up so much that even passing a stool becomes a struggle, which usually means the stool isn't even full-sized anymore.

It feels like it’s been forever since I last checked in here, but I finally felt like it was time to jump in and contribute my own little slice of experience, hoping that maybe my story might offer some helpful advice to someone else, just like the kind souls in this thread have done for me.

So, here goes nothing...
I’ve been dealing with hemorrhoids for a few years now, but because I managed to handle them reasonably well and they were mostly just an aesthetic annoyance rather than a physical crisis, I kept putting off seeing a doctor. Looking back, that was easily my biggest mistake.
About a month and a half ago, the pain escalated to a point where I literally couldn't walk, stand, or even lie down comfortably... it was just total agony. Even then, out of pure embarrassment and discomfort, I kept stalling the doctor visit, scrolling through this thread instead, and buying every over-the-counter cream and pill I could find. Nothing worked. If anything, everything just seemed to be spiraling downward.
Pretty soon, the pain was so intense I couldn't even sleep, let alone function like a normal human being in my daily life. It felt like I was being sliced open down there constantly, every single second of the day.

Finally, I hit my breaking point. I had to see a specialist. But which one? Finding reliable info online is a minefield, and I really wasn't feeling up to asking people I know if they could recommend a decent proctologist.
In the end, I decided to go with a big name. I made an appointment at Dr. Misir's clinic, thinking that would finally be the end of my misery. The exam itself was a bit awkward, and since it was my first time, I was absolutely terrified, but it was over quickly enough. However, the diagnosis came as a bit of a shock.
See, because I had external hemorrhoids, I assumed the issue was just surface-level and had been treating "them" with various creams this whole time. But it turns out I also had an anal fissure, which was actually the true culprit behind all that excruciating pain.
The doctor told me that by using those specific creams, I was actually making things worse—it was basically like pouring salt directly into an open wound.
But hey, isn't that just wonderful... 🙄

The proposed treatment: laser removal for the hemorrhoids and ten different injections to fix the fissure.
When he mentioned the injections, I honestly felt lightheaded; the idea of anyone touching that area, let alone poking it with needles, felt completely unthinkable to me.
The price tag? A total joke! 22 $0.00! 😲
Yes, you read that correctly! But honestly, at that point, I would have done just about anything just to make the pain stop....

After the weekend passed, I was just getting ready to call Dr. Misir and commit to the procedure when my primary care physician reached out with a warning. She told me, absolutely do not go to him; she said his prices are ridiculous and that those treatments would likely just wear off in six to eight months anyway.
Hmm, that sounds a bit suspicious to me... especially since the specialist had been insisting that his methods were the gold standard and that any other doctor would just resort to surgery.
Given how much money we're talking about, I didn't really stop to question it because my only priority was escaping the pain.
Eventually, the doctor suggested I head over to a major hospital like Mayo Clinic, since they have the top-tier proctologists and he wanted me to get a second opinion from the best.
I wasn't thrilled about that, as I was really hoping to just zip in and out of a private clinic to get this over with quickly, but I figured I'd give it a shot.

Then came another week of waiting. At this point, I can practically see stars. The waiting is just unbearable.
I eventually show up at the hospital, feeling incredibly frustrated with myself for waiting this long instead of just finishing everything with Dr. Misir. On top of that, I still had to endure another uncomfortable exam with a different doctor.
I arrived at the facility to see Dr. Ivanovic, the recommended specialist.
He comes in, chats with me for a bit, looks over my charts, and begins the exam. Now, that was the one weak spot. While at Dr. Misir's you're on a specialized chair and get to wear these little garments, here you have to climb onto a table and essentially just expose yourself. 👎

That said, Dr. Ivanovic seems incredibly professional and has this calming presence that actually makes you relax. Even though there was some awkwardness, it wasn't nearly as bad as my previous experience.
He was so patient and thorough in answering all my questions, and I was genuinely relieved that I had come to him.
Oh, and right—the doctor did find internal hemorrhoids as well, so that needed addressing too.
The method? DG HAL-RAR, which is a permanent solution and supposedly much more effective than any laser treatment, along with a tiny incision above the fissure, which he says is a much better long-term fix than Botox injections, which apparently just wear off after six months and leave you right back where you started.

Honestly, just think about it...
The catch? They couldn't even get me on the schedule for another five months because the waiting lists are just endless. Ugh, when you're dealing with pain this intense, waiting even one more week feels like an eternity, let alone months.
But, luckily, Ivanovic also practices over at the Mayo Clinic, so he can get everything sorted for me there right after the weekend. Such a relief!
As for the cost? It was 8 $0.00 total for both the hemorrhoids and the fissure. Compared to what I expected, this was practically pocket change, especially if it finally puts an end to all this misery once and for all.

I showed up at the clinic feeling absolutely wrecked, mostly because I just couldn't deal with the discomfort anymore...
The staff there was so incredibly kind and sweet that I could hardly believe it—honestly, I'm speechless. If only I had stumbled upon them a month ago!
I went under general anesthesia, and everything went smoothly; I stayed overnight at the facility where everyone took such wonderful care of me, and then the doctor checked in on me the next morning before sending me home.
They prescribed some antibiotics, a topical gel, pain meds, and ordered strict bed rest for a week. Full recovery should take about four to five weeks, and then I head back for a follow-up.

I have to be real with you though: those first two days after surgery were brutal, with the pain being so sharp and relentless that I didn't sleep for two whole nights, but by the third day, things finally started looking up.
I’m still feeling a little tender, but nothing major. The main thing is that the worst part is behind me.

I just really want to tell anyone who has been struggling with this for years: please don't put off seeing a doctor. Don't try to play doctor like I did—which honestly just made my situation worse—and don't fear the exam. Sure, it might be a bit awkward, but keep in mind that doctors have seen it all before, and taking action now can save you so much suffering later.
From what I understand, they also perform the Hal et Rar method over at Mercury, so if you can handle the wait, just book it and get it over with in a few months.
If the pain is truly unbearable, though, the Mayo Clinic is an option too.

If anyone has any questions at all, please just ask. Wishing you all the best of luck in fighting these little nuisances! 🙂

Man, I’ve been dealing with this hemorrhoid flare-up for over a month now. It’s been rough. I’ve actually been out on medical leave for three weeks already, and now I’m heading into my fourth week of being unable to work. Honestly, things got so desperate that I even went to see a holistic healer when I felt like I was losing hope. I also finished a heavy course of 1000 mg Xiclav antibiotics. That didn't fully clear everything up, though there was some significant improvement—it just couldn't quite tackle how intense the initial inflammation was. So, three weeks later, I went back to that same healer (who really does seem to have a track record), and while things felt noticeably better, they still weren't gone. He gave me a specific cream to apply after every bathroom trip. But then, on the third day leading up to my final session, things took a turn for the worse and the pain spiked again. When I mentioned it to him, he just told me the healing process takes about 40 to 50 days and to just stick with the cream. Then, this past Sunday, things started looking up briefly, but then I caught a sore throat. Yesterday wasn't too bad, but today? Today is a step backward. I'm at a loss. If I had just opted for surgery right at the start, I probably would have been fine by now...😠 My plan is to go see a specialist at a private clinic to get a real answer. This has easily been one of the worst stretches of my life. My diet is pretty disciplined—no spicy foods, small amounts of whole grain bread, and I'm taking Portalak regularly. Everything seems fine on the digestion side, but this morning after using the restroom, the discomfort was actually worse than before. It feels like the only way out of this is for a specialist to just perform the surgery...🙄

Has anyone else dealt with what I’m going through right now? If you have, how did you actually fix it? Honestly, I’m at my breaking point. It feels like I can’t even face leaving the house anymore. The pain is constant, and this depression is just starting to pull me under. I can't keep living like this. I've been fighting hemorrhoids for nearly twenty years, but I'm officially tapped out. Is surgery really the only way out of this nightmare?

Michael Diaz4, please take a second to look back at what I wrote before... 🙂
I know exactly how you feel because I spent a month and a half practically housebound, just suffering through unbearable pain, when looking back, I realized I could have fixed this so much sooner.
You really need to go see a specialist and do some deep diving online into all the different ways they handle hemorrhoids. There isn't just one way to do it; there are various surgical options, and depending on which path you take, you might be facing a grueling, long recovery or something where you're back on your feet almost immediately.

It’s a bit of a trade-off: laser surgery tends to be much easier on the body, though there’s always that nagging chance the issue might come back, whereas traditional surgeries offer a more permanent fix but leave you dealing with a much tougher recovery period.
If you're only dealing with internal issues, definitely look into the THD method, since it’s incredibly effective and doesn't require any downtime at all.
Right now, if you want the most advanced, least invasive, and lasting solution out there, you should check out the Hal et Rar method.

At the end of the day, you just have to make the call and get it done. So many people from our community who were once struggling right where you are are living completely symptom-free today. It honestly makes no sense to keep dragging this pain along with you.
Since you mentioned you've been battling this for twenty years already, why not spend the next twenty
living life without even thinking about it? 🙂
All those creams, ointments, and over-the-counter meds are basically just putting a Band-Aid on the problem—they mask the symptoms but don't actually touch the root cause. Unfortunately, surgery is the only real way to put this to rest, so just make sure you do your homework to pick the best approach for you.
Wishing you the absolute best!

Michael Diaz4 said:Has anyone else ever dealt with something like this...

I’m not really in the same boat—I’ve been working for about 30 years now... and honestly, I can't wrap my head around all the complaining and shouting. We live in a society where there are actual doctors and hospitals available—so if you don't have any other options... you just go see a doctor.

Karen Thompson10 said:Unfortunately, surgery is the only way out.

THAT IS COMPLETELY WRONG!!!! I don't get why some people act like there isn't any other way to handle this?? Honestly, at least 50% of sufferers NEVER end up needing surgery! It never even crossed my mind—I've been dealing with this (successfully) for 30 years now. A little low-fat diet, some Excedrin, maybe a bit of vein gel... and year after year, things actually get better. Sure, I'll admit there isn't a permanent "fix," but so what? You can live a perfectly normal life if you just pay a little attention to it. I mean, sure, someone might have actually died from a Hemorrhoid if they bled too much, but I've certainly never heard of anyone actually kicking the bucket from it!

I think I wasn't being very clear with my wording earlier; what I really meant was that surgery is often the only truly PERMANENT fix available, whereas everything else just acts like a temporary bandage to dull the symptoms.

I completely agree that there are other options out there and that you can definitely manage hemorrhoids successfully for your whole life—after all, I managed to live my life pretty normally for a couple of years myself—but "managing" shouldn't mean you have to endure agonizing pain several times a year or feel like you can't function like a regular person. I was talking about one specific, extreme situation here. Even I wouldn't dream of stepping foot in an operating room if things hadn't reached a point where they were simply unbearable.

The doctors told me that most people don't actually show up until they're in the final stages or when serious complications start popping up, and honestly, what Leslie is describing sounds exactly like that. It’s just not a normal or healthy way to live if someone is stuck inside their house for three weeks straight and spiraling into depression, right?

Of course, if someone has mild symptoms and can handle them without much trouble, they shouldn't be rushing straight to the surgeon's table. If everything is under control, that's great, but the moment it isn't, you need to head straight to the doctor.

Eric Chase12 said:COMPLETELY WRONG!!!! Why does anyone think there isn't an alternative?? At least 50% of sufferers NEVER end up in surgery! It doesn't occur to me, and I've been managing this successfully for 30 years. A little dietary adjustment, some Excedrin, a bit of vein gel, and year after year, things actually get better—though I agree, there’s no permanent fix. So what? You can live a perfectly normal life if you pay a little attention. Maybe someone actually died from hemorrhoids due to bleeding, but I've certainly never heard of it!

I've been living with hemorrhoids for a little over 17 years now. It's manageable. About four and a half years ago, things got pretty rough and painful, but I pulled through. It's not an impossible thing to live with, provided things don't get complicated. And that's exactly what happened. My doctor told me things could take a really dark turn and that I've waited until the very last minute. I should have acted sooner; it would have been much easier, but now I'm facing a very difficult surgery...😢 For reasons I can't quite explain, everything just escalated, and surgery is my only option. It's not like I'm new to this. My first major disaster was back in 1994, then again in '95, and I kept it under control until late 2006. Even back then, I thought I could handle it without seeing a specialist. Now, I've hit the breaking point. It's terrible...🙄

Karen Thompson10 said:I wasn't being precise. I meant that surgery is the only PERMANENT solution, since everything else just manages the symptoms.

I completely agree that there are alternatives and that you can successfully live with Hemorrhoids for a lifetime (I managed to function normally for a few years myself), but "successfully managing" shouldn't mean someone has to be in agony several times a year or unable to function. I was talking about a specific situation here. Even I wouldn't have dared to go under the knife if things hadn't become unbearable.

Doctors told me that people usually don't show up until they're in the final stages or when complications arise. What Leslie is saying points right to that. Things aren't exactly "normal" or "under control" if someone can't leave their house for three weeks and falls into a depression, right?

Of course, if someone has mild symptoms and handles them well, they shouldn't head straight to the operating table. If everything is under control, great. But if it isn't—you go straight to the doctor.

Thank you, you really saved me...👍 I am incredibly grateful to you. As soon as I felt my condition worsening—because I actually felt better for a few days, even took Friday off work—I realized I had to act. I opened this thread, read your post, and immediately called a highly respected professor. Now I'm back home getting prepared. The professor mentioned I’ll have a rough night; I have to take various cleansing agents every two hours. Tomorrow morning I have general checkups, then prep for surgery around noon, and at 2:00 PM, the emergency procedure is scheduled. We couldn't wait another day for the prep; we had to move fast. I even received an IV and antibiotics through the line. Over the weekend, I had a severe sore throat and a high fever. My primary care physician didn't realize it was connected, but the professor recoiled when I told him. He checked my tongue and throat, frowned, and said it was a consequence of the Hemorrhoid. Right then, he said it had likely become infected. He tried to get a better look later, but couldn't tell for sure if it was that or a fissure. Tomorrow they’ll put me under, and that should fix everything. It’s going to cost me quite a bit, but money isn't the issue; you'll do anything for your health. So, thank you again. Because of your influence, I analyzed everything and reached a similar conclusion, and the professor confirmed what my intuition was telling me—the fever and sore throat were caused by the Hemorrhoid. Thanks again.👍 Standard procedure involves two days in the clinic, though I might stay an extra day or two given how bad this is. I'm expecting significant pain. I'll check back in a few days with my impressions. I hope everything goes okay. I'm not a coward, but it's hard not to feel uneasy knowing what kind of pain is waiting for me. Harvey stays quiet, and I don't think my life is in danger...😁 Thanks again for the... well, I hope to check in again in a few days...😉

Greetings everyone. My husband dealt with minor Hemorrhoid issues for one specific reason: a lack of dietary fiber. That is the root cause of all these problems. No cream is going to fix this. You have to overhaul your diet from the ground up. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables, and cut back on bread, pastries, sweets, and meat. I hope you all feel better soon.👍