#1 ·
I already posted this under "hemorrhoids," but I highly doubt I'll get an answer there anytime soon—so, moderators, please look the other way and let me keep this up as its own thread for a few days (come on, admit it, you've seen much stupider things than this 😁) because I am quite frankly terrified and impatient.
About a week ago, I noticed an external one—I am 99.9% certain it’s a hemorrhoid—about the size of a grape, maybe slightly larger, but irregular in shape; it isn't one of those massive purple things you see in all the medical diagrams. I didn't let my doctor perform a physical exam—I know, I'm being foolish—but it felt awkward since I was dealing with some digestive issues. I suspect it might be due to my digestion (I've had loose stools for about ten years now), and perhaps my muscle tone is weakened because I have suspected Cushing's syndrome. I stay active, I watch what I eat, and I am extremely diligent about hygiene; the only downside is that I'm carrying some extra weight (around 175 lbs at 5'4", but I am going doooown). It doesn't itch, though sometimes there is a slight stinging sensation—or rather, a pulsing feeling—after showering and applying ointment, but perhaps that is just subjective? The sensation isn't alarming, even if I can't help wondering what might come of this. For the first few days, it was painful to the touch, though it's a bit better now. It's embarrassing because my doctor is only available for annual checkups, and since I won't be near my clinic, I likely won't get an exam until early September. So, I have several questions:
-?- Can a hemorrhoid that small actually burst, or bleed? And when it does burst (if it's that tiny), does it get on your clothes? It does, right? And... does that only happen during a bowel movement or when touched, or can it just happen spontaneously?
-?- Could a doctor drain it or something if it is that small? I would love to just be rid of it by autumn... I also have another little swelling, almost like a mosquito bite, and I fear it might grow.
-?- Is it possible for that stinging sensation to be caused by the ingredients in the cream or ointment? Also, does it stain your laundry? I'm using FactSet, and the ingredient list is just overwhelming—I honestly have no idea what half of it means, so I'll have to do some Googling.
-?- If I haven't been examined and therefore don't know for sure if these are just external, should I apply the ointment rectally just to be safe, or can I just apply it to the external area? (I practically scream in disgust at Voltaren gel tubes, let alone those dreadful applicators.)
-?- Does horse chestnut help the veins only when used topically, or does it provide benefits if taken orally as well?
Thank you!
About a week ago, I noticed an external one—I am 99.9% certain it’s a hemorrhoid—about the size of a grape, maybe slightly larger, but irregular in shape; it isn't one of those massive purple things you see in all the medical diagrams. I didn't let my doctor perform a physical exam—I know, I'm being foolish—but it felt awkward since I was dealing with some digestive issues. I suspect it might be due to my digestion (I've had loose stools for about ten years now), and perhaps my muscle tone is weakened because I have suspected Cushing's syndrome. I stay active, I watch what I eat, and I am extremely diligent about hygiene; the only downside is that I'm carrying some extra weight (around 175 lbs at 5'4", but I am going doooown). It doesn't itch, though sometimes there is a slight stinging sensation—or rather, a pulsing feeling—after showering and applying ointment, but perhaps that is just subjective? The sensation isn't alarming, even if I can't help wondering what might come of this. For the first few days, it was painful to the touch, though it's a bit better now. It's embarrassing because my doctor is only available for annual checkups, and since I won't be near my clinic, I likely won't get an exam until early September. So, I have several questions:
-?- Can a hemorrhoid that small actually burst, or bleed? And when it does burst (if it's that tiny), does it get on your clothes? It does, right? And... does that only happen during a bowel movement or when touched, or can it just happen spontaneously?
-?- Could a doctor drain it or something if it is that small? I would love to just be rid of it by autumn... I also have another little swelling, almost like a mosquito bite, and I fear it might grow.
-?- Is it possible for that stinging sensation to be caused by the ingredients in the cream or ointment? Also, does it stain your laundry? I'm using FactSet, and the ingredient list is just overwhelming—I honestly have no idea what half of it means, so I'll have to do some Googling.
-?- If I haven't been examined and therefore don't know for sure if these are just external, should I apply the ointment rectally just to be safe, or can I just apply it to the external area? (I practically scream in disgust at Voltaren gel tubes, let alone those dreadful applicators.)
-?- Does horse chestnut help the veins only when used topically, or does it provide benefits if taken orally as well?
Thank you!