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Dealing with hemorrhoids

Started by Jason Wright41 · · 👁 28 views · 1.5K replies

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Participants Jason Wright41Christian Lee13Michael Miller39stormyjackal13Sandra Turner4Elizabeth Miller8mellowbadger8Noah Harris50Kyle Nelson2Brian Moore2Austin Hernandez75fadedtinker76Joseph Edwards86granitegull3steelsailor17Christian Sanchez44Amy Ortiz13Scott Allen10John Nguyen3Amanda Lee42brisknomad6restlesspanther1Matthew Morris28rustytrucker8 …
Kenneth Williams36 Kenneth Williams36 Member
20 messages
joined Feb 2007
#298 ·
Honestly, I can’t sit here and watch you guys suffer anymore. I’ve already sent Robert over via DM to a few people, but since the number of folks struggling with this seems to be growing, let's see if we can actually ease the pain for everyone else too.
For me personally, it worked—I’ve been living totally carefree for six years now, just using this cream whenever I need a touch-up, and my backside ended up looking as smooth as a peacock's. I still eat spicy food and sit around way too much—basically everything that makes this condition worse—but it doesn't matter. Just try it; you won't regret it.
Rule number one:
Forget about toilet paper!
Here is the recipe from Robert:
Take a young elderberry branch—there should be plenty available right now—peel the bark, and scrape off the outer layer until it looks like fine threads. Lightly sauté those bits in some vegetable oil, being super careful not to burn them. Once the oil starts turning a greenish tint, add some REAL beeswax (any local beekeeper will have the good stuff) and melt it all together over low heat while stirring gently. And that’s it! You’ll have to adjust the thickness yourselves so it’s easy to spread, but make sure you apply it after every bathroom trip; wash up first, then apply the cream, making sure to work it in with your finger, even internally. After just a few days, I felt about 50% better, and now they're completely gone, though I still apply it once a week just to stay ahead of things. If anything is confusing, just shoot me a PM—I can even give you my phone number so I can walk you through the whole process. I just want everyone to get healthy!😘
A Anonymous Veteran
3.6K messages
joined May 2005
#299 ·
Hey everyone

Desperation has officially driven me to this forum—specifically to this thread. I developed hemorrhoids just a few days ago, and honestly, after scouring the entire internet for advice on what to do, I feel even more lost than when I started. Let’s get straight to the point: I need help. And I don't mean vague platitudes; I need actual, actionable advice. To make matters worse, things are getting pretty intense. Since I'm living in the Netherlands, all those specific brands or old-school home remedies you guys mention aren't available to me here, so they're basically useless. I'm begging for some real guidance. Look, I know, I know... "just read all twelve pages of this thread." Believe me, I did. But like I said, I didn't come out any smarter for it. One person says to use cold water, another swears by hot... it's a mess. I even checked Dutch websites, but it's just the same repetitive loop that I don't even find helpful. The consensus over there seems to be that creams and suppositories won't actually fix the problem, they just dull the pain. Apparently, the only real solutions are diet, exercise, or surgery. My diet is decent (though clearly not good enough if this happened), and I stay active since I hit the gym regularly. So, if you feel even half as frustrated as I am reading this rambling post, imagine how much I'm struggling with all these contradictory pieces of advice.

Please, help me out. Between the physical pain and the mental toll, I'm about to lose my mind.

PS: I'm 25 years old... if that even matters.

Thanks so much for any advice or help you can give.

Best regards,

Ivica

Oh, one more thing... I forgot to mention that ever since this started, I've been using a custom cream I got from the local pharmacy. It hasn't done anything to shrink them; it just takes the edge off the pain. Before I started using it, I couldn't sit down or stand up without wanting to scream in agony.
Joshua Kim2 Joshua Kim2 Active Member
61 messages
joined Jan 2007
#300 ·
Anonymous said:Hey everyone,

Desperation is what dragged me back to this forum—specifically to this thread. I developed hemorrhoids about two or three days ago. I’ve spent the last few days scouring the entire internet trying to figure out what to do, and honestly? I feel more clueless now than when I started. Let’s get to the point: I need help. Real, actionable help. Not just endless chatter. And before you ask, no, the situation isn't life-threatening, but it's miserable. I’m living in the Netherlands right now, so half the remedies you guys suggest or those old-school home remedies won't work for me because I simply can't find them here. So, please, I am begging for some actual advice. I know, I know... "read all twelve pages of this thread." Believe me, I did. But like I said, I didn't come out any smarter for it. One person says use cold water, another says hot. It’s a mess. I even checked some Dutch websites, but they just repeat the same thing that doesn't even sound right to me. Their take is basically that creams and suppositories don't actually make the hemorrhoids go away; they just dull the pain. According to them, the only real fix is diet, lifestyle changes, or surgery. My diet is decent (clearly not decent enough if this happened), and my activity level is fine since I hit the gym regularly. So, if you feel even half as stupid as I do after reading this rant, imagine how I feel dealing with all these contradictory "expert" tips.

Please, help me out. I’m seriously losing my mind from the pain and the sheer frustration of it all.

PS: I'm 25... if that matters at all.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart for any advice or help you can give.

Best regards,

Ivica

Oh, and I forgot to mention—since this started, I've been using a custom cream I got from a local pharmacy. It helped with the pain slightly—before, I couldn't sit down or stand up without wanting to scream—but the swelling hasn't gone down one bit.

Ivica, man, I am so sorry you're dealing with this at only 25. Since you've already combed through the whole forum, I'm not sure what else I can tell you, but I really hope you find some relief soon. I've posted my own experiences before, and while I hate to repeat myself, that was the only thing that truly worked for me.

Good luck!
P.S. — I also shared a recipe that helped a guy over in a small town in the Midwest, so maybe check if you have any elderberry nearby...
A Anonymous Veteran
3.6K messages
joined May 2005
#301 ·
I just wanted to weigh in on Detralex tablets. Honestly, they make a massive difference.
They’re especially helpful during those nasty flare-ups—you know, when you're stuck in bed popping Advil just to get by. During an acute episode (when things really go south), they can totally turn things around in about two or three days. Of course, you have to stay on them long-term because they actually work to repair your blood vessels. I definitely know what I’m talking about... I’ve been dealing with this for 20 years. Between piles of corticosteroids, specialized baths, incisions, and all sorts of strict diets, I've lived through what doctors call "chronic daily symptoms." On the downside, Detralex is outrageously expensive ($200 5 boxes... which might last some people 2-3 months). However, if you head over to pharmacies in Canada, you can grab them over the counter, and they're nearly 50% cheaper than they are here ($117 for 5 boxes). My routine is to take 3X2 during a bad flare-up for three days and then taper off... they really work for me (obviously alongside strict hygiene, baths, wheat germ, watching my diet, etc.—but I know everyone on this forum already knows that stuff). If you want a more serious medical deep dive, check out this article: http://www.farmakologija.com/materia/c_vp.htm
Joshua Kim2 Joshua Kim2 Active Member
61 messages
joined Jan 2007
#302 ·
Anonymous said:I just wanted to weigh in on Detralex tablets. They actually work, and they work big time.
Especially during those brutal flare-ups—you know, when you're stuck in bed popping Advil just to cope. During an acute episode (when things are really leaking), taking them for 2 or 3 days can totally turn things around. Of course, you need to stay on them longer-term because they actually help repair the blood vessels. I think I know what I'm talking about... I’ve been dealing with this for 20 years. Steroids, baths, incisions, endless diet changes... basically everything described as "chronic daily suffering." The downside? Detralex is outrageously expensive ($200 5 boxes... which lasts maybe 2-3 months depending on the person). But over in Canada, you can grab them over the counter at pharmacies, and they're nearly 50% cheaper than they are here ($117 for 5 boxes). Personally, during a bad flare, I take 3X2 for 3 days and then taper off... they really do help me (assuming you follow strict hygiene, soak in baths, watch the wheat intake, etc.—but we all know the drill on this forum). If you want a more serious scientific deep dive, check this out:

I don't get why being priced out $200 for 5 boxes isn't a non-issue if it completely solves your problem. If you're just using creams, you'll burn through about $33 a month, and they barely provide any actual relief.
Over a year, that adds up to $400, yet you're complaining about spending $200 on 5 boxes of Detralex to fix the issue entirely. Honestly, arguing about the price of health and quality of life feels pretty pointless.

The only catch is if you have to take Detralex constantly, and $200 covers 2-3 months, then you're looking at $800 to $1200 a year. That's definitely not nothing, but if it works and you can swing it, why wouldn't you?
A cheaper alternative for me has been Pilex. It holds its own for me, lasting anywhere from 4 months to over a year (depending on how it goes) after a single 14-day course of one capsule a day. It costs less than $200.
By the way, I don't really bother with dieting or anything else. Maybe the effects would last longer if I did, but honestly, changing my lifestyle and habits is just too much work...

Thanks for the link to that study. I was curious if Detralex had any side effects from long-term use, and I found this: "Taking diosmin (the active ingredient in Detralex) is not recommended while breastfeeding. Possible side effects include digestive issues and autonomic nervous system disturbances." I don't think that's a dealbreaker; if you read the fine print on any medication box, you'd never take anything! :-)
As for Pilex, I saw it’s not recommended for pregnant women, but nursing mothers are fine. For me personally, it actually regulated my digestion rather than messing it up. As for the nervous system part... well, who knows? :-)
Scott Hernandez8 Scott Hernandez8 Newcomer
7 messages
joined Feb 2009
#303 ·
I’ve never actually tried anal sex before, mostly because the whole idea just grossed me out, but lately, I’ve found myself feeling a little curious about what it’s actually like..
My boyfriend has been trying to talk me into at least trying fingering, but I have these minor issues down there... my area is pretty sensitive, which makes me feel really self-conscious. I’m worried that if we try anything, I might actually make things worse. Honestly, everything feels fine as long as nobody touches anything..
Has anyone here ever dealt with hemorrhoids because of anal play? Or did your condition get worse? And how did your partners react if they ever found out you had... well, a "situation" going on..
I can't help but worry he'll find it disgusting, or that I'll end up causing more physical damage..
I just feel so embarrassed about all of this. 😁
Jose Miller3 Jose Miller3 Regular
446 messages
joined Mar 2024
#304 ·
Hey, I'm gonna link this thread back to that old one about hemorrhoids.

I think you've got an answer in there somewhere regarding the connection between hemorrhoids and anal sex, so definitely give it a read...
hollowmaker242 hollowmaker242 Newcomer
6 messages
joined Apr 2004
#305 ·
At Detralex, the price is less than half of what we pay here. It’s only $8.04 (about $20)
whereas over here it’s $41.
It's honestly infuriating when medicine is twice as expensive in this country compared to everywhere else.🙂
I did a little thinking—a real mental marathon—about who might have the most up-to-date info on hemorrhoid treatments. I pondered and pondered until it finally clicked, much like a lightbulb moment.
For us regular folks, the pain is strictly physical, but for certain groups, it's an emotional crisis too because their romantic lives take a hit.🙂
I took a quick look at some online communities and found a few recommendations for Pilex tablets.
Since Joshua Kim2 was being so aggressive with his ads for those specific pills, I was naturally a bit skeptical.
But hey, if the community consensus is that they're fantastic, then they probably work.🙂
Jack Gonzalez4 Jack Gonzalez4 Newcomer
1 message
joined Mar 2007
#306 ·
hollowmaker242 As Joshua Kim2 points out:
If those Hollywood types say things are looking grim, then I suppose we ought to take them at their word and assume everything is just fine.🙂

What exactly does "getting screwed" even mean in this context? What kind of fallout are we talking about here? 😂 😂 😂

My apologies for being offline! I honestly just wasn't in any position to be of any help.

Scott Hernandez8... when those chemistry geeks are running the show, it’s pretty obvious that any kind of interaction in that particular department isn't exactly going to be anything remotely thrilling. 😲 And while they aren't around, if you're feeling adventurous, give it a shot! Maybe even try using some lube. But honestly, now that I've brought them up, does anyone actually know how those things impact our hair follicles?😬
Arthur Jones4 Arthur Jones4 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Mar 2007
#307 ·
Since everyone keeps buzzing about this "miracle" Tylenol, I decided to do a little digging online and—holy cow—look what I found: the jumbo pack that goes for about $200 here in town is listed on www.pilex.com for exactly 52$!!!!!!! Does every single corporation in this country need to squeeze a million percent profit out of us? It’s absolutely outrageous!!!!

P.S. Just so we’re clear, I’m not questioning if the tablets actually work; it just makes me want to gag when I see pricing like that.
Joshua Kim2 Joshua Kim2 Active Member
61 messages
joined Jan 2007
#308 ·
Arthur Jones4 said:Since everyone keeps obsessing over this "miracle" Pilex stuff, I did a little digging online and found something insane: the jumbo pack, which costs about $200 here, is listed on www.pilex.com for exactly $52!!!!!!! Does every single company in this country need a million percent profit margin? It’s ridiculous!!!!

P.S. Just so there's no confusion, I'm not questioning if the tablets actually work—it just makes me sick to see prices like that.

Damn... I actually tried to order some myself, but customs totally screwed me over. They were all like, "Oh, we can't clear tablets without a full inspection," blah blah blah. They refunded my money for the product, but they kept the shipping costs... just total nonsense. Apparently, over the last two years, everything changed because of all this "aligning with European Union regulations" nonsense. Before that, it used to go through without a hitch.

P.S. Back when I could still order them easily (before all those... EU regulations), I’d pay $52 + $6.95 for shipping + customs and sales tax. And get this: the thieves actually charge you customs and tax on the shipping costs too. By the end, the whole thing cost me nearly $167. Honestly, you have to move out of the US to find any sanity!
urbanotter4 urbanotter4 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Aug 2007
#309 ·
I’m looking for an answer to a question someone posted here a while back that never actually got answered. Here’s the quote:

Paul Jackson11 said:2. Someone mentioned that milk doesn't really help when it comes to diet. 😕
But then what am I supposed to eat my muesli or chocolate cereal with if not milk?...
I assume cornmeal and rice are fine? So, is the main thing just avoiding processed deli meats?
And I know coffee and pepper are killers...

What’s the deal with milk? Should I stay away from it or is it okay? Because I’m basically addicted. BTW, what kind of muesli do you guys recommend? I usually just grab the cheap Viola brands that come $6.75/lb. It's got a few types of grains, maybe some chocolate shavings (not much), or hazelnuts and raisins or dried fruit. Usually, I mix it with chocolate cereal or fruit yogurt—actually, I use the fruit Culturelle yogurt. Chocolate cereal tastes better, though.

When people say "spicy" or "seasoned," do they mean all spices or just the hot stuff like chili peppers and black pepper? What about things like putting Lawry's or oregano in food?

To brag a little, I was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids about two or two and a half months ago. There was a bit of blood in my stool, so my doctor immediately gave me a referral to a proctologist. I went to see Dr. Smud at the Mayo Clinic, and the bleeding stopped by the second day. I used Faktu suppositories and ointment for about a month and a half. Now I have to use the ointment at least once a day, otherwise, I feel the pressure, and if my stool is even slightly hard, it starts stinging.

I also have a question about physical activity. I've fallen into this habit where I do one set of sit-ups and push-ups every single morning when I wake up, and a few more times throughout the day. I read on here that straining isn't good, so if anyone has experience or smart advice, let me know. Should I be avoiding abdominal strain?

An even bigger issue is cycling, which I absolutely love. Spring is here, the weather is great, and if I have to give up my solo rides, I think I’ll lose my mind.

The doctor told me it should all be fine, but I like hearing about other people's experiences.
Arthur Jones4 Arthur Jones4 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Mar 2007
#310 ·
I’ve no clue which specific muscle group is actually beneficial here, but let me tell you—that one with the chocolate flavor? Definitely won't help... try mixing them with yogurt instead.
Honestly, the best move would be to cut back on heavily seasoned foods entirely. I know, easier said than done... I suppose Lawry's shouldn't cause much trouble since it's mostly just salt and dried veggies, but I’ll say it again: the less seasoning, the better.
As for physical activity, man, that’s a tricky one. I used to do push-ups and sit-ups myself, and honestly, it just wrecked me even more (internal issues too). I quit doing them altogether, and my symptoms actually started to subside. Any kind of strain is bad news. Unfortunately, it's the same deal with cycling, at least in my experience. I haven't touched a bike in two and a half years. It seems strange that your doctor is telling you everything is fine, but I guess the doctor knows best; these are just my own personal experiences.
The fundamental thing I’ve noticed with hemorrhoids is that everyone deals with different symptoms and different "triggers." Observe yourself, be patient, and stay persistent, and you'll find a way to keep them under control. Regarding the exercise and the cycling, you have to decide for yourself—I was stubborn about it right up until the bleeding became a daily, heavy occurrence.
I hope this helps at least a little bit. If there's anything else I can do...
Jack Gonzalez4 Jack Gonzalez4 Newcomer
1 message
joined Mar 2007
#311 ·
My doctor actually sat there and told me they could be caused by sitting too much, walking too much, running too much... he even joked that if he kept going, he’d eventually blame it on breathing too much!

And now, they're acting up again! Those little bastards!
Ronald Lopez3 Ronald Lopez3 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Jun 2009
#312 ·
Watch out for muesli that has hazelnuts and other nuts in it.
Most of the time we don't chew enough, so it just scrapes against the large intestine—definitely not recommended if you're dealing with hemorrhoids.
Doctors usually focus on spicy food, you know, when things are so hot they're practically inedible.
That’s bad for anyone, let alone people dealing with rectal bleeding.
Yogurt is fine, milk is fine too...
Generally stick to cooked meals, lean meat, lots of salads and fruit.
Foods high in fiber.
For me, dried prunes are a lifesaver.
I made Dulcolax part of my routine a long time ago, you just have to figure out the right amount based on what else you're eating.
Otherwise, you'll just end up with diarrhea.

Cycling? Hmm... after my surgery, I was scared to get on a bike for a long time.
I mean, you can't do it if it hurts... so decide what you're willing to give up.
Change your eating habits, tweak your lifestyle, find that one thing holding you back or triggering those hemorrhoids.
Increase physical activity, but don't overstrain the stomach or butt area (just general movement here)—swimming is perfect for hemorrhoids; it helps soothe the pain.
Keep an eye on the area, obviously. Use ointments or try an alternative—St. John's Wort oil, it strengthens the mucous membrane.
Use wet wipes.
Arthur Jones4 Arthur Jones4 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Mar 2007
#313 ·
If you want to get those dried prunes working for you, try soaking them in water overnight. Then, the next day, just eat the fruit and drink the leftover liquid—that juice is where the magic happens...

As for swimming, I couldn't agree more. It’s absolutely top-tier. If you're looking for an activity to stay active, swimming is definitely the move. I used to regularly clock in several miles in the pool, and honestly, I never had any issues with the chemical stuff at all. In fact, quite the opposite.

Oh, and here’s a little fun fact for you: my system would actually 'wake up' even from just singing loudly for a while!!!
David Sanchez6 David Sanchez6 Member
10 messages
joined Sep 2004
#314 ·
David Sanchez6 said:I've been dealing with hemorrhoids for several years now.
I've actually gone in for exams twice—once where they did a digital exam, and the second time they used that little tube, which I assume was a sigmoidoscopy?
Both times, the doctor told me everything looked fine.
He prescribed me some medicated cream from $50 that helped a little bit.
However, my main issue is that about 80% of the time after a large bowel movement, I feel like I have to go another 4 or 5 times.
Every single time, small pieces come out and I really struggle to clear them all.
It honestly feels like they get stuck in some sort of pockets around the anus.
Does anyone happen to know what might be going on here?

I am so sorry for providing the wrong information earlier!
The entire description is correct, except it turns out these aren't hemorrhoids, they're actually fistulas.
And then, just four days ago, I ended up passing about half a liter of blood without any stool.

What should I do now?
Joshua Kim2 Joshua Kim2 Active Member
61 messages
joined Jan 2007
#315 ·
David Sanchez6 said:My bad on the wrong info.
The whole thing is right, except it’s not hemorrhoids—it’s fistulas.
And four days ago, I passed about half a liter of blood with no stool.

What am I supposed to do now?

I've had a rectoscopy myself 😲 , but those camera probes don't really go super deep. Losing half a liter of blood is way too much; I wouldn't mess around with that... honestly, seeing a proctologist is my only advice.

I have a friend dealing with something similar—turns out he has an open wound that just won't heal, so he’ll probably be headed in for surgery in the next few days. Still, better to do that than wait until things get even more complicated.

Good luck! I truly hope you get this sorted out 👍
Keep us posted on what happens!
Ronald Lopez3 Ronald Lopez3 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Jun 2009
#316 ·
If it's bleeding like that, you can't just sit around waiting
you need to see a proctologist, period
do it now
Zachary Wilson7 Zachary Wilson7 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Apr 2007
#317 ·
Help me out here, I'm freaking out a bit... I was showering yesterday and noticed this little lump near my anus, maybe 5mm. Probably just an external hemorrhoid... I've been reading up on them constantly since yesterday, rinsing the area with cold water and applying some Nivea cream... I'm also cutting back on certain foods. Is there any chance this thing will just go away on its own? Should I hit the pharmacy for some Dolokain or Factu? Honestly, I'm too embarrassed to see a doctor or tell anyone, so I'd rather just fix it myself... Oh, and one more thing—I work out at the gym regularly. Could this have popped up because of the straining? Maybe I should stop lifting until this clears up?

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