Dealing with hemorrhoids

Karen Adams2 said:Would you mind describing what your situation was like that led you to decide on surgery? Was there really no other option available?

There wasn't, because my internal chemistry was constantly bleeding during bowel movements—sometimes more, sometimes less.
It wasn't necessarily the pain that did it; it was the bleeding. Beyond the obvious inconvenience of having to deal with pads, it actually started showing up in my blood work.

As for other methods—my issue was just the cost of seeing private specialists. I didn't have the cash to burn, so I had to go through the standard public healthcare route.
People talk about lasers or rubber band ligation... personally, I'd pass on the latter, as I had a terrible experience with that nearly nine years ago.

Megan Jackson9 said:Alright, look, can someone please just break this down for me? I need to know what this surgery actually entails and how long the recovery really takes. Like, when am I actually going to be done with the constant pain and the bleeding? When does that part end and I'm just left dealing with those tiny, annoying bumps? Give it to me straight.☕

Look, I can tell you firsthand about my surgery, and honestly, it wasn't painful at all—not even for a second. They use this thing called a stapler. It’s just this little single-use device that snips out those internal hemorrhoids and seals the wound all at once. I had the whole procedure done at the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis. Once it's over, there isn't even a visible incision; there aren't even any stitches. The device just goes deep through the rectum and cleans up everything that's wrong. Unfortunately, I had a massive amount of issues, and the device couldn't catch everything. So, two years later, the hemorrhoids are back. For me, it's just a combination of genetics and the kind of work I do, plus stress plays a huge role in all of this. Exercise is good for you, provided you aren't putting massive strain directly on those veins, but the best thing you can do is just walk—it helps strengthen the intestinal walls. I guess I'm just going to have to learn to live with these little "enemies" and accept them as part of who I am. Seriously, only someone who has actually dealt with this pain knows how hard it is to live with it. Maybe one day it'll finally go away. In hope, there is salvation! P.S. You undergo the surgery under general anesthesia and stay in the hospital for about 4 or 5 days. It really doesn't hurt, and recovery is basically just resting and sticking to a light diet.

I dealt with them about five months ago last year. They were external and bleeding like crazy. I went to see my doctor, and he prescribed ultra proct for me to apply. They eventually receded, and things have been fine so far. I don't even want to get into how much they absolutely hurt... Some people say they happen because you sit too much, while others swear it's from standing all day. Personally, I’m on my feet for eight hours straight at work, so that definitely isn't helping my case. Plus, what you eat plays a massive role in the whole thing.

I first noticed my hemorrhoids right after a colonoscopy and the whole prep process, or at least that’s what my gastroenterologist told me. They did the scope because they suspected I might have Crohn's.
The whole thing happened because of all the straining and intestinal irritation from the prep—basically, I wasn't allowed to eat anything for two days, just water, magnesium mineral water, and laxatives, so those two days were pretty brutal on my system. And then, there they were.
They're just external ones, and honestly, they never really hurt before, but they haven't gone away either. My doctor said not to worry about them, but over the last six months, they've started hurting and bleeding whenever I have a harder bowel movement. I tried using Preparation H, but it didn't do much; then I tried olive oil, which helped the pain, but the bumps are still there. To be honest, it’s a little embarrassing to deal with this on my backside; they aren't huge, but they shouldn't be there, I guess. I'm 21 and have been with my boyfriend for two years now, but it doesn't matter—it's just awkward having hemorrhoids, and I really just want them gone.
I've changed up my diet, I'm drinking plenty of fluids, I cut out heavy foods, and I take at least two probiotics a day (that L. casei yogurt with inulin from Danone), which has actually helped quite a bit since my digestion feels normal now, but the hemorrhoids stayed put. The pain has subsided, but those little lumps are still present. I wish I could just cut them off and be done with it. 😢(
What do you guys think I should do? Should I go see a doctor? Is surgery really the only way to fix this?

Megan Jackson9 said:I actually developed my hemorrhoids right after having a colonoscopy and going through the prep work for the procedure; at least, that’s what my gastroenterologist told me. They performed the colonoscopy because they suspected I might have Crohn's disease.
The issue started because of all the straining and intestinal irritation caused by the prep—for two whole days, I wasn't allowed to eat anything at all, just sticking to water, magnesium mineral water, and laxatives, so those forty-eight hours were pretty brutal on my system. And then, boom, hemorrhoids.
They're external, and honestly, they never used to hurt, but they haven't gone away either. My doctor told me not to worry, but over the last six months, they've started hurting whenever I have a hard stool, and there's been some bleeding during those times too. I tried using Preparation H, but it didn't do a thing; then I tried olive oil, which helped with the pain, but the bumps are still there. To be completely honest, it's a little embarrassing to deal with this down there... it isn't massive or anything, but it's definitely not ideal. :-) I'm only 21, and I've been with my boyfriend for two years now, but I just feel so self-conscious about these hemorrhoids and really want them gone.
I've made some dietary changes, I'm staying super hydrated, I cut out heavy foods, and I take at least two probiotics a day (specifically that L. casei yogurt with inulin from Vindija), which has actually helped quite a bit since my digestion feels normal now, but the hemorrhoids are still hanging around. The pain has subsided, but those little lumps are still present :-( if only I could just surgically remove them and be done with it! 😢(
What do you guys recommend? Should I go back to the doctor? Is surgery truly the only way to get rid of them?

So you got them right after a colonoscopy?😲Well, I'll just go ahead and die then, because I'm heading in for a rectoscopy in just two days specifically because of mine.
And yes, as for that "bulge" you mentioned, the only way to truly get rid of it is via surgery. But if I'm being honest, I think you might be making a bigger deal out of this than necessary; most people only opt for surgery when the pain and bleeding become absolutely UNBEARABLE, whereas it sounds like you're stressing out mostly because of how they look...🙄And I'm fairly certain it's not nearly as catastrophic as you're making it out to be in your head.🙂

Megan Jackson9 said:...what do you recommend? Should I go see a doctor? Is surgery really the only way out?

Surgery isn't something you just jump into on a whim; the hemorrhoids actually have to reach a certain stage before an operation is even on the table.
From what I recall, there are four distinct stages of hemorrhoids.
Stages 1 and 2 don't require surgery; those are typically managed with ointments, creams, and similar treatments....
Stage 3 makes you a candidate for procedures like rubber band ligation or things along those lines.
Stage 4 is when you're looking at actual surgery.

That’s how I remember it, though there can be variations. Private specialists who deal with hemorrhoids will try just about anything, but they tend to be incredibly expensive, which is often the bigger issue rather than the medical stage itself.

Bottom line: if you decide you want them removed, you absolutely must consult with a proctologist (who are also the surgeons trained to perform these procedures).

Karen Adams2 said:Did they show up after your colonoscopy?😲I guess I’m just doomed, since I actually have to go in for a sigmoidoscopy in two days specifically because of them.

Don't sweat it too much. I went through a colonoscopy myself, along with a bunch of other tests to figure out if I have Crohn's disease. I ended up dealing with hemorrhoids as a side effect because that prep process—where you're basically stuck on the toilet for two days straight—really irritated my system.🤣

Can someone give me the lowdown on rectoscopies? What am I actually looking at here, and is it going to hurt like hell?

Rachel Wilson24 said:Can someone explain what a rectoscopy is? What does the procedure actually involve, and is it painful?

It isn't painful, and it’s quite quick; the only thing I'd say is that it might feel a bit uncomfortable. Essentially, the doctor uses a small metal device inserted through the anus to get a clear view of the internal area....

Sam Williams53 said:It’s not that bad, man. It’s quick, maybe just a little uncomfortable—they just slide a metal device into your anus so the doctor can actually see what's going on inside....

Ugh, I am being so airheaded! I actually had that exam done before my surgery, but it was at a private clinic so they probably didn't bother mentioning the specific name... But wait, does a colonoscopy hurt? I've heard it does, and apparently you can request anesthesia if you want..

Rachel Wilson24 said:..but does a colonoscopy actually hurt? I've heard it does, and apparently you can request anesthesia if you want...

It does hurt, 😢 but it’s certainly manageable. 👍
To give you some perspective, my pain tolerance is practically non-existent, yet even I managed to get through mine about three or four months ago with just a little bit of whining. 😁

Keep in mind, not every facility offers anesthesia—usually, private clinics will provide it for an extra charge of around $120 on top of the procedure fee itself.

Rachel Wilson24 said:..but does a colonoscopy actually hurt? I've heard it can be painful, though apparently you can request anesthesia if you want...

I went to a private clinic once and they gave me something through an IV so I wouldn't feel much, though I don't really recall what it was called. :-/ Anyway, the whole thing took about 45 minutes and I wouldn't say it was exactly a pleasant experience. I suppose I have a pretty high pain tolerance, which the doctor mentioned because she struggled quite a bit trying to navigate through my intestinal bends. I have a natural intestinal deformity, so things aren't laid out as neatly as most people's; everything is sort of tangled and winding, almost like knots:-/ so there was that. It wasn't absolutely terrible, I guess, but I probably wouldn't do it again just because the doctor admitted she wasn't sure how she'd even manage to perform the procedure on someone with my anatomy next time. It was a bit much:-/

Rachel Wilson24 said:..but does a colonoscopy hurt? I've heard it does, and that you can request anesthesia if needed..

There is actually a dedicated thread on this forum specifically about colonoscopies, so it might be helpful to browse through those posts to read various experiences. Personally, I haven't had any negative encounters at all; my experience was quite manageable. I felt a little discomfort right at the beginning, but once that passed, everything was perfectly fine—I was even able to laugh a bit toward the end 😁 it only lasted about 15 minutes. When I went to a private clinic, I paid $250 without using anesthesia (though with anesthesia, the costs usually jump to around $600 or even higher). I had considered opting for anesthesia myself, but after much deliberation, I decided it would be better to first "test the waters" and see if the discomfort was truly as intimidating as people claim, rather than just throwing $333 away unnecessarily (plus, anesthesia isn't always recommended unless it's absolutely essential). Honestly, I only felt a slight sting initially near where I have internal hemorrhoids, but once that subsided, it was wonderful. Of course, everyone’s digestive system is different, so it really varies from person to person. I would suggest having a thorough conversation with your doctor—specifically the one you plan to visit for the procedure

I’m pretty sure it hurts less than the actual hemorrhoids when they start acting up... honestly, speaking of pain thresholds, mine is insanely high. Maybe it should be lower so I'd actually make a decision to go get checked out sooner, but nope—instead of panicking, I just sit there and suffer through the pain. Before my first surgery, I never had a colonoscopy, but since things have flared up again after a year and a half, I really need some advice. Is it actually smart to insist on getting one even if the doctors aren't pushing for it? Should I be demanding that specific exam?

If we are strictly discussing hemorrhoids, doctors usually just perform a sigmoidoscopy when necessary, meaning they aren't navigating a colonoscope through the entire length of the large intestine, but rather just focusing on the first few inches. I would suggest scheduling a consultation with an internist—specifically a gastroenterologist—first. If you walk them through your full medical history and explain exactly what you're experiencing now, they can make an informed decision. Most likely, they will start with a simple digital rectal exam 😁 just to assess the current state of the hemorrhoids. From there, if they feel it's warranted, they might recommend a more thorough rectoscopy or colonoscopy.
It might be worth asking around your local area to see which specialist comes highly recommended; I actually know a wonderful one nearby who provided excellent care. My own experience was quite positive, though I must admit I was incredibly nervous beforehand, as I have always been deeply uncomfortable with anyone being near that area, let alone having anything inserted 🤣.

Rachel Wilson24 said:...so, should I ask for that exam?

A colonoscopy actually has nothing to do with hemorrhoids—it’s performed specifically to rule in or rule out other, more serious underlying conditions.
Take me, for example. Before my surgery, my surgeon insisted on a colonoscopy first just to make sure there wasn't some other internal bleeding occurring within the large intestine. Everything came back perfectly clear; it was just the hemorrhoids causing the issue.

Generally speaking, once you reach a certain age, it’s a very wise move to stay on top of screenings like colonoscopies. It's better to catch potentially serious problems early when they are still manageable.

Sam Williams53 said:A colonoscopy basically has nothing to do with hemorrhoids—it’s done to rule out or confirm other, much more dangerous diseases.
Before my surgery, I had one done because the surgeon insisted on a colonoscopy first just to make sure there wasn't some other bleeding happening inside the large intestine—everything turned out fine, though; it was just the hemorrhoids bleeding.

Anyway, when you're getting older, it's a good idea to get screenings like a colonoscopy done because you can catch serious issues early...

Yeah, I know it’s not directly related, but still, I think it would be smart to do it just to rule out anything worse than hemorrhoids. And just so you guys know, I picked up this ointment from a guy living over in a suburb near Chicago—it’s all-natural stuff and I’ve been using it for a few days now. I think I’m seeing some slight improvement, but it’s way too soon to give anyone a real verdict. Since I have both internal and external ones, I actually make little frozen pellets out of the ointment and pop them in the freezer. If this works, it’ll be the first thing that actually gives me some relief from the pain.

Evoooo, I went in for a rectoscopy today, and for all you curious souls out there, let me just say... it hurtsttt. My facial expression was pretty much something like this😲. Oh well, I guess some things just have to be done, even if they aren't exactly fun😁. So, the good news is I don't have some terrifying disease that I won't even dignify with a name, but I did find out I have stage two hemorrhoids—even though I was honestly convinced I’d already progressed to stage four. To make matters worse, my dear old doctor "brightened my day" by mentioning that I'll likely face major issues with them down the road, and that surgery might eventually be inevitable given my age and the fact that I haven't had any kids... Now, at least I have a phenomenal excuse to push off having little ones for another ten years or so😁
Anyway, the main thing is that I managed to power through the day and it's finally over, at least for now, but don't think for a second that it was easy. I wouldn't even dare imagine what people going through a colonoscopy are feeling; I probably would have just passed out... jeez... I'm just way too hypersensitive...😁

Karen Adams2 said:Well... I guess I finally have a pretty phenomenal reason to push off having kids for at least another decade or so.😁

Look, sorry if I have to give you a little hard time here—but honestly, it would be pretty ridiculous if our entire birth rate depended on how someone's backside is feeling. Just do it for the sake of the kids and stop complaining! It’ll be worth it, trust me.

Karen Adams2 said:Evoooo, I went in for a rectoscopy today, and for anyone out there wondering about the experience, I can tell you quite sincerely that it was painful. My facial expression probably looked something like this.😲.

It likely hurt because you're probably dealing with a hemorrhoid.

Karen Adams2 As stated by:
I honestly can't even bring myself to imagine being the one undergoing a colonoscopy; I feel like I would probably just pass out from the sheer anxiety. I suppose I’m just a bit too sensitive for my own good.😁

I recently underwent a colonoscopy, and I have to say, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. I did experience some discomfort at the beginning due to a hemorrhoid, but once that passed, I actually found myself laughing while on the table. 😁