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Dealing with hemorrhoids

Started by Jason Wright41 · · 👁 68 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 …
dustyorca33 dustyorca33 Member
12 messages
joined Feb 2009
#938 ·
Hey everyone. I’m looking for some insight regarding experiences with perianal abscesses and fistulas because I'm trying to understand what actually causes them and if there is any way to prevent them from coming back. My dad ended up in the emergency room at a major hospital in Chicago after a perianal abscess suddenly flared up; he didn't even know he had anything going on until it hit him out of nowhere, causing a high fever and intense body aches. After five days of thinking it was just the flu, the swelling around his rectal area became obvious, and they diagnosed him with a perianal abscess along with two fistulas, which led to an immediate incision to drain it at the hospital. He spent two weeks stuck in bed in a lot of pain, and the whole process of being driven back and forth for wound cleaning and draining the remaining pus was honestly just awful to watch. Now, it seems like it has started filling up again despite following the doctors' advice to sit in warm baths and massage the area, so he will likely need another surgery. The staff at this hospital are incredibly blunt and don't really take the time to explain things or talk to the patient, which makes everything harder. Has anyone dealt with this at a different facility, and does anyone know how to manage recovery properly to minimize the chance of the abscess returning?
boldcanyon3 boldcanyon3 Newcomer
9 messages
joined Jun 2009
#939 ·
dustyorca33 said:Hey everyone. I'm looking for some insight regarding perianal abscesses and fistulas. What actually causes them, and is there any way to stop this from looping back around? My dad ended up in the ER after a perianal abscess just... exploded. He didn't even know he had anything—zero symptoms—until suddenly he was dealing with a high fever and body aches. After five days of thinking it was just the flu, the swelling around his rectal area became obvious. Diagnosis: perianal abscess with two fistulas. He had to go under the knife at the local University Hospital for an incision and drainage. He spent two weeks stuck in bed, in constant pain, being driven back and forth for dressing changes and having the leftover pus squeezed out... honestly, it was brutal. Now, it’s been leaking constantly, and they told him to sit in chamomile baths and massage the area... but it looks like it's filled up again. Most likely heading back for another surgery. The staff at the hospital are pretty rough—they don't explain anything, don't really talk to the patient... has anyone dealt with this elsewhere? And how are you supposed to behave post-op to lower the chances of it coming right back?


If it's anything like a pilonidal sinus, I've been through it. Check out the thread on pilonidal sinuses here
http://www.exampleforum.com/showthread.php?t=168164

I'm no doctor, and frankly, I'm pretty fed up with the doctors over at the Mayo Clinic—I've had the same "cyst" drained three separate times there. They basically provided nothing but temporary relief. Since my issue flares up at least once a quarter, they haven't helped me one bit in the long run. I'm heading in for a final surgery this summer...

Just Google "perianal abscess"... you can find plenty of Q&As regarding this whole mess.
Sandra Cook76 Sandra Cook76 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Aug 2009
#940 ·
I’ve been dealing with this persistent issue involving hard stools and some pretty irritating itching around my backside for quite a while now. At first, I just assumed it was the standard hemorrhoid situation, so I’ve been dabbling with some Fact ointment every now and then, but honestly, I can't say it's actually done the trick... To be perfectly blunt, what’s really weighing on my mind isn't even the hemorrhoids themselves, but rather the nagging fear that I might be looking at a perianal abscess instead. It doesn't feel like a typical lump; it’s more like a small swelling, there's no telltale "bluish tint" to it, and the location is right in that sensitive area between the vagina and the anus. There isn't any actual pain involved, but if I happen to wipe a bit too aggressively, 🙂 I occasionally notice a tiny trace of blood left behind. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on what this might actually be.
Sandra Cook76 Sandra Cook76 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Aug 2009
#941 ·
Actually, it isn't quite an inflammation, more like some sort of localized knot, situated near the rectal area—not right at the entrance, anyway, though I have heard from others that when dealing with hemorrhoids, they tend to manifest right at the threshold 😢
Susan Newman19 Susan Newman19 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Aug 2009
#942 ·
Reading through your discussions made me want to reach out and ask for some perspective. About 7 or 8 months ago, I started dealing with some irritation and stinging in my rectal area. My first thought was hemorrhoids, and I wasn't wrong. I started using Fact ointment, and after about ten days, everything seemed fine. But clearly, luck wasn't on my side because as soon as I stopped applying it, the symptoms returned. Even worse, the Fact didn't seem to work anymore. I kept applying it until I suddenly experienced some bleeding. That was my wake-up call to see a doctor. He performed a rectoscopy and diagnosed me with a small hemorrhoidal node and an exposed, sensitive hemorrhoidal plexus in the anal canal. I translated "vulnerable" as "sensitive."

I should mention that I've never struggled with constipation. It’s actually the opposite—my stools are always soft. I go regularly, once or twice a day, but it's more of a loose, mushy consistency. My diet is decent; I eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fish. However, I am a pretty high-strung person. I tend to be irrational and get anxious about almost everything.

My doctor noticed this, so he suggested moving away from Fact. Instead, he recommended a custom-made ointment from the pharmacy, Rudakol tablets (for stomach cramps, which I don't actually have), and Lekotam (presumably for calming my nerves).

Unfortunately, even five months after that appointment, I'm still struggling. The bleeding has stopped, and I can't feel any lumps anymore. If I don't go to the bathroom, I don't have any issues—no itching, no stinging. But once I finish, and not immediately, I start feeling this burning sensation. It feels as though my bowels haven't fully emptied, which isn't quite true, since it's very difficult to feel completely empty when you have loose stools.

On the occasions when my stool is more compact, I don't run into these problems. But if I have those two daily trips with the mushy stuff, I know exactly what kind of discomfort is coming my way.

I'm at a loss for what to do or what to apply. Is this still a chemical issue, or is it just that sensitive, irritated area being aggravated by the bowel movements? Does anyone have some sensible advice on how to handle this or what might be going on with me?

Just to be clear, I am very diligent about hygiene, washing, and drying. I even tried using Hemo-ex oil, which helped a little at first, but now I'm not sure if it's doing anything at all. I've reached a point where I'm applying two different ointments, washing up, drying off, then applying more oil... I'm losing my mind a bit over this. So, please, I really need some advice.
Gary Rodriguez45 Gary Rodriguez45 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Aug 2009
#943 ·
You all have shared so much, yet I find it hard to believe there isn't a definitive solution out there somewhere. 😢

I have a specific question—I’m 21, and this itching started two years ago when I was only 19. After my primary care physician was frankly quite rude, dismissing it as nothing more than poor hygiene or just sweating because of the heat, I went to see a specialist privately. That specialist confirmed it's hemorrhoids.
Has anyone else dealt with this at such a young age? It feels incredibly strange and completely abnormal to me. I'll admit my lifestyle isn't great—I sit for hours on end and my diet is terrible—but still, 😢 😢
It infuriates me that after using various creams, everything seems fine for a few weeks, only for the torture to start all over again. The itching, the moisture, the discharge, and then that painful lump appearing right under my tailbone. 😢
Is there anything besides surgery or these endless creams? I just want to be done with this forever...
For God's sake, I'm a college student; I can't exactly eat healthy when I'm stuck on campus all day eating nothing but greasy food from the dining hall. 😢
This whole situation is just depressing... ugh.
Gary Rodriguez45 Gary Rodriguez45 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Aug 2009
#944 ·
I’m wondering if there’s any actual link here to colon cancer. Like, could this be a precursor to that? I feel a bit awkward bringing this up, but I’m constantly dealing with excessive gas... it feels like I’m perpetually bloated, I don't know 😢
The whole thing is genuinely weighing on my mind... Any advice?
And honestly, at 21 years old, it’s pretty embarrassing having to deal with these kinds of issues at the doctor's office.
Susan Newman19 Susan Newman19 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Aug 2009
#945 ·
Gary Rodriguez45 said:I’ve been wondering about something else. Is there any actual link to colon cancer? Like, could this stuff actually trigger that kind of disease? It feels a little awkward to bring up, honestly, but I’m constantly dealing with excessive gas. It’s like I'm perpetually bloated. I just don't know. 😢
I’m genuinely getting worried about all of this. It’s starting to weigh on me. Someone, please, help me out here.
Honestly, I feel pretty embarrassed about it. Being 21 years old and having to deal with this kind of issue? It’s awkward enough going to the doctor for anything else, let alone this.

Those tremors might just be nerves. If you're constantly stressed out, it’s bound to happen. Honestly, it’s totally understandable if you're a college student right now—dealing with finals and all that pressure can really do a number on you.
Look, you might be a little young, but that’s honestly not all that uncommon. Some people are just wired with certain predispositions that plague them their whole lives, while others never have to deal with it at all. It really comes down to how much time you spend sitting around and what you're putting in your body. Try grabbing an apple or some fruit instead of heavy bread or processed junk every once in a while. Use some creams, too. As for colon cancer—just don't dwell on it. We're all living with that underlying fear and anxiety, but eventually, you just learn how to live with it.
wireddriver94 wireddriver94 Newcomer
1 message
joined Sep 2009
#946 ·
Hey everyone. I stumbled upon this thread by accident, so I figured I’d jump in since I’ve dealt with hemorrhoids myself. It first flared up after I caught a nasty flu and was stuck in bed for days. Since I wasn't eating anything, once I finally got back to a normal routine, things were pretty rough on the way out, which triggered the whole mess. For me, nothing worked better than some Godmother grass oil my mother picked up from a neighbor who makes it herself. Ever since using that, thank God, I haven't had any issues. As for other remedies, I can't really weigh in because I haven't tried anything besides that. That’s all from me. Good luck to everyone—I know how uncomfortable this is.
Gary Rodriguez45 Gary Rodriguez45 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Aug 2009
#947 ·
Thanks for the reply 🙂

I’m curious how old you all are if I’m considered "too young."
Is it even normal to deal with this so early, like at 20? That's honestly the most awkward part for me...

And yeah, obviously it interferes with daily life, I just really hope it doesn't lead to anything more serious down the road.
Frank Edwards95 Frank Edwards95 Member
28 messages
joined Jul 2009
#948 ·
Look, man, I'm not much older than you, but honestly, these computers are going to be the death of us—not to mention the hour or two I spend hunched over an engine every single day!
I used to spend all my time on a bike once upon a time.
You just have to find some balance. Don't sit around too much, but don't go overboard with heavy lifting either if you're prone to hemorrhoids (even hitting the gym isn't great for that), and stay away from greasy pizza and fast food. Also, stop drinking—luckily, I quit eight years ago, so I don't even miss it.
Besides, you can't live life under a microscope; eventually, you're going to eat something that makes things worse. The worst part for me is going out drinking with the guys and having to pass on the sparkling water.
But we don't have much choice; we have to change our habits before this stuff really starts to wreck us. I guess until you're actually bleeding, it isn't that bad!
Dammit, I guess we're just destined to suffer for the rest of our lives.
wireddriver94 wireddriver94 Newcomer
1 message
joined Sep 2009
#949 ·
Gary Rodriguez45 said:thanks for the reply 🙂

I want to know how old you all are if I'm considered "too young."
Is it even normal to deal with this at twenty? That’s what makes it so awkward for me...

And yeah, obviously it messes with daily life. I just hope it doesn't lead to anything more serious.

I dealt with this at twenty, too. If it helps, you aren't the only one facing this early on. It was incredibly embarrassing for me as well, and I actually thought about seeing a doctor, but luckily my mom got some Godmother grass oil and that helped immensely. My advice is to try that first. If it doesn't work, go see a physician because I don't have any other suggestions. Also, don't stress out too much; hemorrhoids are a pain, but they aren't something you need to fear will turn into cancer. In the worst-case scenario, you might experience bleeding, which usually means surgery is the only way out. That's my take. Good luck.
wireddriver94 wireddriver94 Newcomer
1 message
joined Sep 2009
#950 ·
Frank Edwards95 said:Look, man, I'm not much older than you, but these computers are going to be the death of us. In my case, it’s also the bike engine I spend an hour or two on every single day.
I used to be out on my bike every day once!
Moderation is the key to everything. Don't sit around too much, but don't overdo the heavy lifting either if you're prone to hemorrhoids—hitting the gym isn't exactly great for that, either. Skip the greasy pizza and fast food junk. And stay away from the booze; luckily, I quit my own habit eight years ago, so I don't even miss it.
Besides, you can't live in a bubble. Eventually, you'll eat something that makes things worse. For me, the worst part is heading out for drinks with the guys and having to settle for sparkling water.
But we don't have a choice. We have to change our habits before this becomes unbearable. Honestly, as long as there's no bleeding, it isn't that bad.
It’s just our lot in life to deal with this stuff forever.

I second everything you said in this post, except for that last part. It's really not that catastrophic; plenty of things are worse.
Frank Edwards95 Frank Edwards95 Member
28 messages
joined Jul 2009
#951 ·
I had this massive, painful external hemorrhoid, but it’s finally receding. You can still see this little blue vein sticking out though, especially if I put on a few extra pounds.
My proctologist told me straight up that if I actually stick to a better lifestyle, it should clear up in maybe two or three months. But honestly? It takes almost nothing to trigger it all over again. It still itches from time to time—he even mentioned that certain fats can cause irritation if you're dealing with long-term issues.
I'm trying my best to eat healthy, balancing out the burgers and grilled meats with plenty of salads, but I also hit the gym hard every day. It's impossible to escape the grind of daily responsibilities. At least I've got fruit on the menu every single day.
.
wireddriver94 wireddriver94 Newcomer
1 message
joined Sep 2009
#952 ·
Olivia Rogers12;21925485 said:My external symptoms were massive and painful, but they’ve receded now. You can still see a faint blue vein if I gain even a little weight.
The proctologist told me straight away that with enough willpower and some lifestyle changes, it should take about 2 to 3 months to disappear completely. But honestly, it doesn't take much for it to come right back. I still deal with occasional itching, maybe even triggered by certain fats, because he mentioned long-term use of those can cause irritation.
I’m trying my best to eat clean—lots of salads alongside the burgers and grilled meats—but I’m also hitting heavy workouts. It’s impossible to escape daily responsibilities. Fruit is on the menu every single day, though.

It’s a fact that you can’t just run away from your daily grind, and changing your lifestyle is never easy. You mentioned it might vanish entirely after a certain period. I haven't heard that from anyone else personally, but if a doctor told you, it’s probably true. For me, after using that oil, it almost disappeared completely, though not quite. My main priority is that it doesn't make sitting uncomfortable, and it isn't itching. If you're still struggling, try getting that oil. Usually, these natural remedies do more good than all those various creams and ointments combined.
Frank Edwards95 Frank Edwards95 Member
28 messages
joined Jul 2009
#953 ·
It’s all a bit much, isn't it? The only thing I can't wrap my head around is why, ever since this started, I’ve been dealing with constipation regardless of what I eat.
I mean, I used to have stretches where things just wouldn't move for a couple of days, but back then I couldn't blame anyone else since my diet was basically nothing but processed junk.
Clearly, my digestion has gone completely sideways.😢
Gary Rodriguez45 Gary Rodriguez45 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Aug 2009
#954 ·
I was reading up on this, and I saw there's an option for laser removal. Does anyone here actually know anything about how that works?
wireddriver94 wireddriver94 Newcomer
1 message
joined Sep 2009
#955 ·
Frank Edwards95 said:It’s all just a mess... the only thing I don't get is why, since this started, I deal with constipation sometimes regardless of what I eat!
I used to have stretches where I couldn't go for days, but back then I wasn't surprised because my diet was basically nothing but processed junk!
Clearly, my digestion is totally off!😢

I have no clue. When I was dealing with these issues, things were definitely harder to pass, but once they cleared up, everything depended entirely on my diet. I’m a sucker for pastries and bread, too, but I try my best to stay away from them. Move more. It doesn't have to be intense athletics, but just walking as much as possible really helped me out. Since I started doing that, thank God, I haven't had any trouble at all.
Frank Edwards95 Frank Edwards95 Member
28 messages
joined Jul 2009
#956 ·
The narrow stool is back... two days of nothing happening and here we go again!
I’m honestly losing my mind reading all these forums where everyone starts jumping straight to tumors whenever this happens!
Even though doctors claim hemorrhoids can cause narrow stools, and the external one I had before has mostly healed, now I'm stuck with this weird shape!
Is there any chance my muscles are just clenched tight because I've been so incredibly stressed out over all this? That would explain the consistency!
It's driving me crazy—these doctors just tell you to eat more fruit and veggies and get moving, which is stuff I already knew without paying for an appointment!😢
And they didn't even suggest any actual follow-up tests or anything useful!
wireddriver94 wireddriver94 Newcomer
1 message
joined Sep 2009
#957 ·
Frank Edwards95 said:Constipation is back... two days without movement and here we go again!
It’s enough to drive me insane reading these forums where everyone jumps straight to mentioning tumors whenever this happens!
Even though doctors say hemorrhoids can cause narrow stools, and my own issue (an external one) actually receded, so why is my stool still thin now?
Is there any chance my anal muscles are just tight because I'm so stressed out over all this, causing the stool to look like that?
It's maddening. These doctors at the local clinic just tell you to eat more fruit and vegetables, move around, and that's it—stuff I already knew without paying a co-pay!😢
And nothing else, really. They didn't even suggest an extra screening or anything!

Hmm, it sounds like your situation is a lot more complicated than mine was. I’m sorry you’re dealing with so much, but I’d suggest looking for a private specialist and laying everything out for them. Like I said before, I never had problems even remotely like yours; I didn't even see a doctor, so I can't give you any detailed medical insight.

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