Dealing with hemorrhoids

I’m feeling a bit better—not exactly back to my old self, but definitely an improvement... It still gets a little itchy and stings every now and then, so I've been slathering on some Voltaren gel and hoping for the best. Hopefully, this whole thing just clears up completely soon..

Ugh... I'm feeling like crap... caught some nasty stomach bug or something...

I mean, we’re all basically going through the same hell right now, aren't we? But honestly, I’m feeling a little bit better after this morning

It’s almost completely gone—I honestly can't believe it. These Detralex tablets are incredible; the ingredients are pretty similar to those hemorrhoid creams you find at Walgreens, but they feel twice as potent. I went through three boxes in a single month, and I have to say, they actually worked.

Thanks, Ivan. I’ve got a colonoscopy scheduled for Monday, and then I have to head back to see Dr. Gojevic. Honestly, I’m going to beg him to just perform the surgery already—I can't keep living like this. Those one or two days where I actually felt okay were just a fluke; it doesn't mean anything when you end up back in a complete coma state like this.
I'm also getting back to work soon, and there's really no point in putting this off any longer. You just can't function at the office when you're feeling like this.

So, I’ve also been "chosen" to deal with these little bumps, which brings me to a quick question... I know you aren't supposed to be drinking alcohol—especially the heavy stuff like red wine or hard liquor—but I was wondering if there's any type of alcohol at all that's safe to have? It's not like I'm an alcoholic or anything, just asking purely for informational purposes!

Anyone actually tried Pilex? I've heard it clears things up in like 7 or 14 days if you're dealing with a tougher case.

I don't think there's any specific alcohol I'd recommend, but honestly, I'm not an expert—you should probably check with a doctor first.
On a different note, I actually had to undergo a colonoscopy myself recently. I only made it through because they put me under, thank God! Now I'm heading back for more tests before my surgery, and I'm just praying I can get this whole thing resolved soon.
If you ever find yourself needing a colonoscopy, I highly recommend the crew over at the infectious disease clinic; they are absolutely top-notch.

Richard Cooper7 said:Look, I’m one of those lucky people stuck with these bumps too, so I have a question. I know you aren't supposed to touch alcohol—especially dark red wine or hard liquor—but I was wondering if there’s absolutely any type of alcohol that’s okay to have? It’s not like I’m an alcoholic or anything, just asking for informational purposes!

I’ve cut it out of my life completely, though I don't think having a little here or there is going to kill you.
Anyway, I was at Gojevic's office today. I'm heading in for surgery soon on my famous fistulas. Once I check in with the anesthesiologist, we'll nail down a date for the procedure.
I actually survived my colonoscopy while totally knocked out in the infectious disease ward—honestly, I highly recommend that crew, they were awesome.

Good luck with that...
By the way, I was drinking beer pretty regularly even while on the medication—so I’m reasonably sure it wasn't an issue.

Heading into surgery in week 3. I’ll be stuck in the hospital for three days, but I'll be sure to check back in once I'm dealing with the recovery from the Rib removal

Some people swear by iron supplements. Give it a shot...

There’s this pharmacy over by the Dolac market area—I think it might be called "Fresl," or something along those lines—located right in that shop on the east side of the market. If you look at the top shelf where they stock all those imported medications, they carry this really fantastic foreign ointment for hemorrhoids called Haedensa (it's spelled Hadensa with an umlaut over the 'a'). It only costs about $3 or $4, which feels almost ridiculously cheap, but I have to say, it works wonders.👍

Another "patient" joining the fray.
I've dealt with hemorrhoids since forever (even though I'm only 26 now). But honestly, about a year ago, I had a genuine panic attack when I saw a significant amount of blood in my stool. I rushed to a specialist at a hospital in Chicago. Everything seemed fine there, except for the endless waiting... the doctor just goes, "Oh, it's just hemorrhoids. Use some ointment, stay clean, and go get a colonoscopy." Well, I’ve stayed clean, the hemorrhoids seem to have "improved," I couldn't stomach using the ointment, and I skipped the colonoscopy.

What exactly are they looking for during a colonoscopy?

Update on my saga: I was pretty terrified again today because I'm bleeding, and it isn't even tied to bowel movements... I actually broke down crying to my husband... I'll have to see a doctor again. 🙄 ...but those colonoscopies terrify me...
In the meantime, I picked up some cream from my local pharmacy—it has menthol and feels quite cooling... we'll see if it actually works.
I felt like I had to share this with you all, and maybe you could offer some advice. 😉

Besides the pain and discomfort during bowel movements, what are the actual complications of hemorrhoids?

Look, seriously, just go see a doctor. Don't be stubborn about this.

Are those hemorrhoid creams available over-the-counter, or do you actually need to see a doctor first? I’m not entirely sure if I’m even dealing with that, but I might just grab something safe to have on hand, just in case. Anyone have any recommendations?

Even after trying every single remedy under the sun, I’d still tell everyone to just go see a doctor first.

Get a professional opinion at least once to see what they say, then you can figure out your next move.
Steven Martinez7, I'm pulling for you. Please check back in with us both before and after the surgery.

I’ve tried Detralex tablets and used Faktu ointment, and honestly, they actually worked... though both aren't exactly cheap—the ointment was about $7, and a box of the tablets ran me $40...
Now, I just take some Hemorrhoidin tablets every once in a while—the ingredients are pretty much the same as the first two, just about 50% weaker...

So, here I am, just five days out from my surgery. Honestly, I’m losing my mind—I'm feeling absolutely trashed and I am counting down the seconds until this is over because, well, let's just say things are incredibly uncomfortable down there right now. On top of the physical pain, I've got a million other things swirling around my head, mostly worrying about the baby. I'm just praying they can handle being without their pacifier for a couple of days and won't end up resenting me for it once we're home.
Ugh, man, I just need to get through next week already.

1. I suspect we aren't placing enough emphasis on the absolute necessity of meticulous hygiene. It is a matter of constant cleansing—wash, wash, and wash again. Using cold water is essential (specifically for the rectal area)
. 2. During an episode of painful inflammation, I supplemented my standard creams and plugs with a bit of a "home remedy" of my own design: to assist with cooling the rectal area, I kept small glass bottles of water in the refrigerator (roughly the size of a standard aerosol spray canister). Several times a day, I would apply them directly to the area by sitting on them, swapping out one bottle for a fresh, chilled one as soon as the previous one warmed up.
3. At the very first hint of stinging or any other sign that a flare-up might be imminent, one should immediately begin using ointment (or perhaps those chilled 🤣 bottles)
. It is unlikely that my condition is particularly severe, but I am convinced that this entire regimen has been my saving grace; it has allowed me to remain symptom-free for years and, most importantly, has prevented the condition from progressing.