Hemorrhoids

[Mother1943]

I have had hemorrhoid problems for years. Was started on Metamucil, maybe 30 years ago.

Stop after awhile couldn’t stand it. Saw a GI doc, recently, who started me on an increased amount a few months ago.

No one seems to understand the pain I am in from the hemorrhoids. I will start off the day with one, then, another one until I have 4 bowel movements or more. I am not constipated. I do not have diarrhea.

If I have 4 bowel movements I take a ammonium. If I go again, which happens occasionally, I take another. That usually dones the trick.

I have formed stools. I admit I don’t think I eat a diet rich in fiber, but I try.

have had bleeding, but not for months, red blood🩸

I have had colonoscopies every 2 years, never more than one very small polyp found. Tested ok.

I was reading on this forum that some have been given medication for their hemorrhoids?

Never knew there was such a thing??

Could use some advise/information

Charlotte

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Mother1943,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I hate you are having to deal with these issues. So, you get a colonoscopy every two years. Is that a surveillance procedure that's coming from your history of CLL? I'm a stage 4 colon cancer survivor with lynch syndrome. So, I get an annual colonoscopy, an annual CT scan, and an endoscopy every three years. That's my surveillance. I was just wondering why your protocol is to have one every two years.

As far as the hemorrhoids and their treatments are concerned. I don't have a lot of experience, but I have been told to increase my fiber as well. I'm taking about 25 grams a day additional fiber hey I'm doing the fiber gummies. At least they taste good. I seem to be tolerating that. How much Metamucil were you on and why did you decide to discontinue?

As far as hemorrhoids are concerned, I know there are some topical treatments for it. Suppositories or another medication. I’ve given two websites below you may want to go look at. Looks like it's all concerning the location and severity. I hope you get some additional feedback from others on this site who may have some personal experience with it. That'll be interesting information as well.

I wish you all the best. I hope you are CLL is going well for you.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

webmd.com/digestive-disorde...

Thank you,

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[Mother1943 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

thank you Tom for your feedback. I will check out those websites.

I have not been diagnosed with colon cancer.

I was diagnosed 20+ years ago with CLL. Fortunately I have a very slow growing leukemia.

I Do have IVIG infusions monthly, to help with my immune system.

At this point, my biggest problem is very painful hemorrhoids.

I guess Tom it is one of those things, that I get frustrated with a nightly drink of Metamucil,

Which doesn’t seem to help with the hemorrhoids. I have added more Metamucil, ugh.

Increased fiber in my diet, so we will see.

Peace

Charlotte