Need some advice about haemorrhoid pain!! :(

[mrsturner17]

I have had haemorrhoids for the last 4 weeks at certain points they've been fine and caused no trouble whatsoever but since Friday iv been in agony! I was given an ointment to use and it doesn't really seem to make a difference does anyone know anything that has worked for them and is safe to use during pregnancy?

[Kaleidoscope]

Albeit I can't give you any advice I can relate to the pain and discomfort of piles, they don't half hurt. I had some briefly and used the delightfully named brand of cream which sorted it out. Perhaps a visit to the doctors will yield you a better result if the cream isn't working for you. Oh the joys of pregnancy symptoms! Ouchers!

[mrsturner17]

My doctor gave me an ointment but it doesn't really relieve it much so may have to go back to see him and see if there is anything else

[Blue321]

Um, I started getting these after a very late miscarriage years ago. The community midwife showed me how to push them back up (gross, but handy) and she also taught me to eat loads and loads of fruit and vegetables that keep me loose and regular even when I'm taking iron to make sure I don't strain! The kedel exercises strengthen your rectum too for baby carrying, so do them all the time. I use a herbal pile ointment made by a shop near to where I grew up.

rickardlanes.co.uk/index.htm

It's so gross and I think it might get worse as I go along, so if you find anything else, I'd love to know what works for you xx

[DrFluffy]

Are you taking iron supplements (especially ferrous sulphate)? If so, talk to your GP or obstetrican about changing this to ferrous fumerate as much less constipating!

If not the basics are:

Keep yourself as 'soft' as possible - plenty of fluids, fibre, fruit. If this isn't working (didn't for me in first trimester!) they try prunes/prune juice. I found 5 prunes a day did the job!

What have you been prescribed? If the pain is excrutiating, talk to your Obstetrician about whether something called 'instillagel' might help (a lubricating ointment with a local anaesthetic in it) - can't be used in the first timester, but is relatively safe after, but this decision should be made on a risk-benefit analysis by someone who has examined you.

Avoid anything herbal without discussing with a doctor or pharmacist - most conventional medications are derived from natural products... NAtural/herbal does not equal safe...

[Blue321 in reply to DrFluffy]

BTW, Great advice about the ferrous fumerate! Wish my usually very competent GP had offered me this as an alternative years ago! You are right about the benefits and dangers of herbs and there has been an update in the EU law that also recongnises this. Legally, herbs can only be prescribed now. They can only be prescribed by a medical herbalist, who has a four year Bsc in Medical Herbalism and (in the UK) is a member of the NIMH, and therefore does CPD, such as Mr Ricard at the shop listed above x

[Hidden]

Dr can prescribe a numbing cream like a local anesthetic, i found freezing wet cotton wool pads when its really bad and not sitting our standing for long periods, laying downs much as poss, it will help them go back alot quicker, i know that pain hope it helps

[Blue321]

Just read this advice by a midwife who's delivered over 2500 babies too:

"Hemorroids sometimes occur during pregnancy but they will usually disappear after the birth. Sit in a very hot tub or stitz bath and hold the hemorrhoid back with your fingers. Sometimes it will stay in place. You can also use astringents such as witchhazel soaked into a gauze pad or alum compresses to reduce swelling. You can also use hemorrhoid cream or suppositories if they don't contain hydrocortizone [i'd check this with the Chemist]. You may need a stool softener for a while; ask your chemist for suitable one for pregnancy. Don't strain."

xx