Hemorrhoids

[Bigbrother-8]

I have terrible hemorrhoids,always been painful but now they sting and burn as well,no creams help,still waiting for referral been 5months now,most day I spend lying on my side on my bed as I can't sit for long,had them on and off for years had them stitched up 5years ago,they are driving me to despair,any suggestions will be welcome.

[Surget56]

Hello, Bigbrother-8...fellow sufferer here. I can only suggest installing a 'bum shower' for your toilet. Should be a simple job for any plumber. They are very common in Asia, where I live. Toilet paper can be so abrasive...some warm water and soap keeps hemorrhoids under control. Wish you well.

[Alloagirl]

Hi, have you tried a Sitz bath. They are really good in easing the pain. Use twice a day. Also I use Anusol wipes instead of toilet paper. There are also the ice packs which help enormously. The doughnut rings are useful for sitting. Luckily I do not need any of that now, things are much better without the dreaded op. I hope you get the help you need soon.

[akroguy]

I had a flare up a year ago, burning, itching, some bleeding, really miserable. Back to basics: how do we treat other areas of swelling in our bodies, like after an injury? Ice! Get one of those reusable gel ice packs. Mold it into a shape that will fit up between your cheeks. Freeze it and SIT ON IT. While at your PC, or watching TV, just sit on it. The ice numbs the pain AND shrinks the swollen tissues. It REALLY WORKS. Please try it. I also apply 5% hydrocortisone cream, no prepH or other pain meds. It made my prolapsed tissues shrink, the pain ended and no itch. I've been a year now with no flareups. The usual hydration, fiber and moderate diet with no spicy foods rules still apply, of course.

[Bigbrother-8 in reply to akroguy]

I have tried ice,sitz baths,water intake and fibre,used over the counter creams and prescribed hydrocortisone cream which I can't take anymore as I have been diagnosed with glaucoma and as it is a steroid be advised by GP not to use.

[islande]

I found going private speeds up your nhs consultations as the consultant then treats you on the nhs.if you can't afford this is there a relative who can help with costs.I had an operation to remove piles and it was worth it.sorry I can't be more helpful.

[SteveR12]

Hi Big Brother, sorry about your suffering! May I ask if your haemorrhoids are at all prolapsed i.e outside your anus to any degree at all, or are they completely inside?

[Nothing_but_books]

Soak in Epsom salts. Throw a few big handfuls in the tub.

[SueCats]

I too found the sitz baths and ice packs very good at easing the discomfort. They don't cure the haemorrhoids but make it easier to "go". I used one for several weeks after having a haemorrhoidectomy as I developed an oedema which lasted for a few weeks.

[Harold2]

try GTN ointment worked for me.