any nurses

[happymommy]

out there? I have had a terrible bout with hemroids, I know..YUCK! I'm a wreck because I've had them for over two weeks.
This is not the first time, after my first child was born I got them and then after my third, a few times a year I would have a flare up. Maybe lasted a few days then went away.

They are external, NO bleeding. I have tried creams and tucks and they seem to irritate my skin so I have stopped.
I have soaked in the tub several times a day.

Is their anything else I could try? Should I continue to stay off my feet or exercise a bit?
I'm a wreck I will need one of those surgeries I read about online. Yes, I am a BIG BABY!
Is it possible they will simmer down and go away?
I'll take ANY tips anyone would have to share.
Thanks so much, this is the only place I felt safe to ask for help.

[Valerie in WA]

I'm sorry you're having this problem. Here's some information I found:

http://www.family-tree-charting.com/hemroid.htm

Thankfully curing hemroids can be as easy as following these simple practices:

Sit on an inflatable cushion to minimize pressure on the posterior
Avoid bearing down (straining) during defecation
Avoid sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods of time
Take warm Sitz baths
Take stool softeners to prevent the need for straining
Eat lots of fiber to prevent constipation
Use herbs for a natural hemroid cure

http://www.hemroids.us/hemroid-ointments.htm

Hemroid ointments are kind of like band-aids – they make things feel a little better, and can speed along the healing process, but they’re no cure. Preparation H, the most ‘famous’ of hemroid ointments, no longer contains the ‘magic’ ingredient that could actually help shrink hemroids (the FDA banned its use – you have to sneak to Canada to get that formula). Hemroid ointments soothe pain, itching and burning – to be sure. But they only treat the symptoms, not the hemroids themselves.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hemorrhoids/page6_em.htm

Self-Care at Home
The treatment for hemorrhoids is different depending on the severity of the problem. Most of the time, the treatment is conservative and performed at home.
Hot sitz baths
A sitz bath is recommended 3 times a day and after each bowel movement for at least 15 minutes.
For a sitz bath, sit in a few inches of warm water in a tub.
This is the best way to lessen the swelling and the pain.
Be sure to thoroughly dry the skin around your anus after each bath so that it doesn't rub and become torn.

Dietary changes
Drink more liquids and eat more leafy green vegetables, which will make stools bulkier and softer to relieve constipation.
Some people with constipation or hard stools may benefit from increasing the amount of bran and fiber in their diet.

Stool softeners
Stool softeners might also help.
You should be cautious in choosing a laxative for your constipation.
If a laxative causes watery, runny stools, it could cause an infection in the anus and should not be used.

Sitting restrictions
Some doctors also recommend people with hemorrhoids not sit for a long period of time.
Some people feel more comfortable sitting on an air doughnut.

Over-the-counter medications
Many creams, ointments, and suppositories are sold as pain relievers and medicines for hemorrhoids.
These medications are of little help and sometimes might even cause the hemorrhoids to take longer to heal, so consult with your doctor first.

HTH!

[AheeK]

I had no idea about the FDA-ban on Preparation H. Makes me wonder what the "ingredient" was that they banned and why it's still available in Canada.

[nuisance26]

~Witch Hazel, maybe? The hospital gave me pads soaked in witch hazel after I had my dd and I thought they worked very well. I had purchased a generic of prep-h and it burned and irritated my skin too. Like I wasn't uncomfortable enough, right?! ~

[MOMMYDEAREST]

i'm not a nurse yet, but i'm in nursing school. i had hemmroids after i gave birth to all of my 4 children. i swear by the sitz baths, they worked very very well. you should call your dr & let them know whats going on. your dr will probably want to see you & give you something stronger for your problem. my mother-in-law had them vey bad a few years ago & she had to have them removed (sorry not trying to scare you). i wish you the best of luck, those little hemmroids surely are a pain in the butt (no pun intended)!!!!

[happymommy]

Thanks for your replies. I have a physical tomorrow, already scheduled, now I have to decide rather I want to tell the DR.

Thanks for the links Valerie! Thank you all..........

[happymommy]

I just wanted to update on the fact that I went for a physical and the doctor checked me out. He gave me some medicine and other intructions and seemed optimistic I can simmer these down.

Again........thank you

[kaykwilts]

I occasionally have them and I know how you feel. It is pure misery. Soaking in the tub would help. I would also saturate a washcloth with witch hazel and put it next to infected area and would get relief.

[kestrel91316]

I have had small external hemorrhoids for a few years. Lots of oatmeal for breakfast (stool softener), Tucks pads (witch hazel), and Preparation H type cream in combination help a lot. And a nice hot bath in the evening.

They are a minor nuisance. Glad they aren't any worse.