I'm embarrassed to say, but piles

[Annabelannabel]

I developed piles before I was even pregnant (no idea how, I first noticed that cycling was uncomfortable) but of course it is much worse now I've had a baby. Am to embarrassed to go to my doctor as the only female doctor at my surgery is really completely useless. Can anyone recommend anything? I get bleeding when going to the loo and it's very painful, reminds me of use baby making his appearance ;)
Thank you

[Tallforadwarf]

If they're bad you may need them operated on, go see the Doc! A male doctor will have a female chaperone, and whilst embarrassing it's a very common problem.

Otherwise pile cream and don't strain.

[ItStillLooksLikeRainDear]

When I had the post DC a midwife recommended put sanitary towels in the freezer, they were quite a relief. Also used anusol cream and suppositories.

I feel your pain. Hope you get them sorted.

[TheCraicDealer]

Hmm, I have this problem, although it doesn't sound as bad as yours- not bad enough to prompt me to make an appointment iyswim. Keep meaning to get it looked at as I haven't had kids so I suppose it can only get worse.

Even then, I wouldn't be bothered about having to go to a male doctor. GP's see sooooo much worse, they won't bat an eyelid. What would you rather, 30 seconds of embarrassment or several months (or years) of discomfort and freezing sanitary towels?

[Annabelannabel]

Yes I know, I'm being silly aren't i. After having a baby I should be used to the indignity! Everything I read seems to suggest that there isn't a cure apart from surgery so I was hoping someone here would disprove that! Thanks

[confuddledDOTcom]

Do see someone. I ended up in A&E because my mum came over and I wasn't able to sit or stand or anything, she insisted on looking and dragged me straight out! It had become thrombosed (blood clot on it and I'm a thrombophiliac so not good!) I'm still waiting for an operation. I wish I had taken it seriously sooner. I have suffered for years and thought you just put up with it.

Is there any chance you could book in with a senior nurse in your surgery if you really don't want to see the male GP?

[Annabelannabel]

Thanks confuddled. I think I will. Asking on here I think was the first step to doing something proactive. Good luck with yours x

[TheTertiumSquid]

I had one like a grape at the end of my 2nd preg. I saw a make GP the same age as me which was mortifying but
He didn't bat an eyelid. He gave me lovely suppositories which were like magic and the pain was gone in 24 hours I highly recommend prescription suppositories.

[Annabelannabel]

Thanks - here's hoping!

[princessalbert]

Go to the gp.

Please don't be embarrassed. I have been showing my arse to all and sundry recently. I had an operation to remove anal skin tags (leftover piles) and have to have another soon. Sigh.

It's no big deal really. Much less intimate than having a smear - you will lay on your side and they have a quick peek.

There are creams with hydrocortisone which may take down the swelling - on prescription so you have to see the gp. However at our surgery we tend to see the nurse practitioner, or practice nurse for most ailments. I find them more helpful tbh.

[Annabelannabel]

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. I'll phone for an appt today

[Seaoftroubles]

princessalbert, if it's not tmi, how did you have your anal skin tag removed and how painful/difficult has the recovery process been? I was referred to an NHS consultant about this procedure but it sounded so horrendous and painful that I chickened out.He said that the tag would be cut off and the wound would be left 'open' to heal as that was the current way of dealing with the problem..no stitches apparently.I couldn't face it but would love to get rid of the tag!

[Tallforadwarf]

I thought they cauterised these days?

[Beanymonster]

I have a piles and tmi I find after a no2 it really helps to wipe with baby wipes, any cheapy sensitive/ non fragranced will do the trick, it stops that burning sensation as they are cold, and gets you cleaner quicker therefore not rubbing!

But do go to the doctors.. Be very matter of fact about it, as if your talking about your finger nail, and they will be the same!

[princessalbert]

seaoftroubles I had three removed. There were stitches. It was quite painful/uncomfortable for the first week or so afterwards. I had been told that it would be though, so had resigned myself to a pity party :)

I had quite a few - and they removed just the three largest. However I went for my 6 week post op check - and there are some more - which I have requested removing too. The nurse agreed and put me on the list. So, if I am prepared to go through it again, it can't be all bad.

[Seaoftroubles]

Thanks for your answer Princess..a very different method to the one I was told I would have- was this the NHS btw? -if so, shows how procedures differ..I was also warned it would be very painful and I couldn't imagine how I would cope with going to loo whilst having an open wound in that particular area! Did you have to have a local anaesthetic or a G.A btw?

[princessalbert]

Yes, it was NHS.

I had it done under a general anaesthetic.

It was quite painful going for a poo afterwards - for a good few days - but it certainly makes one mindful of fruit and veg intake for each day. Some prescribe laxatives etc - I didn't get any. So just tried to drink a lot of water and eat well to keep it as painfree as possible.

The worst part of the recovery for me was at night time. I found it difficult to sleep and felt the pain more. I guess my mind was idle. It felt like my bowel/anus was spasming now and again. Very difficult to do anything about that.

As I say though, I am prepared to do it again - as I want it sorting out properly. This time though I will make sure DH sleeps in the spare bed so I can sleep better, and will possibly use laxatives just to ensure it is all as painfree as possible.

If it is really bothering you then go for the op. The consultants will warn you that it is really painful recovery - but if you are forewarned then it isn't so bad. Just be prepared for it.

[confuddledDOTcom]

I'm happy to have a painful recovery, I've been in a lot of pain for about 7 months. I think it's thrombosed again because everything is throbbing Trying to decide if to go back to A&E, ring A&E for the number of the surgeon who was calling me back in 6 weeks or just go to the GP.

At least I'm getting some knitting done and done a bit towards my new job (good job I work at home)

[JuliaScurr]

get thee to a chemist for some cream and eg Dulcolax
they may well clear up

[Annabelannabel]

Thanks everyone for your input. And fellow sufferers, hope we all get sorted soon!

[Elderberri]

Foods that my piles thrive on: chocolate, cheese, coffee, Pringles or any other spicy, fatty crisps, and the killer, coca cola. I am guaranteed a bleed after coke.

Porridge is good for regularity and is soothing.

You need to cut down on caffeine and increase water.

It could be a fissure, if you eat processed food it gives you big thing poos, your anus should shape the poo, not the other way round. Fissures are nasty and take time to heal. It's like crapping past broken glass.

It's mostly down to diet and exercise, I have had fissures and piles, bith clear up when I ear well.

Good luck.

[Elderberri]

Big thick poos.......

Annusol, it's a must.

Also you could do a pre emptive strike by lubing up with Vaseline before your next turd.

[Elderberri]

poo scale

[Annabelannabel]

Thanks all. Elderberri, you have made me laugh amongst that good advice, thank you

[Elderberri]

My pleasure.