I'm suffering from horrendous piles...

[Squtternutbosch]

...and my doctor keeps dismissing it.

I gave birth 3 months ago. It was a traumatic birth, it was a ventouse delivery, I tore pretty badly (sideways...that's another whole thread) and couldn't feel my pelvic floor muscles for at least 6 weeks.

Since my son was about 3 or 4 weeks (he's 13 weeks now) I have had piles, which have just got worse to the point that I have a constant low-level anxiety about going to the loo because it's so horrendously painful. To make it really gross and graphic, there are days when it hurts even to pass gas. And most nights I go to bed and can't get comfy because I'm in so much pain.

I'm doing all the normal stuff. I don't put off going to the loo, I don't strain, I'm taking stool softeners (which don't seem to be working) and using cream. I'm trying to eat well, though as a single woman with a 3-month old that's not always easy.

I told my doctor at my 6-week check but she brushed it off and told me to come back in 4-6 months if it wasn't resolved.

I don't know what to do any more.
Does anyone have any hints and tips that I may have missed?

[Sunnyshores]

go back to your GPs and see another doctor. Or ask your Health Visitor?Theres no reason for you to continue suffering especially as you have a young baby to look after.

[Jimjamjem]

I feel your pain. I really do. Been there. I could hardly walk and was in tears constantly...

Keep going back to doc. I was prescribed steroid suppositories and cream 4mo post DC2. Which helped immensely.

Put feet on a stool/ the bin when going. I found a high-fibre breakfast (all bran with dried apricots and dates) every day is important. I still suffer if I skip more than one day. (DC is 13mo) Drink loads, especially if you are BF and taking stool softeners, both suck the water out of you. I try and drink half a pint an hour...

I hope you get better soon soon. It's rotten.

[MollyHuaCha]

Go back to the dr if it's not getting better.

[PollytheDolly]

I had this. Drove me to insanity! Even my chest hurt!

Tried everything, even cold mashed potato.

In the end I went to a Chinese herbalist (don't ask me what it was I have no clue), but he did keep saying about circulation, exercised as much as I could (keep moving) and drank water and more water. Couple of days on the tablets I tell you, the world fell out of my arse on the toilet.

Never had a problem since.

[Flicketyflack]

Look at your diet, improve your pelvic floor with exercise and go to the doctor for scheriproct ointment. I feel your pain 😬

[Squtternutbosch]

Oh thank you thank you for the replies- I wasn't sure anyone would want to weigh in on such an embarrassing topic. Just knowing that other people have been through this and come out the other side makes me want to cry with relief.

I feel awful, there are so many much worse conditions and diseases, and I have a happy, healthy little boy but this is dominating so much of my thoughts!

I'm going to go see my doctor tomorrow (I'm not in the UK and can still get same day appointments v easily with my gynae, for which I am eternally grateful!), thanks for the advice.

Polly, I have to ask...was the mashed potato to eat, or was it...topical??

[SusanTrinder]

Sympathies for this. A sore bum is the worst.

One small tip that I found helpful; stick your cream in the fridge before you use it. Nice and soothing.

[PollytheDolly]

Topical mashed potato Squtter.

I guess it was slightly soothing but not worth the hassle but I was desperate!

Definitely get to the GP and insist on help. Managing piles and a new baby is awful -he/she should try it!

[picklemepopcorn]

Just to check, as you don't mention it, are you using cream and suppositories? I found that using them at the first sign of trouble short circuits a lot of grief!

[Olympiathequeen]

I had this with my DC. Even worse because they prolapsed and got a clot in. It was agony!

All gone now and no issues bum wise at all.

I used suppositories and creams very frequently and really cleaned after having a poo as any trace causes local irritation. The non straining is very important. If you are able to climb on the toilet seat and squat. Just dont fall off! I read that this relieves the lower bowel strain and increased blood supply when you poo and it does work. Imagine squatting over a hole.

[picklemepopcorn]

Or line a potty with paper...

[Hornbeamer]

I had similar problems which 5 months in the gp dismissed as normal. I so feel for you. I went for acupuncture and after one session I was much improved. I was sceptical initially but it worked.