Piles..what does the gp do?

[CringeFactor]

Urgh, I had anal fissures after having dd 2 years ago and I'm pretty sure I have piles now. I'm the sort to avoid going to the doc unless I'm dying but dh says I should get checked out I case it's more sinister.. what does the doc do? I assume I'm guessing correctly but would like it confirmed so I can prepare myself..

I assume gp will have to take a look at them to confirm

They may well refer you to a colorectal surgeon. It's something I deal with a lot in my job but the infliction of surgery is far worse than coping with them (if they are bearable)

I'd just get some cream from the chemists.

They’ll give them a poke and confirm it’s piles. Mine offered me surgery, the thought of which made me shudder and I turned it down.

Sorry for tmi but there is blood on the tissue so not getting it checked isn't an option.

They don't have to put anything...up there do they?!

Anusol got rid of my post DS one recently!

Isn't bright red blood okay? Is that wrong?

Someone please do correct me if I'm wrong, but I understood the same as Penelope - bright red blood, which is clearly from the 'roid, is unlikely to be indicative of a serious issue.

It more blood in stools that is cause for concern.

Again - someone please do correct if wrong.

P.S. that's not to say you shouldn't get it checked out - absolutely do. But just that my understanding is that it's unlikely to be anything to be too concerned about.

They get you to lie on your side and have a look.
They may feel just inside your bottom to see if internal piles ( but I’ve visited twice in ten years an never happened yet).
Then they normally prescribe a type of steroid cream and suppositories.
The suppositories really help within a day and the cream, they are stronger than the over counter creams you buy at chemist.

Quick tip, sit on an ice pack if pain really bad for as long as you can stand the cold for a couple of times a day.Also smear Vaseline around the area couple times a day too.finally buy some flushable toilet wipes and wipe with those, really soothing and doesn’t feel as harsh as paper.

I’ve had piles since having my DC’s which flare up now and again. The doctor will usually check to confirm that you have piles by looking (whilst you’re lying on your side, legs curled up) and probably inserting a finger and feeling for internal piles. It’s over really quickly and much better to get checked, and know that it’s nothing more sinister. If the blood on your tissue is bright red, this is usually a good indication that it is from piles. Over the counter creams help soothe any irritation/pain but don’t think actually shrink them? When mine occasionally flare up, I make sure that I’m eating a diet that will not cause any ‘straining’ and after a week or so, they usually go of their own accord. Good luck!