Talk to me about piles!

[Iwannabeamartian]

Hey folks I’m looking for people’s experiences with piles, particular external ones, that will make me feel a little more optimistic! (I’ve read plenty that are having the complete opposite effect!!!)

has anybody ever had a reasonable sized external pile that has taken a few weeks to go away, but has done just that?

I’ve had Roy now for a week, and despite ising OTC creams and Scheriproct he doesn’t seem to be wanting to decrease any at the minute. My GP says to give him a month or so to see if any improvement occurs, as she says they can sometimes take a while to improve. Luckily I don’t have much pain (more a slight stretching feeling when moving in certain ways) and he has no impact on my ability to go to the toilet, doesn’t bleed etc

I found using both ointments and the suppositories to be the most effective treatment for piles as the problem starts internally. I struggled with using suppositotories until I read a tip to smother in vaseline. Before DC I found they would go within 10-20 days? I also try and keep my stools soft so as to not set them off again. The ointments/suppositories the GP can prescribe are far more effective than OTC ones.

I had the most horrific piles during my very last pregnancy that actually burst. Ever since that unfortunate incident, if I get a pile it takes ages to go. Infact it doesn't really ever go back up fully. I had it looked at by a consultant who said best to leave it for now if not giving me a lot of pain (which it's not) but I do work hard to not strain or get constipated. The joys....

Hope yours resolves quickly.

has anybody ever had a reasonable sized external pile that has taken a few weeks to go away, but has done just that?

Yes.

I had awful piles post my first pregnancy. So much pain.

They resolved quite quickly. Occasionally I've had a bad flare up, and find prescription suppositories help a lot.

In general, I am as careful as I can about ensuring I don't get constipated / stay regular (more of an issue now perimenopausal). I drink lots of water, exercise regularly - as that's what helps for me. It makes a big difference.

UPDATE: otc creams and prescription creams were making no difference so I rang to make a GP appointment only to be told I could have a telephone appointment at the end of February!!

I decided to book a private consultation with a colorectal consultant instead. Booked on Wednesday afternoon, and seen in Friday morning. Was in for 5 mins, told it was a thrombosed external haemorrhoid. Whilst being told this during examination he then squeezed it and then showed me the offending clot! told it should clear up and skin should shrink back within a few days. Sent away with his mobile number to text if any problems, bug told he doesn’t expect any.

£200, seen within 48hrs and sorted in 5 mins! Amazing!!

How was your recovery @Iwannabeamartian ?

Honestly, absolutely brilliant. The discomfort went away immediately. I had very minor bleeding for an hour or two. The lump steadily shrunk back over the next ten days and now you would never know it had been there!

I have Gary the Bastard. He's a stubborn little twat who likes to rear his ugly head occasionally. Just got suppositories on script that I hope will kill him dead. The itching I get is unbearable. Witch Hazel is helping a bit too.

Hiya I know this was years ago but where did you go for this ?