TMI really bad piles that keep coming back

[FlingonTheValiant]

At least I'm fairly certain it's piles.

For about 5 years I've had blood when I go to the loo, sometimes not much, but sometimes loads, and lots of pain. To start with I just made sure that I ate lots of fibre, green veg, fruit etc and it worked.

But in the last couple of years that doesn't seem to be doing it. I use suppositories, cream and sometimes laxatives if it's really bad. I can get them to clear up for a week or so and then they're back. But even the slightest deviation from a fibre rich diet brings them on really badly. And having DS in October hasn't helped.

I saw a GP about them a couple of years ago, and she did an exam and said that it was a small tear and a skin tag! Even with the history. So I haven't gone back and just self-medicated, which I now really regret.

I've now reached the point where it's so bad I'm willing to go through the humiliation again, but is there something they can actually do about it? I don't just want to be keep this cycle of fighting them off and then having them back again :(

Thanks, sorry to post such a yuck thread!

Sorry - but you really should go back to the GP and get it sorted out once and for all.

Is there a once and for all treatment though? That's why I haven't been back.

I'll book an appointment :(

Thanks BIWI

There's got to be something better than suffering the way you have been, though.

You have my sympathies, btw!

Flingon - there are various surgical procedures available - ask your Dr for a referral to the hospital if that is the way you'd like to go forward. Also the GP can prescribe stronger topical remedies than you can get over the counter. I think it also possible to get a local anaesthetic spray you can use when going to the loo to help with pain. Also something like a stool softener (lactulose or movicol) might be better than a harsher laxative.

Some kinds of fibre can actually make you more bunged up, so try to make sure you have a balance which includes soluble fibre as well, - list of foods with SF here. It's important to have plenty of fluid as well.

Everyone feels a little embarrassed by these sort of examinations, but please don't feel humiliated - there is nothing to be ashamed of, piles are very common - the GP will probably be seeing them everyday. Don't let embarrassment make you put up with something you if you don't have to.

Good luck

Thanks Kurri, I'll try asking for a referral. And see if there's something stronger in the meantime.

I know that I don't drink enough, I really need to get on that. And I'll look at the soluble fibre stuff, thanks!

Thanks so much to you both!

I had to see the GP about piles - the piles weren't actually the problem, but the various creams, wipes and potions I'd been using had created an allergic reaction, setting off intense itching, which I'd been scratching like fury during the night when asleep. So everything was also getting infected.

To say it was sore was an understatement.

So best to get it seen to make sure the treatment is right for you. As Kurri says, your GP will be seeing it everyday!