Piles, any solution?

[Minime85]

I'm miserable with a uncomfortable, embarrassing and ever there external haemorrhoid. I suffer from IBS and was quite poorly with it last year, loosing two stone in weight. It seems that this ever present pile is my consequence. I have been to the doctors three times. I know there are people in awful situations and I'm fortunate that this is my worry. I'm finding it incredibly distracting, I can't concentrate properly at work as it's uncomfortable to stand and sit! My job involves a lot of sitting.

Any suggestions of self help greatly appreciated. Anusol and the like just make the symptoms more exaggerated. I can't eat wheat or bran or anything like that because of my ibs. I drink lots of water, caffeine free tea, no coffee. For the first time in a long time my bowels are what I would consider to be normal and yet I now have this! Argh! I'm desperate to give whatever I can a try as I can't afford to pay for them to be removed myself and can't carry on like this.

You say you have been to the doctors - but have you asked for it to be surgically removed? If it is truly affecting your day to day life then they should sort you out.

I had some anal skin tags removed - leftover pile tissues(?) just over a year ago. They were pretty bad - but not painful. I had got into the system due to a very painful fissure - bu the doctors were more than happy to get me in for them removing. Quite painful recovery but so worth it.

It may not resolve on its own - if you aren't straining etc then it sounds like it may be there to stay.

Go back to the GP and explain how it is making you miserable and is painful.

Good luck.

Avoid constipation.
Drink lots of water.
Dont strain.

And ask your GP for referral to the colorectal clinic who can arrange for you to have some proper treatment for them. However, I would recommend starting with banding rather than surgical excision as that can hurt quite a lot.

Thanks both. I'm supposed to be being referred but was told long waiting list. It's external so doesn't have anywhere to go back to. I'm drinking water like it's going out of fashion. Just want to feel comfortable again. Have a long bus journey to do in May and I'm dreading sitting for all that time.

Have you tried GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) cream? It's a bit old fashioned & can give you a headache but might be worth asking your Dr what she/he thinks.

Have you been given proctosedyl cream & suppositories? Much much more effective than Anusol. I had them post pregnancy & was crying down phone to docs at one point. He prescribed this & within 2 days I could function again. Also witch hazel wipes to use after the toilet - tucs I think.

I apply a witch hazel soaked cotton wool pad to the sore area especially at night.
I saw it recommended on mumsnet ages ago.
The relief is fantastic and it helps me feel normal again.
Just to say I have not checked this out with a doctor but I have not had any unwanted side effects.

Sunnybobs go wouldn't give me suppositories because of bad reaction to anusol which just made it worse. I have wipes and they help. Maud I tried the witch hazel and it seemed to make it throb and feel more obvious. I don't know if it's a it needs to get worse before it gets better type reaction or not. I've read about Apple cider vinegar too but not dared to try that yet. Been sitting on ice packs today.

You poor thing, it really is such an unpleasant thing to have to deal with and I have found because some people think they are a hilarious subject for jokes and laughter,you suffer in silence.
for you

Poor you, I had them in pregnancy and it made me miserable. I found olive oil really helped. It would provide immediate relief from the irritation, and if I applied it quite thoroughly before going to the toilet it would help assist a smooth passage so to speak. if you can then it is best to apply it directly with your finger as cotton wool and things can leave a residue.

Lots of tmi and chances are you do this already but I found it hard to clean after going to the toilet as the poo got stuck in the piles so washing the area with lots of warm water would prevent further aggravation.

You NEED suppositories, preferably a steroid based one such as scheriproct, in conjunction with topical cream of same . Go back to your gp. Anusol will not cut it at this stage. Don't even think about surgery til you've tackled this properly with appropriate medication.

Oh bless you, I suffered terribly from piles and it is the most miserable condition.
I found Proctosedyl wonderful. They do suppositories but the ointment comes with a thing which goes on the end so you can actually squeeze a little up your bum. Worth a try? Have you also tried taking a para or nero fen for the pain?