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Original poster

Piles treatment

107 replies

Funnyface1 · 20/02/2017 18:10

Can anyone give me some information on any treatment you've had on the NHS? Or private actually? What stage were you at? What were your options? Did you have successful treatment?

I have my first meeting with a colorectal surgeon in 5 weeks and I just want as much information (and positive outcomes!) as I can get.

Thank you in advance, I'm obviously petrified and feel so alone to be honest.

OP posts:

DextersMistress · 23/02/2017 13:04

Funny I'll definitely report back. Thank you for the wishes

Semaphorically · 23/02/2017 18:39

I'd love to hear what the consultant says, Funny, in terms of the pros and cons of different options. I'm considering private as well, how did you get the referral?

Afterthestorm · 23/02/2017 18:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Funnyface1 · 23/02/2017 19:06

Semaphorically I will report back after my consultation on Monday. I got an NHS referral from my GP and decided I couldn't wait long enough so rang the private hospital myself.
Afterthestorm I don't have a fixed price yet but the consultation is a couple of hundred and I don't know about the thd yet but full hemorrhoidectomy is just under £3000.

OP posts:

Afterthestorm · 23/02/2017 19:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Molecule · 23/02/2017 21:48

About eight years ago I had a hemorrhoidectomy as after four children mine were extremely painful (or so I thought). The surgeon told me there would be a little discomfort afterwards, talk about an understatement. Every time I pooed I was in excruciating pain which could last for hours, and I ended up having 2 months off work, and that really wasn't long enough, and I was the sort of person who was back at work 5 weeks after cesarean sections.

The upside is that it completely cured them, so I guess the pain was worthwhile, but I would really research the options as the pain can be utterly indescribable.

Original poster

Funnyface1 · 23/02/2017 21:56

Thank you molecule, we are all so desperate to make me better that I'm willing to take on the pain. I'm just terrified it will not work and I'll go through more hell for nothing. Your post gives me hope, thank you so much. And I'm so glad it was worth it for you.

OP posts:

Blossomdeary · 23/02/2017 22:06

Sometimes they just put elastic bands round them and wait for them to drop off - like a lamb's tail!

I had a cluster of thrombosed piles (with blood clots in) and was on morphine - you cannot imagine the pain! That was treated by simply doing an anal stretch under anaesthetic - 3 fingers for 3 minutes, I am told! It worked I am glad to say.

One thing to remember if you do have surgery is that this area does heal. Several times I had thrombosed piles knifed - local anaestheic, then cut open to extract the clot - and I was horrified that an open wound was basically having shit rubbed in it every time I went to the loo, but on each occasion the wound did not become infected - amazing!

An important principle is to keep the "traffic" friendly - i.e. take a laxative so you are not forcing a rock through!

DextersMistress · 24/02/2017 19:29

I'm not going private After so can't help unfortunately.

Original poster

Funnyface1 · 27/02/2017 19:39

Just an update. Saw the private consultant today and it went well. I liked him and had confidence in him. To cut it short he said I could have Thd for the internal piles, he would inject anything smaller that he found in there to stop it being a future problem and as for my external skin tag/old pile the only thing to do is cut it off at the same time. So basically I'm scared but going for it cos it's my chance to be well and put this behind me. I want the best type of treatment and I want a specialist so this is it. Will be getting a call from his secretary tomorrow to schedule surgery for 2 to 3 weeks from now.

Dextersmistress I hope you go on ok.

OP posts:

Semaphorically · 27/02/2017 22:23

Good luck, Funny. I need to go and speak to my GP about this, you've given me the motivation to get it sorted out!

SofiaAmes · 27/02/2017 22:26

I have had piles my whole adult life. I have seen countless experts. The only thing that has worked and works consistently is to put 1% hydrocortisone cream (which is available over the counter in the usa) on them. It shrinks them almost immediately and ends the pain, irritation and itch. It doesn't make them go away permanently, but is such an immediate and complete temporary solution that it's met my needs for the last 30+ years.

SofiaAmes · 27/02/2017 22:27

Sorry, just to add...that's for external piles. You can get a medical version of the cream prescribed which is basically the same thing but with an applicator for internal piles.

usualmum · 27/02/2017 22:42

Had thrombosed piles and could barely breathe properly and I am known to be as strong as a horse. Had internal ones banded 3 months ago. Have to say I had terrified myself reading all the stories. Reality was it was uncomfortable for 24 hrs, first bowel movement was awful and that was it. I was able to drive and continue allll normal duties. I have made a real effort to eat better and have had no issues since.

Hope that your procedure will go well.

SofiaAmes · 28/02/2017 00:33

Please please please try hydrocortisone cream before having them banded or injected or especially having them operated on.

Mnhbgfcddh · 28/02/2017 01:08

I had a hemorrhoidectomy about 10 years ago. My piles weren't that uncomfortable but sometimes they would bleed a lot. Which was awful especially as I played a lot of sport. I felt sick from the anesthetic but not too sore. First poo was fine as I had medication. I was up and about the next day. I felt tender but not in pain. It seemed to heal quickly. I was back playing sports within two weeks although I obviously was careful as it still felt a bit ache'y

The OP completely got rid of them. I felt it was a very minor and easy op and I wished I had done it a lot sooner.

I guess it depends a lot how severe they are and where they are located. I think mine must have been a lot less severe than some other people's.

I had them done privately overseas.

AppleHEAD · 28/02/2017 07:06

This is so interesting. I've had a few small piles over the years but last month I developed a much bigger one that I couldn't push back in.
I saw my GP and she has given me some cream but so far (5 days in) and it's made no difference. Initially it was agony but not now although I'm very conscious of it. If the cream doesnt work she is going to refer me to see a consultant. I'm really scared of anything involving general anaesthetic so I'm going to do anything I can to avoid it. Thanks for this great thread its been really great to read.

Original poster

Funnyface1 · 28/02/2017 08:19

To wanted to say I have been using hydrocortisone cream as a way to cope but while it allows me to get by most of the time it is not a cure and not good enough for the rest of my life. I'm 31, I have small children, life has to be better than this. I have to be brave and have it taken care of.

OP posts:

Semaphorically · 28/02/2017 08:51

Long term use of steroid cream is a bad idea. It thins the skin and can cause damage. I would think it would make the underlying issues with piles worse?

Original poster

Funnyface1 · 28/02/2017 12:17

Very good point semaphorically, I do save it for the worst of times.

OP posts:

endofthelinefinally · 28/02/2017 12:29

I had mine surgically removed after 2nd baby. They were too bad for banding.
They sewd me up so tight I got an anal tear with the first poo.
Had to go back for anal stretch.
So much scar tissue It tears if I pass anything larger than a chestnut.
So I have to take movicol regularly.
Then I got more piles with baby number 3. I wish I had gone private but couldnt afford it.
Good luck.

Original poster

Funnyface1 · 28/02/2017 19:50

Just another update, my Thd treatment is booked for march 17th. I'm trying not to think too much about it!!!

OP posts:

Semaphorically · 01/03/2017 21:27

Good luck!

Foslady · 01/03/2017 22:32

Thank God for this thread! Third day of agony - will be trying hydrocortisone tonight

Semaphorically · 01/03/2017 22:38

Fos have you tried frequent shallow baths with Epsom salts?

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