I've been experiencing regular bleeding from my back passage for 20 years. I was pretty convinced that I had bowel cancer but was too embarrassed / scared to go to the doctor about it. I have an extreme fear of doctors and teenage me would definitely rather die than talk to someone about my bowels or be examined. I assumed it'd eventually kill me and have been ticking along for 20 years living a normal life while wondering every day when the cancer will finish me off. I don't need a lecture about how stupid I am, believe me, I am more than aware.
A change in circumstances has just tipped fear of dying slightly above fear of doctor. I went today, was examined and told she could feel soft internal piles and gave me a prescription. By the way the appointment wasn't difficult or embarrassing at all, she didn't bat an eyelid. I'll give the treatment a go obviously but I feel like that can't be the problem. Can you really get piles aged 18 that persist for 20 years?