Painful piles affecting my life..

[takemebackto2003]

I've suffered with piles for about 8 years, even before I had DS1. I get bleeding a lot and then sometimes they'll be painful but then get better.
The past few months they have been so so painful. I stand at work and that makes them worse, I can't go for walks or anything as it makes them start hurting again. I'm 9 weeks pregnant but they started hurting before that I think. I saw GP who examined me; gave me
Anusol which is a joke as it does nothing.
Can you ask to have them banded? I can't live like this.

I'm sorry you are suffering. Pregnancy however will, I'm afraid, worsen them, particularly in the latter stages and during birth.

A few things which can help you now and while you are pregnant is applying a cube of ice wrapped in cloth for 5 minutes of so a few times a day, or sitting in a warm, sitz type bath again 3-4 times a day. These can help reduce the swelling.

Pelvic floor exercises will also help, the NHS Squeezy app is good and can prompt you to do them by setting reminders.

Avoid straining when you open your bowels (you need your knees higher than your hips and to lean forward pushing your stomach out to help you go) and try not to get constipated.

Yes, banding would probably be a good option once you are post birth, though they can return.

Yes get them banded, sounds like you've suffered for too long already, don't know if they can do it during pregnancy though

@slidingdrawers

I'm sorry you are suffering. Pregnancy however will, I'm afraid, worsen them, particularly in the latter stages and during birth.

A few things which can help you now and while you are pregnant is applying a cube of ice wrapped in cloth for 5 minutes of so a few times a day, or sitting in a warm, sitz type bath again 3-4 times a day. These can help reduce the swelling.

Pelvic floor exercises will also help, the NHS Squeezy app is good and can prompt you to do them by setting reminders.

Avoid straining when you open your bowels (you need your knees higher than your hips and to lean forward pushing your stomach out to help you go) and try not to get constipated.

Yes, banding would probably be a good option once you are post birth, though they can return.

Thank you. Is banding not allowed while pregnant? I so wish I'd pushed to get them sorted sooner. I'm terrified of them bursting or something during labour! More so than tearing or anything else I think! x

@MissSmiley

Yes get them banded, sounds like you've suffered for too long already, don't know if they can do it during pregnancy though

Thank you. I really hope they can. Everyone's telling me to go for walks to get out of the house as I'm really anxious about the pregnancy but I walk for more than 10 mins and I'm in agony!! x

I don't believe banding is possible when you are pregnant and tbh because haemorrhoids can exacerbate during pregnancy and birth they'd possibly return after the procedure.

Some advice for labour/second stage, though you hopefully won't have a long one second time around, it might be worth considering a birthing pool.

@slidingdrawers

I don't believe banding is possible when you are pregnant and tbh because haemorrhoids can exacerbate during pregnancy and birth they'd possibly return after the procedure.

Some advice for labour/second stage, though you hopefully won't have a long one second time around, it might be worth considering a birthing pool.

Would that help with the pain from the piles? Are second labours usually quicker/easier? x

Yes usually much quicker. Birthing in a pool you are very much in your own 'hands off' zone and in the second stage push when you get the spontaneous urge to rather than when someone tells you too. Some midwives still practice routine directed pushing and this could worsen your haemorrhoids (it is sometimes indicated if, for example, baby is tiring and his/her heart rate is falling so it absolutely has its place), plus the warm water will be soothing and provide some counter pressure.