Rear end issues!

[captainpillows]

NC for this, I think I just need reassurance rather than medical help.
I suffer terribly from constipation, have done for years, and only go after taking a herbal colon cleanse laxative,which I take on a Friday evening as I am off work Saturdays and stay in to do housework.
Last week I couldn't take it as I had an appointment, so this week I tried to go to the toilet, straining like crazy, no movement but giant piles (well, I felt like a big pea sized one, surrounding area very swollen)
So I had 2 weeks worth to get rid of and took my herbals last night, went to loo today and had success, but I think I may have burst the pile, as there was fresh blood when I wiped.
Is this possible? I use germaloids suppository and cream through the week to ease discomfort, and it feels much easier now the lump has gone!
No matter how much fruit/veg/water I have, I just cannot go without the laxative, doctor told me it was part of getting older when I asked to be referred to hospital.
I have came to terms with it and after reading on here I feel ok as some people live with much worse chronic conditions.
Is it normal for a pile to burst? They usually just stay there!
Thanks to anyone who can help.

That doesn’t sound normal to me. I’d want a second opinion/referral to a specialist. My DM has piles and occasionally gets fresh blood, I think the pike can open… not sure.
Sounds painful! No experience, hopefully give you a bump. You have my sympathies.

Yes they can essentially 'burst' (there is a name for it along the lines of thrombosed) or you could have a fissure.
You could do with some treatment for both your problems though as it sounds like you're in a vicious circle and it will only get worse. Have you asked the doctor for a better laxative? Laxido is supposed to be effective and gentle. You need to drink lots of water with most laxatives as they draw water into the bowel.

I had a pile burst when I was in hospital with similar constipation issues and had an internal exam the next day which was fine. Whilst the burst was distressing the relief was amazing and have had no issues since.

Yes I feel relieved that the pea has gone but the blood did unnerve me.
I agree it's a vicious cycle, I took dulcolax for years but they gave me terrible pains, the herbal (ICF2 I think they're called) just make me go with no pain, but I do need to take when I am home for the day.
It's a horrible situation but I simply cannot go the way normal people do.
My stomach gets so horribly bloated by the end of the week, I'm literally full to the brim, so in a strange way I'm grateful to be able to get rid of it in one go.
The suppository and cream help with the soreness too

Definitely ask the GP if you can be referred for a colonoscopy to get to the root of the issue.

In the meantime, try taking Movicol. You will need to experiment with the dose but after literally a lifetime of constipation, it works.

Also I need to drink more water than I think is reasonable and if I have a day where I can't , eg travelling, it takes me a few days to get back to normal

How old are you OP?

I just cannot go without the laxative, doctor told me it was part of getting older when I asked to be referred to hospital

what nonsense ,I've known plenty of 70 and 80+ people who are not constipated .

that sort of response from a HP makes me so ANGRY

I wonder if the GP in question is just going to shrug their shoulders and happily accept circumstances like those of the OP when they are "older"

OP can you see a different GP/change practice or argue ?

I'm 45, so not dreadfully old!
Doctor insists that I am otherwise fit and well, so no referral.
I did end up at A&E one time a couple of years ago, before I discovered the herbals, they gave me an X-ray that showed I was "full to the max"
Followed by an enema, discharged me and no follow up offered.
I also had colonic irrigation for a few months, which helped at the time, but certainly didn't make it better and cost a fortune.
Another Saturday spent on the toilet I'm afraid.

You can't live your life like this! Can you see a different GP or change surgeries ?

I think you need to ask for a referral to a specialist consultant. Your life is seriously impaired. Its not just 'sluggish bowel eat a few more prunes luv'.
Go back to your GP and be very open about the impact on your life. Cry, tell them ita ruining your life and you want to see a consultant. Or could you pay to go private? You are only 45 ffs! Not 95!

OP
Tell your gp. Most likley nothing of cocnenr but tell gp.
Excercise, 20 to 30 min brisk walks will help after a week or so of excercise

Trust me, I drink gallons of prune juice, orange juice, water, no fizzy drinks, eat well, not overweight, and healthy in all other ways
If it was a lifestyle thing there's no way I'd live like this by choice!!
Obviously covid hasn't helped as I couldn't get to see a doctor now without difficulty, but I feel more confident insisting on a referral after advice on here.
Now it's Saturday evening, I feel great as I'm "empty" I try not to eat a lot on a Sunday as I feel like I am filling myself up again, my work clothes fit on Monday fine, by Thursday I can't fasten my trousers, with the bloating.
It does get me down, as much as I accept it, it's rubbish

Laxido .. you take take half or one or two sachet every day to keep things ticking over

OP you need to go more often than once a week, you should aim for once every one or two days. Your bowels must be very stretched, going more regularly will help them get back to a more normal state. You need to be referred for proper advice from a consultant and dietician. If your GP won't refer you then ask for a second opinion and complain, don't put up with this.

Thanks so much, advice very much appreciated

I have posted this before about my daughter’s issues. She has always suffered from bad constipation and tried various medications and had ‘investigations’, cameras up and down. We have come to the conclusion that she has small tubes. The only thing she has found to work is Slimma Tea from Holland and Barrett. Basically herbal teabags. Play around with how many you take and just try one to start. Take before bed and you will be able to go in the morning. Daughter finds that these do not cause horrible stomach cramps that some laxatives can cause. Hope this helps.

I'll try these today! Thankyou!