Pain - is it just haemorrhoids? (Unpleasant - scroll by if eating breakfast!)

[LunaCoyote]

I am embarrassed about what is probably a trivial problem and cannot find a clear answer on Google. Any ideas? This is a bit graphic/ gross so please scroll by if you don’t want to read something yucky.

So the problem is: Since having external haemorrhoids during pregnancy (6 years ago), I have pain every time I pass a bowel movement. More than that, I cannot seem to pass the movement without “manual help” which consists of massage or squeezing the base of my bottom to ease things out.

I do remember while I was pregnant, it felt like my movements were not coming “straight out” - it was almost like they could move sideways/ down and just miss the exit.

And now here I am. I don’t know what to do.

I swim regularly and sit on a lumbar cushion for work, eat lots of fibre, I’m regular and movements are soft - but I still can’t get them out without help

By the way if I try and push without assistance it does work but I’m in pain for hours, and if I have diahorrhea it’s very sore and painful.

Does this just sound like regular internal piles “blocking the exit”? What else could I try to help?

as uncomfortable as it might be to broach this with your gp, you really need to make an appointment with your gp. You are well are truly past the point of what would come under the umbrella of self management.
really sorry you are having to deal with this op.

Yes, speak to a GP. I suspect it might be two issues - one which is a prolapse of some sort (REALLY common) where you are 'splinting' to ease the passage (google it if you can bear it) - ie using your fingers and the other thing causing pain (piles v. possible).

Childbirth is a bugger for messing up our bodies! Please don't worry - GP will be well used to seeing this sort of thing and will advise on the best management of things. Lots of us live with this sort of thing but it is manageable. xxx

Thank you both for your advice.

@GinnyPiggie Googling “splinting” has been eye-opening! I found a load of information and some much more delicate phrasing (“digital evacuation” was my favourite).

It is actually rather a relief to know I’m not the only one whose bum may have deformed itself during pregnancy. I had always just assumed it was piles, but definitely something shifted in that last pregnancy in a fundamental way that has not just fixed itself.

Maybe I’ll call the GP after Christmas but first I’m going to see what other therapies can help (maybe some pelvic floor strengthening and yoga, seems worth a try).

Sounds like a rectocele to me (you can guess how I know 😬😬) - although they aren't necessarily painful. Maybe you have piles too? join our lucky - bum mums club!

Mine hurt most when they become external but I do get pain with internal ones too - more a kind of dragging after evacuation in that case.

Have you tried suppositories like anusol HC (ie with hydrocortisone) - if you use those for a week, it might improve, and if it doesn't then that's some more information for the GP.

Good luck 🤞