Piles. I have discovered something that makes a big difference. TMI, obviously. Seriously, if you don't have piles you really don't need to bother opening this thread.

[MaMight]

I am only sharing this information because I understand the utter misery of painful piles and anything that might help a fellow sufferer should, nay, MUST be shared. It's not because I like talking about my bottom on the internet. Clear?

So. I've suffered to various degrees with piles for years. Having two enormous babies really didn't help matters. Then, last year I moved to a country where the bidet is king. Got into the habit of washing instead of wiping. Noticed a massive improvement arse-wise, but didn't connect it with the bidet use.

Last month I spent some time back in good old Blighty. Dry wiping. OUCH. It took a week to get back to being as bad as I've ever been.

Back home to the bidets and miraculous recovery.

Coincidence? I think not.

It's not a cure, but it has made things so much better that I never even think about using cream or ointment any more.

Just putting this out there for anyone who is in dispair.

Sorry MaMight - but just the title of your post made me open it and what a very, very funny post it was!

I am not a fellow sufferer, but have several in my family that are.

It's great to hear someone with such a good sense of humour over what can be an incredibly embarrassing and agonizing condition! I'm going to tell my auntie's of your findings!!

Thanks for the chuckle today.....

Blimey - is that what they are for - we all thought they were for washing your feet when on hols!

Glad you found something that works.

Not sure I would know exactly what to do with the bidet, but thanks.

Damp loo paper is also very good - like babywipes or the toddler wipes you get.

don't really get bidets. what do you wash with?

Ditto Twinsmommy. I just had to open a thread with a title like that!

Seriously though - glad you've found some relief.

Ah, and I thought I was using the bidet correctly.

Pic on profile of our Bidet usage

Amazing isn't it? Who would have thought that washing your feet / dog / keeping your beer cool in the bidet could sooth your malfunctioning arse?

We actually have a bidet in our cellar that the previous tenants had taken out. The plumbing is still there for it.

Not going to ask my DH's company to send someone to plumb in the bidet so as to give my piles relief.

Tbh, I am always more bothered with them at home in UK than over here. I always put it down to the wholemeal bread in Germany.