Can this still be piles?

[midas]

I had piles few days after having ds1 in 2002. I then had it at the late stage of my 2nd pregnancy (2003)was actually quite horrible, couldn't sit down. Sorry for TMI.

Since then things have not been the same again.
A bit difficult to explain but I'll try.

It never bleeds but the outer part, does swell after I have been to the toilet and it seems as if I can never be clean, I keep on finding bits after I have cleaned several times.
I now prefer to go at home because I can then use water as well.

It does go back but it is never completely flat.

I am embarassed to go to GP, or ask my closest friend who is a GP.

I also do have to strain to go. I now eat a lot of fruit and water but these have not helped.

It never bleeds.

Go to your GP they see it everyday, try not to be embarrassed, they wont be! Better to get it sorted than to go on worrying & feeling things are not right.

Hope you get it sorted.

Thanks BOV, but GP is a friend, male and I can't just imagine lying face down and him having a look.
I could ask to see the nurse, I suppose. The last time I thought I had a problem with my breasts I asked to see the nurse.

What I need now is just the courage to book appointment. I know they have probably seen it all.

mine sounds similar.
My gp did have a look a few years ago but as it isn't that bad said it was probably best left.
It is always there, but comes and goes as to how swollen it is - usually depending on consistency of poo (which usually depends on where I am in my cycle - weird).
I often use a baby wipe after wiping with toilet paper so as not to have to keep using toilet paper and irritating area.
Can you try not straining - leave it until it is going to come regardless, as the straining does put pressure on.
GP did say to try "re-inserting it, in a warm bath with flat of hard (rather than pushing back in with a finger). Sort of relax muscles and push it.

You must go, really. It could be cancer, couldn't it? Unlikely, but better to be embarrassed than suffer.

I had the same worries about going to see my (male) doctor. In the end I decided I needed help so booked an appointment to see a female doctor at my sugery - I just explained it made me feel more comfortable and it really did. I'm so glad I went - you really must bite the bullet and go. It can't be worse than the pain you're going through now, can it?!

Also, I had been using pile cream (prescribed by my gp - without examining me) for months and it just seemed to be getting worse and worse. I went to see the female gp yesterday and she listened to my symptoms and asked if I minded if she examined me. The diagnosis? I haven't got piles at all. I've got a rectal tear....ur, gross I thought . Was probably caused by my emergency c section. I've now got different medication and I'm hoping that will do the trick. If not, next step is surgery. While I was very upset about all this at first, I've now come to the conclusion that at least I have a correct diasgnosis now and I stand a good chance of getting this sorted.

Thinking about seeking help is usually worse than the reality. Bite the bullet and go - I'm sure you'll feel better!

Has anyone else got experience of a rectal tear?