Oh Yes, I'm Asking About the "H" Word

The advice I have for you I got from Mom websites, etc. So you may know this already. I haven't suffered with hemorrhoids in quite a while, but they were driving me crazy for the year and half after I had my child. I got great relief from doing all of these things:

1.Lying down for 10 minutes after a bowel movement
2.Using the Preparation H wipes (the generics didn't help me as well) after every bowel movement (didn't use toilet paper at all for bowel movements only the wipes).
3.Wrapping an ice cube in a baby wipe or a Preparation Wipe and placing it on the painful area while lying down after a bowel movement.

I have heard witch hazel wipes work. My grandfather used them. I only saw them in the bathroom (he didn't like, tell me about it or anything). Any grocery store or health food store would have them. No need for the embarassment, really! It happens to a lot of folks!

I am so sorry to hear about your discomfort. I too am currently suffering from this issue, and have been off and since the last few months of pregnancy. My daughter will be two in June. I have tried diet changes, but the increased fruits and veggies results in increased BM's, and thus increased discomfort. I am going to continue with the diet, because I know it is healthier, but am looking for options as well.

Just this week, I checked out the book (from the library) Mommy Diagnostics, which gives natural remedies for a variety of ailments. She recommends, along with dietary changes and a footstool in the bathroom, 1. The liquid TincTrack Circulatone by Mother's Choice, 2. Rutin supplements 500mg (not during pregnancy), 3. the supplement Butcher's Broom (2 250-500mg capsules two or three times daily.). Like I said, I just got this book from the library, but I am going to try the Butcher's Broom--it is on my list for my next trip to Whole Foods. Good Luck. I feel your pain!

I have done research on this because I get them terribly when I am pregnant. From what I've read, when they won't go away you can get them injected which supposedly collapses the veins and cures the problem. I think they only do surgery after all other attempts have failed.

I know how embarrassing it is, but just ask your OB/GYN. They see this every day and probably can get you the relief you are overdue for. I think if you've had them for 4 years there isn't a cream or fiber pill that's going to do it. Go to the experts as horrible as it may seem.

Good Luck!

I finally went to GI specialist to get them checked. I was told he wouldn't remove them unless they never tucked back up. I do all the fiber and over the counter cream, but after baby #5, they just never went away.So, baby #6 was really a pain in the....He did give me RX for 2% hydrocordison which works very well when they get to be to much. If they are bleeding, more then a streak of two on tissue, then you should call your dr.

Don't be embarrassed. This is a bodily function that is common. See your doctor. Different doctors have different approaches. Some will do surgery and some won't. My mom had her hemorroids removed and it was extremely painful. I would suggest a change in your diet, first. Go to www.realpeople-realhealth.com to get nutrition recommendations. I would also recommend an exercise routine.

There are over-the-counter products that can help decrease hemorrhoid discomfort. If you have bleeding or trouble with bowel movements, you should see a doctor.
For itching, hydrocortisone works. You can rub it on topically, or use a little applicator to apply just inside the rectum, depending on the location. The brand name is preparation H, but generics work too.
Pramoxine works for burning. Check the active ingredients in the products at the pharmacy.
To prevent hemorrhoids, prevent constipation and straining with bowel movements... Eat lots of fiber from fresh fruits and veggies or use a laxative periodically if needed.

HI Deidra, I am also a mother of three and 37. Yes, they don't write about that chapter in any of those "what to expect when your expecting "books do they?!I knew i was really pregnant when I was faced with this most uncomfortable side effect. I never needed any surgery but i used lots of sapositories and cool cloths(washclothes in the freezer with witchhazel)I really tried to not over stay on the toilet because the pressure of sitting like that too long can really exasperate the problem, also make sure your bowl movements(i know, but we all do it!)are moveing "smoothly". Not much help but know your not alone.

I agree with everyone...there is no need to be embarrassed. Talk to your OB/GYN first. They can refer you to a "butt doctor" (that is what I always called it!). Surgery is typically the last resort, and is usually for hemorrhoids that are extremely painful. I suffered for a few years and mine got progressively worse. I ended up having the surgery and I have been hemorrhoid free for 4 years! The surgery itself was short but the recovery was very painful. I wouldn't start worrying about surgery at this point though. There are plenty of other remedies for mild hemorrhoids. Don't be embarrassed to call your doctor...it is better then continuing with discomfort!

Go get th IRC procedure done. There is a doc in Denver/Colo Spgs who does it. It runs about $400, but it will make them go away almost instantly. Most insurance covers it, too. The doc's website is http://mountainstreamsmedical.com/

I had it done after my son was born, and it was an almost overnight improvement. No pain, takes about 30 minutes, and they have a play area in each treatment room so you can take your kids if you have to.

D.
Oh, they're the worst! I had them with both pregnancies, much worse in the second one. I thought I wanted to die. Here's a delicate question to help with your delicate question...How's your weight? Once I dropped the excess prego weight, they went away. In pregnancy, they are often a result of carrying around excess weight and with it the pressure applied. Also, banish all reading material from the bathroom. Though the toilet may be the only place where a busy mom can catch a few precious moments to herself, lingering at the bowl just irritates those tender tissues more! Here's a trick I use for a bit more privacy: I wait a few minutes to flush and wash up. My family seems to think that the flush is the magical signal indicating that Mommy is back at their beck and call...so I put it off as long as possible.
I would also recommend using a peri-bottle, a squeeze bottle, to gently cleanse and applying a witch hazel compress. saturate a maxi pad with witch hazel and wear it around. You may have to tear off the "stay fresh liner" first. Lovely, I know, but they both helped me.
Good luck! I completely empathize!
J

ha. I love that you just said all that. I'm in a similar boat of embarassment and pain for that matter, but I too have been too embarassed to bring it up. let me know how it goes, any shared tid bits would be super helpful!

After my second child I suffered with hemorrhoids and fissures. I went to see a proctologist and tried some different creams, but they didn't work. I ended up having surgery. The surgery was a breeze - nothing compared to the hemorrhoids and fissures. I would definitely recommend the surgery!

OK, first of all, Deidra...you have nothing to be embarassed about! Hemmorhoids are a totally normal "side effect" to having babies. There is nothing wrong with you and you should just drop the embarassment!!!
Through my job, I have worked with hundreds of women both during and after their pregnancies and hemmorhoids are a lot more common than you may think. I developed both internal and external hemmorhoids as well as anal fissures (kind of like a bad, bad paper cut) during the birthing of my first son, almost 5 years ago. It took me about a year to share my pain with anyone other than my husband and doctor. I went to see a GI doc and they told me to use stool softeners daily, glycerin suppositories to help me go, and he prescribed a steriod ointment. At that visit, I was told the only other answer is surgery. Many people, after the surgery, suffer from anal incontinence. Obviously, surgery was not an option for me! A last resort ONLY! Luckily, things got better not long after that.
Since having my second son a little over a year ago, I have been struggling with this nasty issue. We have even named it, Roy. He is an unwelcomed guest in our home a few times a month, even with me using the above preventative measures. My OB gave me a referral to a doctor who specializes in this pain in the butt issue. I haven't gone yet, but one more flare up and I will be calling him.
I'd be happy to talk with you more and give you his info if you're interested. Because this has been a hot topic for me for the last 5 years, I have made the decision to stop the embarassment and shame and share my story to (hopefully) help other moms get through it.
Best of luck!!

Good for you for having the courage. :) You're not alone...still battling it myself. Part of it is genetics. To ease discomfort for now, my midwife recommended sitz baths or soaking in a hot tub (who has the time, right?!). Witch hazel is also good as a topical. But honestly, my midwife also told me just to "push 'em back up there". I have been too chicken to try this myself, but it sure beats surgery. Of course, that may be the best alternative if they're really bad and nothing else works and you are in pain. Finally, eating enough fiber and drinking plenty of water should help them heal as well. I hope this helps, and thank you for braving the hush-hush topics! ;)

I don't think they will ever go away. It's one of those prices we pay to become a mother -- along with stretch marks and a flabby stomach. I've had mine for 30 years. Use OTC cream if they really bother you.

I have a had a procedure done by my gastro doctor where he goes in and practactically burns them off, but they did go away. It was after my third child and it wasnt too painful, but I didnt want to go through the surgery, which my dad had, and this seemed to really work. Hope that helps.

There's a laser treatment that will essentially cauterize them...I heard about it from a woman who had 4 kids, and her hemmorroids use to HANG OUT after intercourse!

Deidra,

I, too, have hemmorhoids from labor with my daughter and expect them to be a bit worse next pregnancy. I recommend trying some natural salves- they soothe irritation and help with shrinking the hemmorhoids. There are two brands that I recommend- Motherlove and Earth Mama Angel Baby. Both of these companies use all-natural, organic, vegan ingredients. They both also have the Salve, a Spray (very soothing!), and sitz bath's. If you would some help deeciding which to try, let me know and I can forward more information to you.
I hope you find some comfort soon!
H.
www.naturalchoices4baby.com

I am 43, never had a problem with them until my son was born. He was a big baby so I am sure that added to the problem. Probably once every few months I will get them and use OTC meds and they go away. If it is a constant problem I suggest you talking to your Dr and maybe find a way to rid yourself or get on something stronger.
Unfortunately I think that is a side effect of pregnancy, I have had friends that have awful cases of them.

i have that problem when i'm constipated. make sure you're getting plenty of fiber. metamucel helps. and soak in hot baths reduce irritation. drink lots of water

I really don't have the advice you're looking for. I just wanted to reassure you that you're not weird or silly for asking this question at all. I don't think it's a big deal (: Hemorrhoids are common and I don't believe they will go away, there are just measures to take to make them not be so irritated. Stool softeners so you don't strain while "going" (they are just veins that are engorged and stretched and the more you strain the larger & more irritated they will get). Using creams or wipes or suppositories can help with pain, tenderness, or itching, etc. Good luck to you!! You're not silly at all, so don't be embarrassed!! (:

Although this sounds really strange, it works for me when I have the occasional flare up. If you are a tea drinker GREAT, then you may already have what you need. If not, you need some regular Black leaf tea. Any Black tea in a tea bag. Just brew a cup of tea and when the tea is done, sweeten it to taste and sit and relax while you enjoy your tea. After you have squeezed all the water out of the tea bag, put it in the fridge to cool it off. when it's cool, just place it on the hemmorhoid, and let it sit for up to 5 minutes. It usually works thje first time for me, but if that doesn't work for you, then just keep drinking you tea and using the tea bags until the irritation goes away. This is how it works,(the tea bag method also works for bags under the eyes, just don't use the same ones that you put on the hemmorhoid) The tannic acid in Black tea (gives it that pucker in your mouth) shrinks swollen tissue. As well as the chill from putting the teabag in the fridge. I hope this works.

I think it is 100% fine that you asked about this. We are all in the same boat...so much FUN stuff happens to your body when you have kids and hemmorhoids are just one of them. I did have the surgery done and it helped a ton. I think 4 years is enough torture for you!

I call them my little friends that won't leave...I'd say depending on the severity I'd just tuck them away during shower time. If they don't stay in then I'd go to a women's clinic and see if they can recomend something.
Don't be miserable, be happy and do this for your self....
Good luck...

I remember after the berth of my first child I found that I had a few. Because my mom was an RN I asked her what I could do about them. She told me what himarods were and to just push them back in. It sounds kind of gross, but I did what she said. It took a wile, but they finely stayed where they belong. The only time I have had a problem is when I have a hard BM. It has been 7 years since my first child and 2 since my 3rd, and last child and I haven’t had much problem at all. Good luck.

Deidra,

I had horrible pain after my 2nd child was born. I had checked w/ my Dr. done the suppositories, stool softeners, etc and had no relief.

He sent me to a specialist who diagnosed me with an anal fissure and prescribed a specified cream (it is actually a heart medication made into a cream) You try it for a week to see if it improves--mine did not. So I had surgery.

The recovery was a little harder than I thought--but it fixed it. and I have been careful to eat more fiber and drink more water ever since.

Good Luck!

My neighbor just had this surgery. She put off talking to her ob about it for ages! Then when she finally brought it up, he just took care of it right there in the office. She didn't have to go in for a special appointment or anything. It was really quick and she's really happy she talked to her ob.