What can you do about a hemorrhoid?

[Chocaholic]

Happy 50th birthday to me. Feels like walking around with a finger in your butt.

Open to suggestions. Just sayin'.

[red-beard]

Bush hates hemorrhoids...

[rouxroux]

Only had 2, they are now on my "Ignore" list

[Chocaholic]

Will this little fella go away on it's own, or must I engage in some form of extermination? Not painful...just er, uh, uncomfortable.

[masraum]

So you've got a kid that won't move out? Room-Monkey? I don't know, but when you figure it out, let me know.

Oh, you meant an actual 'roid. Dunno.

[masraum]

Google is your friend!!!

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/31033.html

Prevention

You often can prevent hemorrhoids by preventing episodes of constipation. Some of the following diet and lifestyle changes may help you to soften your stool, establish a regular schedule for bowel movements and avoid the straining that can lead to hemorrhoids:

* Add more fiber to your diet � Set a goal of 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily, from such high fiber foods as beans, broccoli, carrots, bran, whole grains and fresh fruits. To avoid bloating and gas, add these foods gradually over a period of several days.


* Drink adequate amounts of fluid � For most healthy adults, this is the equivalent of 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.


* Begin a program of regular exercise � As little as 20 minutes of brisk walking daily can stimulate your bowel to move regularly.


* Train your digestive tract to have regular bowel movements � Schedule a time to sit on the toilet at approximately the same time each day. The best time to do this is usually right after a meal. Do not sit on the toilet for long periods (it tends to make hemorrhoids push out and swell up).


* Respond immediately to the urge to have a bowel movement � Do not postpone until the time is more convenient.

If dietary changes are not enough to prevent hard, dry stools, your doctor may suggest that you take a fiber powder supplement containing psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).

Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids in the past, and you are experiencing a flare-up of pain or itching, try the following strategy:

* Because persistent constipation can aggravate your hemorrhoids and prevent them from improving, take preventive measures to avoid constipation.


* Take warm sitz baths, especially when the hemorrhoids are uncomfortable. Sit in a tub or pan of plain warm water, 3 or 4 times a day, for 15-20 minutes each time. (Large pharmacies and medical supply stores also sell convenient plastic sitz bath devices that fit into a toilet). The water will keep the area clean, and the warmth will reduce inflammation and discomfort. Be certain to dry the rectal area thoroughly after each sitz bath. If you work, you can still take a sitz bath in the morning, upon returning from work, and again at bedtime.


* Apply a cold compress or icepack to the anal area, or try a cool cotton pad soaked in witch hazel.


* Apply petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel to the anal area, or use an over-the-counter hemorrhoid preparation containing lidocaine or hydrocortisone.


* After every bowel movement, clean the anal area with a witch hazel pad, a soothing baby wipe or a cotton cloth soaked in warm water. Be thorough but gentle. Aggressive rubbing and scrubbing, especially with soaps or other skin cleansers, can irritate the skin and make your hemorrhoids worse.

If you have more severe hemorrhoid symptoms, or if your hemorrhoids are prolapsed or filled with a blood clot, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatment options:

* Rubber band ligation � A rubber band is slipped around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its circulation. Once it has been deprived of its vital blood supply, the banded hemorrhoid withers and falls off.


* Sclerotherapy � An irritating chemical solution is injected directly into the hemorrhoid or the area around it. This solution causes a local reaction that interferes with blood flow inside the hemorrhoid, making the hemorrhoid shrink.


* Coagulation therapies � These treatments use electricity, a laser or infrared light to destroy hemorrhoids by burning.


* Hemorrhoidectomy � Although this surgical removal of hemorrhoids is painful, it is effective.

[masraum]

Or, if you'd like to look at nearly a half a million links....

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hs=Wwd&q=hemorrhoids+more:condition_treatment&cx=disease_for_patients&sa=N&ei=KDulScGILeCbtwf_jJXWBA&oi=cooptsr&resnum=0&ct=col1&cd=1

[Chocaholic]

Yep...have googled it to death...but it's still there. Any "practical" experience from the brotherhood? If left alone, will it find someone else to pester? Only reared it's ugly head a few days ago. Doesn't seem to be getting worse.

I'm not fond of lathering it with various goo's and ointments due to its distasteful location. Wife won't do it for me either. You think you know a woman. . .

There is no dignity. At least I didn't snip the sack. :-)

[Big Ed]

Lots of liquids and fiber in your diet. Do your best not to strain during a BM. And wait it out.

No easy fix, unfortunately. Eventually it'll go away, but you'll be susceptible to its return from time to time. See? Aging can be fun.

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by Big Ed

Eventually it'll go away.

Yes! That's what I was looking for. As one who rides a motorcycle, the "eventually" part will be troublesome. But it's good to know there's light at the end of the tunnel (so to speak).

[Rick Lee]

I started getting these a little over a year ago. They do go away on their own, but until then, I found that Prep H really does work and the generic ones do not.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I started getting these a little over a year ago. They do go away on their own, but until then, I found that Prep H really does work and the generic ones do not.

Worse than buying tampons

[Don Plumley]

Man-up, go to the doc, they'll put you into a compromising position, slip a rubber band over the dudes. You feel a small pinch. Kinda uncomfortable for a day or so, then gone. You'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago. Also recommend using Cottonelle or similar wet wipes in the john. BTDT.

[targa911S]

Is it internal or external? They can fix either by light therapy. They use a high watt UV light on a stick. Takes about 3 visits and totally painless. Ask me how I know...wait, no don't ask...I just know.

[TerryH]

"Once it has been deprived of its vital blood supply, the banded hemorrhoid withers and falls off."


Does it just roll out of your pant leg while you're standing in the buffet line?

Perhaps disguised as a grape, slip it into the fruit bowl?


Around Christmas I had a bout with food poisioning. I was dry heaving for an hour and the next day I detected something anew down yonder. It has since retreated and I'm hoping it shant return.

[crustychief]

I am not a doctor and I don't play one on T.V. but I believe it depends on the size. Personal experience is :
Tucks pad or witch hazel ( same thing really) after making bears, when you are done in the shower turn up the heat a little turn around and spread em, let it run down the crack, when you get out use a tucks pad. Benefiber, you won't even taste it .
Stay away from meat and cheese and milk for a while.

Nice birthday present! Happy birthday!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Originally Posted by TerryH

"Once it has been deprived of its vital blood supply, the banded hemorrhoid withers and falls off."


Does it just roll out of your pant leg while you're standing in the buffet line?

Perhaps disguised as a grape, slip it into the fruit bowl?


Around Christmas I had a bout with food poisioning. I was dry heaving for an hour and the next day I detected something anew down yonder. It has since retreated and I'm hoping it shant return.

Gives new meaning to the word "meatballs" doesn't it?

[livi]

Corticosteroids in the form of cream/ointment or suppositories administered rectally is both reasonably effective and fun.

[madmmac]

Divorce.

[bivenator]

Vote it out of orifice.