Hemorrhoids are ruining my life! Today’s article’s topic seems quite intriguing, right? Yeah, it definitely is.
Hemorrhoids are normal blood vessels in the rectum or anal canal that become swollen or dilated. But something must go very wrong for that normal anal tissue to become the angry, itchy, painful protrusions you usually picture when you think of hemorrhoids, thereby making someone utter or shout in desperation that ‘hemorrhoids ruined my life’ or ‘hemorrhoids are ruining my life.’
You might be having hemorrhoids and you are desperately looking for a solution because they last and are painful, annoying, and embarrassing; possibly causing itching, discomfort, bleeding, swelling, and difficulty with hygiene. But you are not alone.
An estimated 75% of people experience hemorrhoid symptoms, a common problem, at some point, but only an estimated 4% of people go to the doctor for help. As for the remaining 71% who are looking for alternate solutions, then this article is for you.
We will explain all there is to know about hemorrhoids, and how to get rid of them.
Let’s move!
What are Hemorrhoids, Exactly?
Hemorrhoids are normal blood vessels in the rectum or anal canal that become swollen or dilated. But something must go very wrong for that normal anal tissue to become the angry, itchy, painful protrusions you usually picture when you think of hemorrhoids.
There are two different kinds of hemorrhoids, internal and external, and they’re pretty much exactly what they sound like. External hemorrhoids occur right at the anal opening, Dr. Grucela says, and they’re covered with skin.
Because they’re covered with skin, they also have nerves, which means external hemorrhoids are the ones that can be seen and come with the uncomfortable symptoms often associated with hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are inside the anal canal. You (obviously) can’t see them, and because they’re not covered with skin, you won’t feel any symptoms from them, either. However, internal hemorrhoids are more likely to bleed. If the situation gets dire, they can prolapse, or fall out of the anus.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. There are many causes, such as straining during bowel movements or increased pressure on veins during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids may be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids), or they may develop under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
The key culprit is abdominal pressure, Dr. Grucela explains, whether that’s from straining to go to the bathroom because of chronic constipation, pregnancy, or even lots of long-distance running.
“We think the pressure causes the tissue to stretch out and weaken over time,” Dr. Grucela says. That stretching causes the blood vessels in hemorrhoids to dilate, bringing more blood to the area, which causes them to swell and potentially bleed.
Additionally, travelers who end up with hemorrhoids often blame it on their road trip, Dr. Grucela says, when sitting for a long time really has little to do with it (unless that sitting is atop the toilet).
“People tend to get constipated while traveling,” she says. “They’re drinking and eating differently, they may be dehydrated, and then they’re straining and pushing and hemorrhoids flare up,” she says.
What Do Hemorrhoids Look and Feel Like?
External hemorrhoids are characterized by bumps or lumps near the outside of the anus and can become very swollen, itchy, and painful.
Remember, because they’re covered with skin, they also have nerves, which means external hemorrhoids are the ones that can come with sensations like pain, itching, and burning, says Dr. Grucela.
When it comes to internal hemorrhoids, you can’t necessarily see anything, but they sometimes result in painless, rectal bleeding. Additionally, some itching, pain, soreness, or prolapse of blood may occur when having a bowel movement, she explains.
Hemorrhoids Are Ruining My Life! – How Can This Ruin Someone’s Life?
Hmm…yeah. Seriously, right? Hemorrhoids can really turn your life around – in the worst way possible. I will be dropping some experiences people had with hemorrhoids which will show how hemorrhoid can put you in a bad place and to further attest to this statement: ‘Hemorrhoids are ruining my life’.
The following are true life experiences of people from Patient.info forums who went through one rigorous case or the other with hemorrhoids with most concerning what they did to get better again;
- From James59293:
Suffered since ten and now fifty seven, late Father senior consultant. Mother had the operation and was worse than before after it.1https://patient.info/forums/discuss/i-have-cured-my-lifelong-issue-with-hemorrhoids--358114
I just had pain until I was about thirty and then the bleeding started, it got very bad and was a constant worry. About three years ago I started thinking of an idea. These things are blocked veins, so I wondered if I massaged them while in a bath of warm water what would happen. If I could loosen the blockages slowly over time, it might just work.
So I got on my knees in the bath after soaking for a while and washing, soaped my fingers up well with soap, then lined my fingers and thumb in a straight line, then massaged the area up and down and around. I did this about three times a week. After two or three weeks of this method of massage, I found that they had all but gone away. I do the same thing every time I bath or shower, I am rather vigorous with this method now, pushing the line of fingers around and at a faster rate. My bleeding stopped almost immediately, I have never had any pain since and the once not tight orifice of my ass is now, about as good as when I was a younger man.
I have had probably four or five small bleeds when using toilet paper since, but I used to bleed that many times a week before I started this procedure.
i was worried that a clot could cause an issue once it was released, but by starting this method with care, I am as happy as could be again. I can wear light-colored trousers and shorts with no fear.
i told my GP what I had done and suggested he tell any of his patients, I just hope he did.
I was born in the UK but have been in the USA for the past twenty five years. I am giving you a jewel of help here, I suppose I could have made some money here with this idea but I do not want a free ride. Try it out, I honestly know it will help all of you out there with this horrible ailment.
Please let me know how long it takes for your issue to go away.
Cheers, James.
- Trishul Posted this;
I have been suffering for 15 years, it took me this long to realise how much pain it was actually causing, I have just started doing pelvic floor exercises 3 times a day. And using an ice pack the last two days. I dont have a bath but run hot water over my back in the shower. I lift weights and I realised that may have been keeping them there as I dont engage pelvic floor muscles when liftting heavy my breathing changes and I read that it can put pressure on your pelis making piles worse. So today at the gym I kept trying to engage them.
I am going to see a pelvic specilist tomorrow that deals in vaginas and anus issues for women (sounds weird). Anyway i used just a bit of lubricant and massaged the area softly with one finger just tonight. Its hard to reach as it quite far inside. I must say it did feel to relive some of the pain. I am sure its easy to get carried away and make it worse but you cant force it to get better.
Anyway i will post again and let you know how i progress i really want this fixed once and for all. its ruined my sex life. i poo siiting in squat position and dont push. its been 3 months and now i figure i need something more than soft poo. so i am going try the massage and pelvic floor exercises.
- Guvi asked for help:
I had this issue around 7-8 years ago getting some blood on Toilet paper. Doctor gave me some injection and it never happened again.
This year in Aug l went for holidays for a week and blood Started again with some pain. I thought it might be due to too much meat in diet so l stopped eating meat for few days and blood & pain stopped
Yesterday on 3rd October l started having blood in pain. Surprisingly my diet was not too bad and l was on diet having whole wheat bread with peanut butter in lunch and in dinner a big Jar of smoothie of many fruits(l am sure there must be alot of fibres)
By the evening my anus has swollen..l can see big white lump around my anus and a Red little bowl Popping out in one side
Just to let you l had fever for last few days and had around 10 paracetamol tablets(500mg each) in 2 days. Not sure if that started this.
I never had this swollen in my life and it's very painful
Having lots of juice, probiotics yogurts, drank olive oil, used ice packs, warm bath etc. Now is 11:30pm and it's still hurting. Had to go 2-3 times to toilet but it didn't discharge in big amount..it was really Painful
Do you think l should go to doctor again on Monday and can l start massage tomorrow (Sunday) even it is swollen . It's really hurts when l touch it, thanks
Kind Regards, Guv.
- Christine77368: I have piles and have had then on and off since giving birth 30 year ago, but lately they are so painful, the doctor has given me proctoceydl but have read this should only be used for a week! yes he keeps giving it me without even even examining me, my father had surgery and was in so much pain after and they returned. So can i just get this straight, you use all 4 fingers to massage the outside rim of anus, as ive started having epsom salt baths 3 times a week to help this would be a good time to try it, here's hoping i get same results in a few weeks’ time, thanks.
Treating Hemorrhoids - How Hemorrhoids Ruined my Life and What I Did About It to Become Better and Well Again
I am sorry that I cannot cite my personal experience with hemorrhoids because I have never used it in my life, but I have gone through users’ reviews and seen why those with negative reviews said; hemorrhoids are ruining my life.’
I have posted some of their reviews in this post above, so you can check their reviews and see why they said; hemorrhoids are ruining my life’, and as well check to see what they did to cope and recuperate from the side effects they experience from hemorrhoids.
I am not going through how ‘hemorrhoids are ruining my life’ experiences again, but rather I want to let you know now how to become better and well again, after the hemorrhoids experience.
To get better and well again, please read through this article, because I have given info on how to cope and fight the health-hampering side effects, as they are treatments available (check the section of Do Hemorrhoids Just Go Away On Their Own? & ‘How Can You Prevent Hemorrhoids?’ in this article). You can also check our FAQs section to learn more.
Skirmish posted this in Patient.infoforum concerning how to treat your hemorrhoids problem:
I've used some yoga techniques and they work very effectively. After emptying your bowels is the best time to do the massage (called Moola Shuddhi in Yoga), but if your piles are prolapsing then you need to learn a technique called Uddiyana Bandha from a yoga teacher, it will help you to tone your muscles and draw in the prolapse. If you have been suffering for a long time then it will take some time to work, but keep at it gently and you will definitely find it works. Best to find a yoga teacher who is familiar with these practices if you can.
This method of massaging the anal sphincter is a yoga exercise known as Moola Shuddhi it is seen to be very effective. But be careful about getting vigorous, the massage should be undertaken mindfully with awareness. You can use olive oil with one finger about twice a week after emptying my bowel. There are several other yoga techniques that also tone and strengthen the muscles and sphincters of the pelvic floor area.
5 simple ways to get rid of your hemorrhoids include:
- Increase your water intake. Constipation, or hard stool, is the most common cause of hemorrhoids.
- Increase your fiber intake. In general, most people can benefit from more fiber.
- Improve your toilet habits.
- Take sitz or warm baths.
- Increase your physical activity.
Watch the video below to know more on how to get rid of hemorrhoids:
Do Hemorrhoids Just Go Away On Their Own?
You can probably save face at the pharmacy by avoiding over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams. “Most patients don’t find them that helpful,” Dr. Grucela says.
If you’re looking for quick symptom relief, draw yourself a warm bath, she says. Soaking the area can help soothe irritation. Wiping with pure witch hazel may also help, she says. Additionally, you’ll want to treat any constipation for a full recovery, Dr. Grucela says.
The easiest way to do that is to get hydrated, fast. The more parched you are, the more parched your poop is. Eating enough fiber (or taking a fiber supplement, whether in old-school powder form or newfangled gummies) helps bind water to stool. “That way, it will be softer and pass through less traumatically,” Dr. Grucela says. (The ideal: The kind of poop that glides out so effortlessly you almost don’t even need to wipe.)
If you’re still stopped up, constipation meds may help, Dr. Grucela says, “but most people will get better by increasing hydration and fiber.”
In rare instances, serious hemorrhoids may need to be removed. Doctors use a number of different techniques to do so, including ligation (which uses rubber bands to essentially “choke” a hemorrhoid until it falls off), stapling, infrared light treatment, and, as a last resort, surgery. “The surgery is simple, but the recovery is miserable,” Dr. Grucela says. “Before we go down that road, we make sure we’ve maximized every other option.”
How Can You Prevent Hemorrhoids?
The toilet may be a porcelain throne, but you should not treat it like your personal Zen palace, Dr. Grucela says. “I see people who act like it’s an escape from work, life, everything,” she says. “People tend to spend a long time sitting on the toilet, even if they aren’t necessarily constipated, reading or playing on their phones.”
Besides being pretty filthy, it’s also bad for your bum: With your cheeks spread over the toilet seat, the pressure grows on anal tissue, contributing to blood pooling in hemorrhoids and making them swell.
“A good bowel regimen is the first step of treatment for people with hemorrhoids,” Dr. Grucela says. “Limit time on the toilet, don’t bring reading materials, and leave the phone at the door.”
Additionally, a diet full of high-fiber foods and lots of water is key to keeping everything moving smoothly. Foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are essential to keeping fiber intake high, and sipping on water, clear soup, or low-sugar juices can help keep bowels soft.
Think you already eat enough fiber? The United States Department of Agriculture estimates the average American consumes only 16 grams per day, even though the recommendation is 25 grams for women per day and 28 grams per day for men.
When Should You Worry About Hemorrhoids?
The faint glimmer of good news here is that hemorrhoids aren’t going to cause any direct harm to your health. (They’re not related to cancer in any way, phew.) The only cause for serious concern is if they’re bleeding excessively, which could lead to anemia, Dr. Grucela says, but that’s pretty rare.2https://acripc.com/dont-let-hemorrhoids-be-a-part-of-your-life-forever.htm
But not every bathroom-related symptom is related to hemorrhoids, warns Dr. Grucela. “Especially with internal hemorrhoids, where you can’t see where the blood is coming from, it could be something more serious,” she says.
“Anybody with new bleeding or blood in the stool should talk to their doctor. We hope it would be something basic like hemorrhoid, but the symptoms can be similar in colorectal cancer.”
Plus, lingering symptoms could actually be due to other causes, like anal fissures or warts, she says, which would warrant different treatment. So, when in doubt, see your doctor if things don’t start to feel better after a week of home care.
Final Words
It’s crucial to rule out other problems besides hemorrhoids. Most people who have hemorrhoids discover them by either feeling the lump of external hemorrhoid when they wipe after a bowel movement; noticing drops of blood in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper; or feeling prolapsing hemorrhoid (protruding from the anus) after bowel movements.3https://www.prevention.com/health/g20433079/11-things-every-woman-needs-to-know-about-hemorrhoids/
With a history of symptoms, physicians can make an accurate diagnosis on the basis of an examination of the anus and anal area. We want to identify the hemorrhoids, but it’s also very important that we rule out other causes of hemorrhoid-like symptoms, such as anal fissures, fistulae, bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis, blood coagulation disorders, perianal (around the anus) skin diseases, infections, and tumors.
We want to stress that you should not assume that rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you are over 40 years of age. Rectal bleeding can occur with other diseases, including colorectal cancer and anal cancer.
If you have bleeding along with a noticeable change in bowel habits or if your stools change in color or consistency, consult your doctor. These types of stools can signal more extensive bleeding elsewhere in your digestive tract. Seek emergency care if you experience large amounts of rectal bleeding, light-headedness, dizziness, or faintness.
You can check the FAQs section below to know more on the issue of 'hemorrhoids are ruining my life', and if you have any comments, drop them in our comment section below.
Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable or even painful, but most of the time, you won't experience any noticeable symptoms, and complications are very rare. Internal or external hemorrhoids that don't prolapse or thrombose are more likely to heal without causing any symptoms or complications. 5 simple ways to get rid of your hemorrhoids include: In general, small hemorrhoids can go away on their own in a few days. Larger hemorrhoids, particularly ones that cause a lot of pain, swelling, and itchiness, can't go away on their own and may require treatment from a doctor to heal. Treatment include: If an internal hemorrhoid becomes severely inflamed, it can prolapse, or fall outside of the anus. Many times it will retract on its own but not always. If it can't easily be pushed back in, or it causes pain or bleeding, early hemorrhoid treatment from a doctor is important. Though your hemorrhoids may retract back inside on their own, or with a little help from you, prolapsed hemorrhoids tend to worsen over time. When left untreated, your internal prolapsed hemorrhoid may get trapped outside the anus and cause significant irritation, itching, bleeding, and pain. Small hemorrhoids may clear up without any treatment within a few days. Large external hemorrhoids may take longer to heal and cause significant pain and discomfort. If hemorrhoids have not resolved within a few days, it is best to see a doctor for treatment. In rare, severe cases, hemorrhoid surgery may be the best treatment option. But, for most people with hemorrhoids, non-surgical treatments are very effective at relieving symptoms or removing the source. If someone has grade 3 or grade 4 hemorrhoids, doctors often recommend surgery. A general or local anesthetic is usually needed for this. You then have to stay in the hospital for a few days, and stay off work for some time too. Most mild internal hemorrhoids resolve on their own within a few days but may take up to a week. On the other hand, larger hemorrhoids will last up to 2-3 weeks, and since they're more prone to complications, they might not resolve on their own, and you'll need to visit a doctor. Hemorrhoids are common and treatable. In most cases, they aren't serious and heal on their own. Tell your doctor immediately if your hemorrhoid symptoms do not go away after a week, or sooner if you experience severe pain or bleeding. Prolonged sitting or straining, often associated with constipation or diarrhea, may lead to hemorrhoids. "By straining you are causing more hemorrhoids and creating more symptoms," Dr. Wolf says. Don't delay bowel movements during hemorrhoid flare-ups. Traditionally, hemorrhoids are associated with chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements, and prolonged sitting on the toilet — all of which interfere with blood flow to and from the area, causing it to pool and enlarge the vessels. If left untreated, recurring hemorrhoids can worsen and require medical or surgical intervention. Although a few medical conditions may cause hemorrhoids, most are caused by lifestyle factors. Hemorrhoids are caused by pressure on your rectum and anus, which can be a result of: Chronic constipation or diarrhea. Hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous. If the symptoms don't go away in a week or if you have bleeding, see your doctor to make sure you don't have a more serious condition.Frequently Asked Questions about Hemorrhoids
Additional resources and citations
- 1https://patient.info/forums/discuss/i-have-cured-my-lifelong-issue-with-hemorrhoids--358114
- 2https://acripc.com/dont-let-hemorrhoids-be-a-part-of-your-life-forever.htm
- 3https://www.prevention.com/health/g20433079/11-things-every-woman-needs-to-know-about-hemorrhoids/
