Recurrent Hemorrhoids

[Anonymous]

I have recurrent hemorrhoids and have a lot of questions from people who’ve had this. I got terrible hemorrhoids after giving birth to my middle child, from pushing during labor. (Baby was descending well but the nurse kept screaming I had to push harder). Those were probably the worst- they bled, thrombosed, and I waddled for months. Since then I get 1-3 monthly and it’s been 7 years. Everything I read online just doesn’t apply to me- I eat incredibly healthy, lots of water, no constipation or straining and I’m not sedentary. Nothing seems to work. I get new ones just from regular, soft bowel movements. My OB told me “welcome to your new butt!” And my GP just tells me to eat more vegetables. There is so much loose skin that just hangs out even after the hemorrhoids are gone. I haven’t ever had them banded or removed because they do go away within 2-4 weeks, but others appear during that time.

-are these the same hemorrhoids that come back every single time? Or are they different?
-are the walls just damaged forever?
-how can I fix this? My doctors won’t refer me to anyone else.

[Anonymous]

Have you seen a colorectal specialist?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you seen a colorectal specialist?

No- I cannot get a referral anywhere. I'm really not taken seriously I think, but I've basically been in pain for 7 years.

[Anonymous]

PP here. Could you consult a different GP and try to get a referral to colorectal doctor? I had hemorrhoids for years and the bleeding was so-so, but then the pain and the bleeding got worse. I ended up having fissures, too, and needed surgery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP here. Could you consult a different GP and try to get a referral to colorectal doctor? I had hemorrhoids for years and the bleeding was so-so, but then the pain and the bleeding got worse. I ended up having fissures, too, and needed surgery.

Is it the same hemorrhoid each time or is it a different blood vein? I believe I have internal ones I can't see as well.

[Anonymous]

When I got my colonoscopy I was told details of my hemorrhoids. When you get one scheduled (not sure your age), give the doctor a heads up to take a look.

[Anonymous]

For minor hemorrhoids, I have found washing with black charcoal soap makes them shrink. Not sure why.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I got my colonoscopy I was told details of my hemorrhoids. When you get one scheduled (not sure your age), give the doctor a heads up to take a look.

OP here. I'm late 30s. I have raised wanting a colonoscopy, but Kaiser Permanente wouldn't approve it.

I'm in a really bad way right now. I went on vacation for a week and didn't have as many vegetables as normal, hence I got about 5 hemorrhoids. I wasn't even constipated, nor did I strain.

[Anonymous]

If your insurance doesn't require a referral, just make an appointment. They can do surgery to remove these.

[Anonymous]

Kaiser is the worst. They refused to approve a colonoscopy for my DH even when he had a months-long history of severe rectal bleeding that landed him in the ER. Luckily it was open season and he was able to switch insurance. His new doctor was horrified at Kaiser.

[Anonymous]

Why do you need a referral?
Are you in an HMO? Do you have ANY out if network benefits?
Remember referrals are just a matter of money. If you can pay for a visit to a colorectal specialist you can see one! 7 years of this surely is worth a few hundred bucks. Once you have a diagnosis take it to your PCP and demand a referral to a surgeon.
Stuff hanging out your butt is not a way to live. You are being gaslighted. They are the same ones and are so damaged they're recurring and getting worse. It's not "vegetables." Until you get seen by a competent anal person take stool softeners or Metamucil.

[Anonymous]

You need to look at your diet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to look at your diet.

OP here. I hear what you're saying, but my diet is perfect. We cook nearly all our meals at home and eat 5+ servings of veggies. I'm 105lbs and work out often. Not one of the risk factors seems to apply to me.

I'm at the point where I'd like an answer to why these keep happening. Regular, soft bowel movements cause them. And that never happened before my pregnancy.

If a surgeon removes them, will they stay away?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I got my colonoscopy I was told details of my hemorrhoids. When you get one scheduled (not sure your age), give the doctor a heads up to take a look.

OP here. I'm late 30s. I have raised wanting a colonoscopy, but Kaiser Permanente wouldn't approve it.

I'm in a really bad way right now. I went on vacation for a week and didn't have as many vegetables as normal, hence I got about 5 hemorrhoids. I wasn't even constipated, nor did I strain.

Here is your problem.

I left Kaiser, found a colorectal surgeon, and she removed hemorroids in her office in like 10 minutes and completely changed my quality of life.

(there are others kinds of hemorroids that have more complicated removals, but its still possible).

Kaiser is terrible for this kind of issue (unpleasant but not life or death). You don't have to live like this -- it might be worth leaving Kaiser just for this and then coming back if you want to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to look at your diet.

OP here. I hear what you're saying, but my diet is perfect. We cook nearly all our meals at home and eat 5+ servings of veggies. I'm 105lbs and work out often. Not one of the risk factors seems to apply to me.

I'm at the point where I'd like an answer to why these keep happening. Regular, soft bowel movements cause them. And that never happened before my pregnancy.

If a surgeon removes them, will they stay away?

Mine did.