Hemorrhoids-related question/have tried not to be gross

[Anonymous]

As a person with some bowel issues, I am no stranger to fairly benign, small, hemorrhoids that haven't been physically limiting in any way. However, pregnancy has brought with it a whole different animal. First of all, strangely enough, I am_not_constipated. (This is a real big deal for me). So, the appearance of what appears to be a giant hemorrhoid is rather alarming.

Sorry, now I have to tread a little into the TMI zone: For those of us who've had them, this one is not your run of the mill distended vein. To the touch, it literally feels like there is a huge flap of tissue hanging out and I keep feeling like I have to push it back in. There is no_pain or bleeding. The only discomfort is in my head, knowing that this is what I am walking around with. I'll ask my OB when I see her this week, but I could use some moral support.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

hemorrhoids do get worse with pregnancy - even w/o constipation. It could be something else but if this si your first pregnancy unliely that it is a true prolapse. Good luck! This was my biggest complaint after delivery - I was miserable!

[Anonymous]

I've also had some bowel issues. I'm now 33 weeks and not constipated at all but with HUGE Hemmorhoids (sorry TMI) What you are experiencing may be a prolapsed hemmeorhoid or an external hemmorhoid. I even went to a Gastro Doc - no treatment and he told me to expect them to get worse as the pregnancy progresses. Yay!

[Anonymous]

I am not a doctor, but have had problems like this since I was a teenager. They have flared up for me during this pregnancy, and for me, I have found that taking baths on a regular basis (like every day when they flare) have helped tremendously. I also try to use some type of sea salt bubble bath as the salt tends to help me heal faster. It took about a week for me to notice some improvement. Just an FYI.

[Anonymous]

Don't worry - MANY of us have had to deal with that stuff and you're not alone. Nor is your case esp weird - yeah, it's probably a hemy but you're lucky - it's just one that is not painful or problematic. And after you have the baby, in time it will likely shrink. If not, there is often a simple surgery that can help - but more than likely, it will shrink and you'll be fine. I had the same deal and am good to go now.

hang in there! I know how NOT fun it is.

[Anonymous]

Oh boy, I wish I had never read this post last week--the timing is too weird. I didn't have any my first pregnancy, and now at 33 weeks with #2 I have a huge one that is painful. It seemed to appear over night. So what do I do? It isn't bleeding (yet) but it hurts and I am especially aware of it when I stand after sitting for a bit. I see my doctor on Monday, but is it OK to use medicated wipes or something else to help relieve the pain or reduce the swelling? What is a sitz bath? TIA for your advice

[Anonymous]

OP here: I saw my doc on Tuesday and she said, I should try using Preparation-H. Since I don't have any pain or discomfort other than that the thing is alien size, she didn't suggest a sitz bath. Check with your OB about Prep-H. The tube says pregnant women need to consult their docs. I've only been using it for 2 days or so and it's supposed to 'shrink' the darn thing. I hope it works. Here's more about sitz baths. http://healing.about.com/od/diseasesandhealthissues/a/hemorrhoids.htm

Basically, it means sitting in a tub of warm water. Good luck, and let me know if you find remedy. I could use something quick!

[Anonymous]

The post partem nurses gave me a sitz birth (had vaginal delivery). It is sorta neat the way it is setup and very easy to use and water doesn't get anywhere.

Be sure to grab it when you leave the hospital or ask for one if you don't receive one.

[Anonymous]

Staying off your feet as much as possible is very helpful, as is getting a support panty that your OB can recommend. It's like compression stockings for your rectal veins!