You have read all the information you can find, maybe talked to a few people, possibly tried some home remedies and bought different creams and reluctantly arrived at the conclusion that there is only one course of action left to you, the visit to the doctor.  This is the one thing that most of us dread.  The thought of exposing an intimate part of our anatomy to anyone other than the closest person to us is frightening, so before you do, I strongly recommend that you take a look here as this is an avenue you may not have explored yet, but if you choose not to then please read on.

When you finally enter the doctor’s office and sit down, the doctor will ask you some pretty straight forward, rudimentary questions, the same as they would for any other condition.  They may want to know why you think you have hemorrhoids, ask you about your medical history, your toilet habits, diet, and whether you have tried any treatments yourself.  They will then offer you advice in respect of your answers and once this is done it is time for the examination.

You will be asked to go into an examination area/room and remove the bottom half of your clothing (obviously) and maybe put on an examination robe. They will usually ask you to either lie down on an examination table, though if, like me, your hemorrhoids have prolapsed to such a degree, they may just ask you to bend over.   For prolapsed hemorrhoids there is usually no need for further examination and don’t worry, the doctor won’t touch them unless completely necessary.

Once on the table the doctor will ask you to get into a foetal position, which basically means you lie on your side and bring your knees up to your chest.  This position is best for a rectal examination as you are more exposed, and will certainly feel that way too.  If you are female you will understand that all modesty is left outside as is the case with a cervical smear or vaginal examination.

Whilst you are doing this, the doctor will prepare, procuring the necessary examination apparatus.  These are normally a pair of surgical gloves, lubricant and an anoscope.  (See below)

Anoscope.

This is a small instrument, usually about 3 inches long that enables the doctor to see inside the anal canal.  As seen in the diagram, the instrument has an obturator which rounds off the end for easier insertion.

The first examination the doctor might perform is called a Palpation.  For this the doctor will ask to lie on your back and they will press down on the abdomen to assess the tissue, whether there is any unnecessary pain, swelling etc that may be of note.  Not all practitioners will perform this examination for this condition though it does inform them of any other complaints that may be in existence.

The next examination is visual and the doctor will spread your buttocks to check for signs of external hemorrhoids and any inflammation or other tissue abnormalities that may be symptomatic of external hemorrhoids.

After this the doctor will give you a Digital examination.  For this the index finger (hence digital) is lubricated and gently inserted into the anal cavity.  This is not painful but believe me, it is not a pleasant experience even though the doctor will try to reassure you.  (My doctor was thankfully quite a humorous chap which made the whole experience a bit more bearable).  Once inserted, the finger is gently moved around the circumference of the wall to feel for any anomalies before being slowly removed.

The examinations listed previously should always be performed before the subsequent examination.

This next examination is the Anoscopy.  The aforementioned anoscope is lubricated and (I repeat this a lot) gently rotated as it is inserted into the anal cavity.  The obturator is then slowly removed so that the doctor may see into the anal passage.  The anoscope is then gently and slowly removed giving the doctor the facility to complete a thorough examination of the anal cavity.  You will probably feel a bit uncomfortable for a few hours afterwards, this is perfectly normal.

Once the doctor has completed his examination, you will be given something to clean yourself with and be left to get dressed.  Once clothed, the doctor will then ask you to be seated and will then discuss their conclusions with you.

Depending on the prognosis, there are several avenues the doctor may suggest.  If hemorrhoids are confirmed, depending on the severity, several treatments will be recommended.  This may well be that you are prescribed some creams that are readily available for a price from the chemist/pharmacy and that you more than likely have already tried.  They may ask you to come back in for a further examination either by themselves or by a proctologist (more on that to follow), or maybe to undergo a surgical procedure to remove them.

Please check back soon for posts on these subjects. vd

DO I HAVE HEMORRHOIDS?

This is one thing that many people are too embarrassed to ask about and far too embarrassed to consult their doctor, so this is where the internet is a valuable first stop.  I will try to be as informative as possible.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Anal Itching

This is the most common perception of the symptoms for internal hemorrhoids.  Unfortunately, this is not the case.  The itching sensation occurs when the internal hemorrhoids start to expand and approach the anal opening.  The mucus within the anal passage then begins to leak out and this constant moisture is the cause of the itching.  Therefore the hemorrhoids have been present for a period of time.

Blood on the stool

This is probably the most common symptom for internal hemorrhoids.  This is usually not noticed immediately as how many of us actually look at what we drop into the toilet?  It is usually noticed firstly when we clean.  You will notice a smear of blood on the tissue and you will probably feel slightly uncomfortable, as if you have just passed something incredibly large.  The stool will more than likely have blood on it, sometimes not noticeable until examined closely, and there may be slight traces of blood in the toilet water too.  This is due to the hemorrhoids tearing so effectively is acting as if you were cut.

I must stress that the blood should be light in colour as it should be fresh and coat only the outside of the stool.  Any dark blood within the stool should be treated as suspicious and a consultation with your doctor arranged immediately.

Pain when passing stools

Often when passing a movement, there will be a degree of pain felt.  It may also feel as if you still want to pass more stools when you have finished.  This is due to the hemorrhoids swelling and so the body still thinks there is still matter to be expelled.  The muscles in the anus continue to try to push and basically try to pass your hemorrhoids.

Painful lumps on the anus

This is the final stage of internal hemorrhoids.  These are known as prolapsed hemorrhoids and result from the hemorrhoids being pushed out of the anus, usually because of straining due to the reason above.  These can be generally be pushed back in with a finger if they don’t retract naturally.  In extreme cases they remain outside the anus and are extremely painful as the anal muscles start can start to cut off the blood supply.

External Hemorrhoids

These occur just around the anus and will be noticeable as a small lump, most often discovered when wiping.  These can be painful as they increase in size and start to become hard.  This is because the blood in them has started to clot and this is known as thrombosed hemorrhoids.

For a complete comprehensive guide to haemorrhoids I recommend you take a look here.

A small precaution regarding Traditional Chinese Medicines.

Over the last decade or so, as the popularity of alternative medicine became en vogue, many of us have at some stage turned to the ancient healing arts for many a reason.  I have seen mentioned on many forums and sites that hemorrhoids are treated with these medicinal herbs.  The unfortunate thing regarding this practice is that once these remedies, medicines etc. became more popular, they also became profitable and started to become mass produced to meet demand.  With this has come a failure to meet safe production criteria, which has in turn lead to dangerous “versions” of the original ancient tried and trusted medicine.  Please see below an excerpt from organicanews.com regards to a particular hemorrhoids herbal medicine that is still quite widely used and respected within this field.

“Says Harvey Kaltsas, D.O.M., who flagged the CDHS report, “We’re not talking small amounts of contamination in these matters. Fargelin, a remedy commonly used for hemorrhoids and manufactured by the United Pharmaceutical Manufacture at Kwangchow, China, contains 20,000 parts per million (ppm) of arsenic. That’s 6,700 times the amount of arsenic (3 ppm) allowed by the FDA.”

SYMPTOMS CAN APPEAR MINOR…AT FIRST

“In some cases, as with arsenic, chronic heavy metal poisonings behave like common ailments at first,” states researcher Richard Ko, Pharm.D., Ph.D., who co-authored the report with Alice Au, Ph.D., from the California agency.

“Arsenic poisoning appears with flu-like symptoms for a long time, until the hair begins to fall out and legs and feet become paralyzed. The final phase appears with the onset of kidney and multiple organ failure.” It isn’t difficult to see how crossover patients caught between eastern and western medical modalities could really suffer from allopathic physicians’ lack of awareness of the current situation and be treated for flu symptoms. “

The full article for your information can be read here.

For a complete comprehensive guide to haemorrhoids I recommend you take a look here.

1. DRY FIGS

Soak about eight dry figs in a small amount (about two cups) of water overnight.  In the morning, halve the amount, eat the figs and then drink the water.

Why figs work.

Figs contain lots of fibre which is good for the digestion system and more importantly, contain high amounts of the mineral potassium.  Potassium is used for help in controlling blood pressure, and as mentioned before, this is a major contributor to haemorrhoids.

2. CUMIN

Take a teaspoon of cumin seeds and grind them into a powder (alternatively, just use powder).  Mix with a glass of water and drink.

Why cumin works.

Cumin also contains a high amount of the mineral potassium, and as mentioned above, helps control blood pressure thus relieving the pressure on the bowel.  It also contains other essential vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy digestive system.

3. BITTER GOURD

The Bitter Gourd is also commonly known as Bitter Melon.  Simply take a tablespoon of the juice each morning mixed with a glass of water if preferred.

Why Bitter Gourd works.

Bitter gourd is high in vitamin B compounds and fibre, therefore making it good for the digestion.  It is also another high source of potassium.  The key element as to why this works for haemorrhoids is that it is excellent at aiding peristalsis.  This is the motion of the muscle which pushes food through the digestive system ensuring the haemorrhoid sufferer doesn’t experience hard stools which will aggravate their haemorrhoids.

4. SESAME SEEDS

There are several ways you can use sesame seeds.  The most popular is to boil about twenty grams of seed in five hundred ml of water.  Once the water has reduced to about a third of its original, remove and mash the mixture into a paste.  Mix with a bit of butter/margarine and eat.  The paste can also be used externally and applied directly to the haemorrhoids to reduce the swelling.

Why sesame seeds work.

Not only do sesame seeds contain valuable vitamins and fibre essential for digestion an diet, as most are aware, they also contain an incredible amount of copper.  Copper has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used as such which make sesame seeds a great all round remedy for the treatment of haemorrhoids.

For a complete comprehensive guide to haemorrhoids I recommend you take a look here.

1. WITCH HAZEL

The most popular of the home remedies has to be witch hazel.  Keep a bottle in the fridge and apply it to your haemorrhoids with a soft tissue or cotton wool ball.  This will help to shrink your haemorrhoids and as it has been chilled, will offer a great deal of relief.  Another thing that witch hazel will do is stop any slight bleeding of the haemorrhoids if there is any.

Why witch hazel works.

The reason that witch hazel works is that it is a natural anti-inflammatory, and contains a high quantity of tannins.  These are found in certain plants and are astringents and an astringent can dry and tighten tissue therefore stopping blood discharge and reducing swelling, which all helps to relieve the discomfort of haemorrhoids.

2. RADISH

The second most common remedy has to be the humble radish.  Taken orally, grate one radish and mix with milk, honey or salt and take it a couple of times a day.  A recommended dose is approximately 80mls.  To use externally, mix the grated radish into a paste with milk or honey and apply.

Why radish works.

Taking radish orally will help aid digestion and therefore relieve constipation which is a cause of haemorrhoids.  Radish, like witch hazel, has excellent astringent properties that can shrink and tighten tissue.  Applying this externally can reduce swelling and help relieve the discomfort.

3. GINGER

The use of ginger as a home remedy is quite abundant.  Many report that it has a very beneficial reaction when ingested to the relief of haemorrhoids.  This remedy is for oral use only.  Mix half a teaspoon of ginger with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of lemon/lime etc. juice (the choice is yours for taste purposes).  Take this once a day for between one and two weeks.

Why ginger works.

Ginger has a main compound which is called gingerol.  This has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the swelling in haemorrhoids.  It also improves and calms the digestive tract which will relieve the pressure on the lower abdomen.  There are conflicting opinions on the use of ginger with pregnant women.  It is also not recommended for people with stomach disorders and should not be taken for longer than a couple of weeks as it can then have an adverse affect, so please consult a medical practitioner before using.

4. CAYENNE

Taken orally, mix a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper with about eight ounces of water and drink.  Taken externally as an enema, mix four pints of warm water with half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Why cayenne works.

Cayenne contains a high quantity of an ingredient which is called capsaicin.  This ingredient is used to reduce inflammation and is also used in pain relief, though with an enema, do not retain the mixture for prolonged periods as its main characteristic is heat and this could make the condition more uncomfortable.

For a complete comprehensive guide to haemorrhoids I recommend you take a look here.

Hemorrhoids – Fact or Fiction

Listed below are some of the most common perceptions regarding hemorrhoids facts and more importantly, for those of us that worry, hemorrhoids fiction.

• Hemorrhoids turn into cancer.

Fiction: Hemorrhoids and cancer cells are completely different as cancerous cells are mutations of their former selves and not a swollen vein which is essentially what hemorrhoids are.  Breathe a sigh of relief.

• Hemorrhoids are contagious.

Fiction: You cannot contract hemorrhoids through any form of contact with a sufferer.  It is a complaint and not a disease, so don’t be afraid to be tactile with a sufferer, though be careful where.

• Only men, pregnant women and the elderly get hemorrhoids.

• Fiction: Any gender can get hemorrhoids at any time of life, though most will pass unnoticed.  Pregnant women are more susceptible as they have extra pressure being applied to the lower abdomen and also may suffer constipation.  The elderly are more likely to develop hemorrhoids as with age can come tissue weakness which increases the risk, though does not guarantee that every elderly person will suffer.

• Spending too long on the toilet can give you hemorrhoids.

• Fact: This is true as the body automatically opens to pass waste product when sitting on the toilet.  If a person sits for an extended period of time, the body will naturally continue to try to pass waste which prolongs the pressure to the cushion vein and can cause the tissue to weaken.  Try not to treat your toilet as a library or puzzle room.

• Sitting on a cold surface will give you hemorrhoids.

• Fiction: If a sufferer with external hemorrhoids sits on a cold surface this will not help as it will cause the swollen veins to contract increasing the discomfort.  For all non sufferers, please be seated.

• Spicy foods will give you hemorrhoids.

• Fiction: Eating spicy foods, including the myth of black pepper which seems to be quite prevalent, will not give you hemorrhoids.  What may happen is that you get diarrhoea which will only go to irritate your hemorrhoids further.  Eat curry at your own peril if you suffer.

• Overweight people are more likely to get hemorrhoids.

• Fact: As with pregnancy, the carrying of extra weight on the abdominal area will add pressure, which will result in an increase in the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

These are the most common hemorrhoids myths with the absence of one particular one of a more sexual nature, which I will place below.  So for those of you who would prefer not to read on, please don’t.

• Anal sex will give you hemorrhoids.

• Fiction: The act of anal sex, providing it is done correctly, will not give you hemorrhoids.  A sufferer will certainly feel an increased sensation, pleasurable or not.  Please, if you do practice this, take extra care and please perform this act correctly.  I shall say no more.

For more information click here.

Haemorrhoids or Hemorrhoids?

There are several ways that haemorrhoids are spelt.  Haemorrhoids is the old fashioned spelling, a more common spelling these days is hemorrhoids and I have even seen this word spelt hemroids.  They are also called by other names, the most common of these being piles, though I shall leave it to your imagination as to what others may have conjured up for this nasty and painful condition.  In my posts I will probably alternate between the various more common spellings though it remains that regardless of the spelling, the discomfort is still the same.

What Are Haemorrhoids?

In layman’s terms, haemorrhoids are an enlargement or swelling of the cushion vein within your back passage.  When pressure within these veins is increased, swelling occurs and then form lumps.  The enlarged tissue then becomes irritated which often is when the symptoms start to appear.  This will typically start with an itching sensation.

When And Who Can Get Them?

It is estimated that about 50% of the population will suffer from haemorrhoids at some stage of their life, and mostly dissipate without incident or the need for treatment.  Most commonly they are associated with pregnancy due to extra pressure from the baby lying on top of the rectum, and the elderly as the tissues within become less supportive.  Other reasons for haemorrhoids are due to constipation, which can cause us to strain thus adding extra pressure to the bowel, or spending too much time sat on the toilet, which tells the body that we are trying to pass something when there is nothing to pass, which increases pressure naturally.

Types Of Haemorrhoids

There are two types of haemorrhoids,external and internal , the most common of which are internal and are graded.

External Haemorrhoids

External haemorrhoids will appear as a small lump outside the body and will be more painful and bleed for a while.

Internal Haemorrhoids

Internal haemorrhoids are graded as such.

Grade 1: These are the most common.  They are small swellings which cannot be seen or felt externally.  Sometimes they can grow and become Grade 2.

Grade 2: These are larger and still remain within you.  They can be pushed out when going to the toilet, but will pop back inside almost

immediately after.

Grade 3: These will be felt outside as small lumps and should be able to be pushed back inside.  (Not a pleasant thought I know).

Grade 4: These will stay outside and will refuse to be pushed back.  These can become quite large.

For a complete comprehensive guide to haemorrhoids I recommend you take a look here.

Here are some simple things you can do to get you on your way.  The first two go without saying.

• Eat a high fibre diet, plenty of fruit and vegetables and plenty of fluids (alcohol increases blood pressure so is not advisable in case you wonder).
• Take regular exercise.
• Avoid the urge to force a movement on the toilet.
• Do not spend too long on the toilet (it’s not a library or puzzle room).
• Get a good night’s sleep (as this will reduce stress which builds pressure).
• Avoid straining when lifting heavy objects.

So, having a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, avoiding straining and getting a good night’s sleep are all ways of reducing the risk of getting hemorrhoids.  For more detailed information take a look here.

It happened one winter, around the age of 18/19.  I was rather uncomfortable and on examination I found a couple of lumps as if I was swollen.  This was a bit worrying so I mentioned it to a close friend.  They told me, to my horror, that I had piles symptoms and if they got worse should visit a doctor.

At that age I had heard of piles and the stories about surgery and found that it was, and still is, a bit of a taboo subject, not to mention very embarrassing. I was too embarrassed to see a doctor and resolved myself to the fact that I would have to treat them with the creams that were on the market whenever they reappeared.

Ten years on I finally decided I would have to seek medical advice as all else failed and my piles were so bad I could not sit, stand, lie or walk without being in extreme discomfort.

Over those years I had tried many different things, some worked, some didn’t and some were completely ridiculous.  I will post some of them on this blog at a later date.

I finally found relief from haemorrhoids and I am happy to say that I am free from haemorrhoids discomfort and happier than I have been for many, many years.

Read how you can be haemorrhoid free here.