I have about two decades of experience with extreme bleeding because of prolapsed hemorrhoids. The anemia has been so bad, I once had a doctor laugh because my hematocrit (red blood cell) level was so low that he thought it was a ridiculous mistake. Over the past year, I have become fairly successful at fighting both the anemia and the hemorrhoids.
To soften my stools, I eat two bananas and six dried apricots (high also in iron) every day regardless of my status. I also take one docusate sodium tablet and Metamucil twice a day, and senna once a day. In addition, I gradually increased my water intake from two quarts to my current four quarts. My body now thirsts if I have less than three quarts.
To fight the anemia, I also take iron tablets twice a day as well as a lot of pumpkin seeds (check the bulk section of the grocery store).
The fruit generally keeps the hemorrhoids at a minimum and the iron supplements generally maintain my red blood cells even when I have extremely bad hemorrhoids.
When the above measures just don't get rid of the hemorrhoids, I go on a restricted diet, limited pretty much to oatmeal, beans and fruit/vegetables. I put lots of craisins or raisins in the oatmeal, and eat navy or pinto beans, which are both really high in iron. This limited diet takes one to two weeks to take effect.
Comment from: seekingforhelp, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: April 14
I had an internal surgery more than a month ago, and I still have hemorrhoids. The doctor (surgeon) said that the surgery has an 80 to 90% chance that they won't come back. Well, they're still swollen up after each bowel movement. They're about the same size of the ones that he removed. I am frustrated.
Comment from: 55-64 FemalePublished: November 19
I have a huge hemorrhoid as big as two fingers that a doctor treated with silver nitrate to stop the bleeding because it was easily soaking a pad. Now he has referred me to a surgeon. This came on suddenly -- last weekend -- with no warning. Preparation H seems to do no good.
Comment from: duwardsfreedom, 45-54 MalePublished: October 24
For my hemorrhoids zinc oxide ointment of 20% helped more than the hemorrhoid cream but I would clean the area with witch hazel and alternate between the cream and the zinc oxide. Mine were really bad and I was worried, but it took about 7-10 days and I was much better. Thanks to this web site.
Published: July 24
My job involves standing for hours, and not much walking between patients. If this is your type of problem, too, try walking, jogging, or pelvic- related exercises like yoga, sit-ups, pelvic lifts, and pushups.
Published: June 09
Zinc oxide always gets rid of mine very quickly.
Comment from: Alex, 35-44 Male (Patient)Published: June 03
Desitin works very well and is cheap. Prep H helps some too. Clean area with witch hazel and clean out any mucus build up as quick as you can otherwise I find it aggravates the area pretty quickly. I find that by doing these steps I can get them taken care of (Or at least much better) in a week or less.
Comment from: worriedspouse, 19-24 (Caregiver)Published: June 03
My husband is 24 years old and has worked in the textile industry. Heavy lifting was required for the job and as a result, he suffers from hemorrhoids and has for the past three years. We have been to specialists, GI doctors and emergency rooms all over for his pain and severe anemia. Bleeding is quite severe and recently the hemorrhoid has protruded outside the anus. Please tell me where to purchase hemezz. I have looked all over and cannot find it. After Preparation H., ProctoFoam, suppositories, injections, iron pills, noni juice (you name it, he's tried it) and no luck, any advice (especially regarding hemezz) would be greatly appreciated!
Comment from: Godwin, 19-24 Male (Patient)Published: May 26
Am a 23 year old man, since my childhood I have a disease which is worrying me. The disease is that I have swollen right cheeks and lips, on my tongue I have small, small cuts all not painful so please kindly advise me on which medicines and what to do because I visited several hospitals but no improvement.
Comment from: 45-54 FemalePublished: May 26
I have hemorrhoids since my third child (10 years) sometimes they bother me and other times they don't cause any pain or itching. The other day however I discovered a small pimple or skin tag on the outside opening of my rectum. It bothers me when I have a bowel movement and wipe sometimes it bothers me when I am wearing thong underwear as well. Is something I should be concerned about?
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Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Rectal bleeding may be moderate to severe and most bleeding comes from the colon, rectum, or anus. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and more.
Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency are all symptoms of diarrhea. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.
There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Read more to learn about recommended procedures and tests for each stage of a healthy pregnancy.
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low fiber diets, abuse of laxatives, hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
A skin tag is a small benign growth of skin that projects from the surrounding skin. Skin tags can vary in appearance (smooth, irregular, flesh colored, dark pigment, raised). Skin tags generally do not cause symptoms unless repeatedly irritated. Treatment for skin tag varies depending on the location on the body.
Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain disease and infections. Treatment options include local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, protectants, astringents, antiseptics, keratolytics, analgesics, and corticosteroids. If condition persists, a doctor examination may be needed to identify an underlying cause.
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the skin lining of the anus. Pain and/or rectal bleeding during bowel movements are common symptoms of anal fissures. Treatment involves increasing liquid intake, using stool softeners and avoiding foods that may not be well-digested.
Laxatives for treatment of constipation include over-the-counter preparations such as bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners, lubricant laxatives, stimulant laxatives, saline laxatives, enemas and suppositories. Some over-the-counter laxatives are not recommended for patients with specific diseases or conditions. Some laxatives may have negative adverse effects if taken over long periods of time.
Portal hypertension is most commonly caused by cirrhosis, a disease in which results from scarring of a liver injury. Other causes of portal hypertension include blood clots in the portal vein, blockages of the veins that carry the blood from teh liver to the heart, and a parasitic infection called schistosomiasis.
Pregnancy can bring challenges like weight gain, stretch marks, varicose veins, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, problems sleeping, and wondering if it is safe to have sex while pregnant. Learn how to manage and move through these challenges during pregnancy.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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I have about two decades of experience with extreme bleeding because of prolapsed hemorrhoids. The anemia has been so bad, I once had a doctor laugh because my hematocrit (red blood cell) level was so low that he thought it was a ridiculous mistake. Over the past year, I have become fairly successful at fighting both the anemia and the hemorrhoids. To soften my stools, I eat two bananas and six dried apricots (high also in iron) every day regardless of my status. I also take one docusate sodium tablet and Metamucil twice a day, and senna once a day. In addition, I gradually increased my water intake from two quarts to my current four quarts. My body now thirsts if I have less than three quarts. To fight the anemia, I also take iron tablets twice a day as well as a lot of pumpkin seeds (check the bulk section of the grocery store). The fruit generally keeps the hemorrhoids at a minimum and the iron supplements generally maintain my red blood cells even when I have extremely bad hemorrhoids. When the above measures just don't get rid of the hemorrhoids, I go on a restricted diet, limited pretty much to oatmeal, beans and fruit/vegetables. I put lots of craisins or raisins in the oatmeal, and eat navy or pinto beans, which are both really high in iron. This limited diet takes one to two weeks to take effect.
Related Reading: anemia | hematocrit