I developed a really bad case of hemorrhoids (external) late in my pregnancy with DS #1 4 years ago. They were manageable after my post partum recovery and didn't cause any problems for a while.
Then I got pregnant with DS #2. They flared up badly and my OB gave me a prescription cream to use, and told me to stay really hydrated. Again, after my delivery, they were not too bad.
It was news to me that these things never completely heal and go away. I don't know what has changed, but they are really becoming very painful for me and hard to live with. I think I need to see a doctor (EMBARRASSING!!!) but I have no idea who to see.
Does anyone know if this is something you need a specialist for? Would it be my OB? I really have no idea and I don't want to call a bunch of people asking this humiliating question. It's bad enough to have a problem with your butt in the first place.
Re: REALLY embarrassing question
Oh I can relate. And this is another thing that scares me about ttc#2. (sorry if tmi)
Anyway... I had issues when I was 22 with them (long before kids so let's just say I can relate even more now). I saw a gastroenterologist who just gave me cortisone shots and that seemed to help as well. (It reduces swelling in your lower intestine) But I do know some have to have them removed. GL- hopefully you find easy asnwers.
Mom to Lily Gayle 4.25.06 Charlotte Kathleen 3.27.09 Samuel Thomas ~8.4.12~
Get a Sitz bath at your local medical supply store. It will help shrink them and take away pain. When I mine flair up, it is the only thing that works. I do use it like 6 times a day.
HOT HOT water in the bag. Warm in the basin. You empty the bag a little at a time into the basin. Get used to the temp. Then add more hot. It will actually help to shrink them. It is the best $12.00 you will ever spend.
Before I opened this I thought to myself, nothing could be more embarrassing than our 'roids discussion!
But there's nothing to be embarrassed about. They happen, and they suck! If it were me, this is probably what I would do. If it's just something I needed for a little discomfort, I might go back to my PCP for some cream, or buy some pads. However, if it's something that's becoming increasingly painful and hard to live with, I'd see a specialist.
If/when I have issues again (because I'm sure I will), I will probably go right back to the proctologist I saw during my pregnancy. True story, I've never been made to feel more comfortable with someone poking around that area than I did when I saw a doctor that specialized in that 'area' so to speak. That's just my suggestion though, from having to deal with an OB, PCP and Proctologist. You know I'm more than happy to answer any questions!
Since you aren't pregnant now, they probably will refer you to the proctologist. I had a gf who when pg had mega issues and the proctologist was really able to help her (and the OB referred her to them FWIW).
Elijah Matthew - 5/3/07 ~ Adalyn Rosemary - 3/23/11
*Photos by Kacy Cierley*
My experience was similar to daves_sweetpea. Before I was pg my family doctor referred me to Dr. Gennaro Labella, a colon rectal surgeon out of Group Health Associates. Mine was also too small to remove as he said the scar from removing would be just as big as the hemorrhoid itself. (My family doctor also neglected to ask me any questions about it before referring me and could have alleviated me showing that area to a complete stranger.) Mine was only really painful when wiping and Dr. Labella actually indicated that I probably have them because I eat so much fiber and go #2 more than average as a vegetarian.
Anyway, Dr. Labella made me feel the most comfortable of any doctor I have ever seen (maybe this comes with the colon rectal doctor territory?). There was even an intern there too, but I didn't feel awkward at all. If he was a family doctor, I would have switched to him immediately. If you go this route, I would definitely recommend him. I didn't need a specific 'referral', I just called Group Health Associates and set up an appointment with him.
I have always had them and after birth all is good but this last time it was bad, turns out I had one that had thrombosed. I went to see my PCP, OB who referred be to Dr Rafferty's office and saw Dr Ferguson all in one day. Dr Ferguson was able to nip the top off which gave sweet relief. I would see your OB and get a referral or if you have seen a Proctoloogist before go straight to them.
HTH and Good Luck!
I have been going to Dr Ferguson, she is in the same office with Dr Rafferty. I have had some removed and I can tell you that it is not a pleasant experience but it can help She has offices at Christ Hospital and in West Chester. She will not recommend the sitz baths. It seems like it would be good for them however it actually causes more pressure in that area. The shortest amount of time you can spend on a toilet seat the better.