Uncomfortable Question: Haemorrhoids

Hi Dagmer:

I would agree hemmorrhoids are a very uncomfortable side effect of child birth. As I am sure you know hemmorrhoids are simply varicose veins in the rectum.

Anything you can do to regulate your bowels will belp. Try adding fiber such as metamucil and a stool softener such as colace to your diet daily (of course you can add additional fiber through your diet in the form of fruits, vegatables and whole grain breads and cereals) Also, drink plenty of water and get enough excercise. A mile or two walk each day should be sufficient.

The over the counter creams that shrink hemmorrhoids are very effective (preparation H) for the short term fix. Also purchase some KY Jelly. If your hemmorrhoids bulge out while moving your bowels you can manually, with a very lubricated gloved hand, gently reinsert the hemmorrhoid into the rectum. Do not use force. This is often best accomplished lying on your back and then you could lie there for a few minutes doing your kegel exercises. This should help relieve the pressure.

If the hemmorrhoids are bulging significantly or bleeding heavily or causing significant pain call your doctor.

J. L.

I wonder if you are talking about hemorhoids, or varicose veins on your vulva, since you refer to your primary sex organs? I had the latter during my pregancy but cleared up after childbirth. Did you ask your OB for advice? My understanding is that the vulvar varicosities generally clear up - perhaps they sometimes take longer than 4 months...

I may not be an expert on hemm. but I've never heard that they are part of sex organs. In fact you didn't mention if a Dr. had told you this or possibly a relative or friend. I'm a firm believer of getting a second diagnosis if its something like sex organs. Are you going by the signs and symptoms being similar to the 1st time? I will gladly help anyone, anytime. I just want to make sure that this was diagnosed by a professional. It would be wrong, both ethically and morally to do otherwise. Important stuff, let me know...O.K.?

Can you OB help you with this? I am sure s/he hears about it all the time!

One tip that my doctor shared with me is to eat lot of fruit! Because sometimes the hemorrhoids come back due to being constipated and an irregular bathroom pattern. So if you are eating fruit more often, It makes the stool a little softer. I personally couldn't do the fruit often enough that it actually made a difference, so I was prescribed a stool softener. And I haven't seen or been bothered by them in years.

I think what you are talking about is called a "rectocele." You can check out this website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rectocele/DS00704