Something No One Likes to Talk About.

Hi M.,
Did the hospital give you a sitz bath? I found that very helpful with Epsom salts. They also gave me a terrific cream (though I don't remember what it was called). Cold compresses also gave relief.
S.

Hey M.,

I had this problem with my first and my sister reccommended Nupercainal. It worked in just a few days for me. I am now expecting my second and alredy have some on hand.

hope this helps!
T.

Aw, you poor thing! That sounds very uncomfortable. I've never experienced them, but have heard horror stories from others. Anyway, I wanted to just throw something out there: Would you be willing and is it possible to have a c-section next go round? I mean, if they are that bad, it really sounds like you need surgery. I know a lot of moms are against c-sections, but they work and it might be an alternative to allow you to get your other health issues in order. Good luck!
E.

My husband used to have similar issues (though without a beautiful excuse like yours ;)...he claims that if he makes a point of eating spinach very frequently (he says for the iron) that he doesn't get them. I realize this is probably not as intense of a fix as what you're aiming for, but hey, it's worth a try!
good luck :)

I feel for you. I think that delivering my son was easier than dealing with the hemmoroids afterwards! I also had a fischer (a tear in the rectum). If it is that painful and bleeding you might have that going on as well. I try to do everything natural so make sure you are eating lots of fiber (not just from pills and stool softeners). Eat spinach salads and lots of fruit. And do sitz baths as many times as you can in a day (or just use a shower spray with warm water). Once I started doing that mine healed up pretty fast. I only have one child, so I'm not sure if we will have to deal with this after each delivery... they are worth it though! Good luck and I hope you feel better.

Hi M.,
You're definitely not alone! I have 4 children, and after my first, I had really bad problems with hemorrhoids. After a while they do go away. Make sure you don't drink a lot of caffeine, because that will constipate you and make the BM's harder and more painful to go to the bathroom. Drink lots of water, and eat lots of fruit. That will keep you regular and not so hard. I also tried the fiber drinks and all that and nothing helped. After my first I was constantly bleeding after each BM and it got to the point where I dreaded going to the bathroom, but I used the little round wipes that they sell for that, and they're very soothing, and probably after about 6 months, they slowly started to go away.
I didn't have any problems after my second child. I had some problems after my 3rd, but not as bad as the first, and no problems after the 4th, so every pregnancy, birth, and recovery is different. I know it's hard, they are sooo aggravating, but just try to eat right and don't force yourself to go to the bathroom, just wait until you can't hold it any longer and that will make it easier without a lot of strain. Good luck and I hope you get to feeling better soon!
V.

It's a real pain in the butt. And I understand completely. I've tried many many things. From nutrition to supplements, creams, pads, etc. It all seems to work a little bit. Nothing completely cured it for me. Some days are much better than others. I've also gotten fissures since then. And internal hemorroids. Not a pleasant exam. But it didn't hurt anything other than pride. They didn't offer any solutions other than what I was already trying. They've diagnosed me with irritable bowel syndrome. I can eat all the right foods, exercise and stay as stress free as possible and it does help, but it doesn't cure it. for me. Your situation may be different. Good health habits help everything though. Get plenty of sleep, take time to relax and put life into perspective, exercise and eat good foods and you'll probably feel a lot better. Be careful not to overdo the fiber intake too quickly if you're not used to a lot of fiber. It can have a negative effect if you add too much too quickly.

There was a moist pad I got from the hospital and it looked like an over sized face wash type pad. Round and moist, it contained "witch hasel" I would try that, if you can find them. Like I said I got them from the hospital.
* This suggestion is going to be from left field but... "Anal ease" is formulated to numb that area so its safe and it will give temporary relief of pain. I am a Slumber Parties Distributor, thats one of our products. If you want to give it a try contact me and I will send you some wholesale. You can read about it on my ____@____.com
Best of luck to ya,,,

Post-partum hemorrhoids can be a "real pain" you-know-where, as you must know. These websites below can give you a little advice. But briefly, most suggest sitz baths, hot and cold compresses, and generally solutions that require time and effort. If the creams aren't helping, and you still feel constipated, ask your doctor if he has any other suggestions for a bowel softener. Of course it must be kept clean from germs. I remember trying tons of things before I finally got relief.

God bless you, and good luck! Hope this helps.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/diges...

http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,4406,00.html

http://www.babycenter.com/0_postpartum-hemorrhoids_11708....

Boy can I relate. I have had to go twice and have an I&D (incision and drainage). It is an in-office procedure (at least at my doc) and takes about 15 mins??? They just slice the H and drain it and pull out any clots. It is a little uncomfortable, but they do numb the area first. It bleeds and is sore for a few days, but then you are pretty much good as new! HTH! S.

Someone here posted that the only thing wrong is your diet. In cases unrelated to birth, I'd agree. But birth is an entirely different story. When you are pushing, the baby's head puts pressure on the anus as it comes out. Sometimes the blood vessels in your anus can "flip inside out". Preparation H is meant to lessen the swelling of the blood vessels so that they can flip the correct way. Witch hazel tends to ease only discomfort, not actually help the swelling. In order to fully recover from hemorrhoids quickly, the vessels must be pushed back into the proper place. Usually, just the application of the prep-h will push them back in, but you don't need the cream. Zinc Oxide would also work. But, the most important part isn't the cream, its the actually pushing the vessels back in. It may sound gross, but the best way to help the vessels is to use your finger to circle the inside rim of the anus and apply pressure to the walls. The hemorrhoids can not heal unless they are returned to inside of the anus wall. As long as they are flips outside the wall, they will be inflamed and bleed. I went through two months of pain before my midwives told me that, it took me doing that after every bm for a week and now no problems at all. I had heard pressing them back was extremely painful, actually I felt relief afterwards. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Shrink-Hemorrhoids&i... GOOD LUCK!

Are you sure that its only the hemmoroids causing the problem? I had horrible tearing and scarring that caused me to bleed and be in great pain at every bowel movement, and to my husband's disappointment during sex. I had hemmoriods as well, but the issue was the scar tissue from the birth of my 1st. During delivery and afterwards of my 2nd child, my doctor worked to correct the problem with great success.

I went through 4 doctors before one recognized what the true problem was.

Hi M.,
I have been in the EXACT SAME SITUATION AS YOU-four times over. So, let me give you hope that even though it may not seem like it now, you will be normal again soon. After EVERY one of my 4 deliveries I thought I was going to die because of the pain. The absolute best thing I found was Epifoam. I got it in the hospital after one of my deliveries and I STOCKED UP every time after that it was offered. Considering that yours are bleeding, it will take some time (maybe 5-7) days, but they will heal up so quickly. And, when the medicine is first applied there is a numbing agent in it that will make you think you have died and gone to heaven:-) Just ask your doctor for a prescription of Epifoam.

Hi M.,

I'm sorry to hear the hemorrhoids are bothering you this much. Have you considered acupuncture to treat them? I know there are acupuncture treatments, maybe in conjunction with herbs, that can treat hemorrhoids. It might be something to consider. Here is the number of my school: Florida College of Integrative Medicine; ###-###-####, ext 10. You would get treated by students under the supervision of a licenced AP. Or if you rather see a licenced AP, I could give you a good one, depending on where you live. FCIM is located in Orlando, near the Florida Mall. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
A.

M.,
You still need to go see a specialist. This is your health and you need to be healthy for your child and future children. Call today and go see someone. L. Z.

The only thing wrong is your diet! There are so many options out there and you are in control of what you eat.

Every morning, when packing the kids lunches, I fix lots of fruit and veggie snacks and I snack on them, too, when I'm hungry or just wanting a nosh. It's so much easier when it's right there in a dish on the counter! Also, I make a big batch of homemade granola about once a month (lots of Omega-3 rich nuts and whole oats) and often have it with plain yogurt for breakfast or snacks. Old-fashioned (not instant!) oatmeal is also a good high fiber option, and only takes about 5 min.

Meat, sugar and processed foods are also wrong -- anything that constipates you aggravates the situation. Your body wants to heal. Please look into all your options. I used to have that problem and it was terrible but it is now totally in the past! :) :) :)

Drink lots of water, especially in the morning. Squeeze fresh lemons into it if you like and that helps, too. Avoid sodas, excessive dairy products and highly processed "foods."

Time (and clean living) heals all.

Best Wishes for a speedy recovery,
L. D., mom of three

I would go and see a specialist to see what he has to say instead of your regular doctor. If you need a name we have been at a very good doctor in Alt. Springs to see what he would suggest because you shouldn't be in pain that long.
just write me back and I'll give you his name and no.
good luck

Hi, M.. Well, I've never had a lot of trouble with hemmoroids, but if the pads and creams aren't working -- have you used Preparation H? It works like a charm on me when I have an occasional flare-up. If the creams aren't working, then maybe it's a problem with the flesh in your peri-anal area just being too stretched out. Maybe if you do the Kegel exercises -- you know, the vaginal squeezing exercises they tell us to do in order to tone the vagina and entire vulva back after giving birth -- it will also help the anal area. I know that whenever I do the Kegel exercises, I also feel it in my anus/rectum, even though I've been told by a nurse that I'm not supposed to use those muscles, just isolate the vaginal muscles and relax the anal muscles ... well, after doing hundreds of Kegel exercises, I've concluded that I, personally, can't squeeze the one area without also squeezing the other, so I just do the whole area. This certainly can't hurt you, and it just might help. I do hope you find a solution and that you recover completely. Try aloe vera gel (the kind without any other additives, especially dyes and perfumes) spread over the hemmoroids first, then Preparation H. I also find that Nupercainol, the very oldest remedy, works well, too.

I would also wash the entire area with anti-bacterial liquid soap because it sounds like there may be a little infection in the hemorroid; I use that kind of soap all over my body every day, and it seems to keep any kind of irritation away. Get the kind of antibacterial soap that won't dry your skin, possibly even one with a little moisturizer in it.

Peace,
Syl

SOOOORRY! I know what you mean...I had them badly after my 2nd pregnancy but on my last pregnancy after delivery (4 months ago); they forgot to show up...LOL
Try some natural remedies and change your diet a little, it may helps. I remember I ate lots of veggies and fruits and a diet with more fiber.

A good stool softener that is natural and good for you is aloe vera juice. Does not taste good. Aloe vera gel is what I use on my "baby" hemoroids. It is very healing and relieves the itching. Castor oil can be used externally and with aloe gel. That combination is good for just about anything--especially sunburn.
Good Luck and God Bless

I can really sympathize as I used to have the same problem. However, I now use some natural herbal products which have helped me considerably.
There is a combination of 9 herbs which is a bowel cleanser/laxative. Each of the herbs helps in different ways. Even though you are not constipated, you can take 1 - 2 nightly and it trains your bowels to work better and helps eliminate toxins. If you need it as a laxative, you take 4-5 each night for a while. This is called Herb Lax.
also, there is a cream which contains 11 herbs and is called Herbal Blend Multipurpose Cream. We recommend that you use hot compresses for a bout 2 minutes then apply the cream for 3 or 4 times daily at least and after any bowel movement. The best thing about these products is that your satisfaction is guaranteed.
You can see these on 2 different web sites. www.shaklee.com and my personal website www.shaklee.net/O.. I have been a representative for the last 12 years and using the products for 21 years. I give you the company web site so that you realize that my purpose is helping people, so you don't have to get the products through my web site, you can buy from someone else. this company has been in business since 1956 and does not advertise. if I can help in any way, you can contact me through my web site . I have an ad on this site as a Mom Owned business also.
O. H.

I had the same problem while I was pregnant, but it cleared up after having the baby. Did you gain a lot of weight with your pregnancy? Are you back down to your prepregnancy weight? I gained quite a bit of weight, however, was able to bring it back down. I think that contributed to the healing and have never had a problem since. I feel for you, it is miserable! My husband actually had surgery to remove his and he has been fine ever since, but it was obviously not pregnancy related!

Hi M.,
Looks like you got some good advice so far! I didn't have them as bad as you, but after my first (none after my second) was 5 weeks old, I got them and I used witch hazel applied with a cotton swab and every time before a BM I applied a salve which helped things go more smoothly! Good luck!

My son was born face up and evidently that caused a lot of pressure in places it shouldn't LOL. I ended up seeing a specialist because I was bleeding in horrible pain. The doctor gave me a cream and said he would see me back in six weeks if it wasn't healed. It seemed like forever, but each day I was better than before and after 5 weeks, it was gone. I haven't had a single problem since. Isn't it awful what happens to us? :) Good luck. I also did sitz bath with some herbs from Whole Foods. I bought products from earthy baby mama or something like that which helped.

I feel your pain sister. This happened to me after my 1st born too. I also had a fissure and a tear in the colorectal area that would bleed and was extremely painful. I will list what worked for me and what I believe healed me of my ailments. With fiber you have to be careful as you must intake both soluble and non-soluble not only one type. Below I will list what I took and the links where you can purchase:
1. Organic Flaxseed oil - I would take and still take 3 times a day with foods
http://www.barleans.com/flaxoil.asp

2. Aloe life berry juice concentrate - I toke and still take this in the morning and at night before meals.
http://www.aloelife.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?prod...

3. Jarrow Formulas - L-Glutamine - glutamine is an amino acid and it's said to assist in healing muscles and assisting in the buildup of tissue ect. I have also found it great to stop diarrhea and or vomiting when its excessive. I took and still take this 1 to two times a day
http://www.luckyvitamin.com/item/itemKey/65512

4. Fiber Fusion Berry - I took this 3 times a day but also had to make sure to drink 8 to 10 glasses or clear liquids to aid in absorption to the body.
http://www.luckyvitamin.com/item/itemKey/61756

All of the above and a reduction in fried foods and processed foods healed me completely. I swear by these products and have referred them to many moms and friends. If the above does not work then you might have to talk to your doctor about a treatment called sclerotherapy - where they inject a med to reduce size and swelling of your hemorrhoids.
As with everything these days - none of the above is proven true by the FDA but it worked for me!
God Bless
M.

I called them my Grapes of Wrath! Have you tried a sitz bath? My midwife had me sit in one with the herb uva usi ( break capsule into water before sitting. You can pick it up at Whole Foods Market. Also, witch hazel helped the itch. Good luck. I know this is tough, but it will pass. It's the extra weight and strain that brings them out. Try to keep off your feet or sit on a doughnut pillow. I had them real bad with my first in the hospital and not as bad the second time around with a home birth. I hope this helps you. Take care, Elaina L.