Worsening lumps outside of anus. Probably Hemorrhoids. Need advice/ help.

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hello Forum. I have an issue I am hoping to get some help with. I am a 44 year old male. I have had long term constipation and straining due to medications and most likely a low fiber diet and bad depression that has me sitting more then I should for sure. Since the most recent hemorroid I have recently completely changed my diet and stopped all fast food, caffeine, junk food, etc. I switched to fruits, high fiber cereals, and husk fiber powder. I remember years ago having them before, but I dont remember if it was the same as now. I know it eventually went away on its own. 

 Well what happened is about 4 days ago I had one of the worst straining bowl movements in awhile. After that I noticed a small lump that hadnt fully popped out yet. Id say it was about half way out. The next day I had another bowl movement, not near as bad, but still not easy. Then I rechecked it and it had fully came out. I then decided to treat it and went and bought preparation H, some all natural aloe vera, and epsom salt. I took a warm epsom salt bath, and treated the lump. 

 Today I had another movement that was the easiest in awhile, but not totally normal and now I see another one on the other side. These are on the sides of the anus, not the top and bottom. There is almost no blood at all. Maybe a drop or so on the toilet paper once in awhile. I have no other pain (like abdominal), and the hemorroids themselves dont really hurt outside of during the bowel movement, but even then its not very painful. 

 So what I am trying to figure out is 

1) Does this sound like Hemorroids?

2) How can they get better if I poop everyday and it seems to only make them worse each time?

3) Should I see a doctor yet? Or is this common? 

 Anyway I appreciate any help and/or advice. Thanks for taking the time.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Sorry I forgot to add that I have also started drinking A LOT more water than I used to in hopes this would help as well. I know I didnt really pay attention to my water intake in the past, but I do now. I drink at least a half gallon or more a day now. Thanks.
  • Posted

    Double sorry. I just though of something else to add. These do not go back in. When I had only one I tried to push it back in, but it didnt work. So they seem to be always out. I dont really recheck throughout the day. But I always do when I take a shower, I always feel it when I clean there. 
  • Posted

    Hey Nathan,

    I would have them looked at, but it sounds like your old hemorrhoids may have subsided... but leaving what they call skin tags/extra skin. Essentially what that means, the blood suppressed, but the stretched out skin is still left over. Which, if that is what it is, they can be removed with a local procedure... and a 5-10 day healing period.

    However, I would certainly have them looked at to rule out hemorrhoids. Keep in mind, not all hemorrhoids hurt... and different grades of hemorrhoids have different symptoms.

    Grade 1 we barely notice

    Grade 2 can often go unnoticed until we see blood, they will come out, but retreat on their own

    Grade 3 we do notice, because of bleeding, protruding and often have to be pushed back in manually

    Grade 4 usually the most painful, protruding, can't be pushed back in... and bleeds

    Of course then there are the external hemorrhoids, which are typically the most painful... and just outside the anus.

    There are fissures that are painful and bleeding etc...

    But yes, be sure to get checked out... can't hurt.

    Hope this helps

  • Posted

    Hello and thanks for the reply. I dont think this is skin tags. These are rounded and full, and new. But I just decided to recheck them and the 2nd one that had came out went completely back in on its own. So I am almost 100% sure this is just another case. Considering the amount of straining I had been doing due to the constipation Im surprised they arent worse. But what I have noticed is that since I completely changed my diet, and started all the fiber intake, as well as drinking a lot more water the poops are a lot softer and easier to pass. They no longer require the straining they did before. So Im hoping if I keep this up it will help and solve this again.

     Another question. Do you think I should either stop or reduce eating for a couple days to give this a change to heal? They seem to only worsen right after pooping. Thanks

    • Posted

      Have you tried intermittent fasting? You could try that, but either way your best bet is to have it looked at.

      Typically once we have this condition, it doesn't really go away... it will shrink and the swelling will go down, but nine times outta ten, they will always return... or as we age get worse.

      Once they are diagnosed properly, you can discuss your options... but be sure to see an actual proctologist... as that is their specialty.

      You can try banding ligation first, to try and control them... if it doesn't work.... look into a hemorrhoidectomy, stapling etc.

      What is your typical daily diet?

    • Posted

       No I havent tried any fasting, but I am considering it to try to it heal on its own. When it happened before it was years ago and went away until now. My old diet was pretty bad. But a little over a year ago I get fed up with my weight. I am 5'11" and weighed about 230. So over the year I ate better and started exercising daily. I am now down to 178 which is great. But since this most recent flare up I have completely changed my diet. I now eat a lot of fruits, high fiber cereal, and nuts. And of course increased my water intake a lot. It has already shown improvement in about a week. The last 2 bowel movements were increasing easier, and softer. So I am hoping if I keep this up Ill be all good. Thanks for the reply and advice, I really appreciate it.

    • Posted

      Try also adding a stool softener as well.... that should help

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