hemorrhoids... TMI alert

[gardenmommy]

I need some help. When DS1 was born, I pushed him out to the tune of a couple smallish 'roids. That was nearly 12 years ago, and through 4 more births, they have pretty much not been a problem. However, they are really becoming uncomfortable now. This morning, they were bleeding after a bowel movement, which has *never* happened. I can't figure out what I need to do differently. My stools are very soft, I drink plenty of water, am not constipated at all. Why would they be so tender and sore now? DD is almost 10 weeks old, they haven't been a problem until the last week or so, not even right after birth. Gah! I would really appreciate any ideas. Thanks.

[To-Fu]

I had pregnancy-related 'roids, although they remained internal. I had a lot of bleeding from them, too, which contributed big time to my coming down with anemia. Watch out for that!

My GI specialist had me start taking fiber supplements (I take 6 Citrucels every day) to bulk up my stool, which he said was very important. If it doesn't clear up within 6 weeks PP, I'll probably go back to have the 'roids banded. It's a simple and quick in-office procedure that you can read about here:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newswe...about_them.htm

Scroll down to "rubber band ligation." There are also other tips on that page for at-home treatment.

Good luck! These things really suck.

[Peacemamalove]

what about foods you are eating? Has that changed? Sitting or standing more often now? Feeling rushed and not taking your time while going to the bathroom?

Just some thoughts to consider

[To-Fu]

Oh! I forgot to add. My doctor also said not to bear down too much on the toilet and not to spend any longer than 5 minutes sitting on the toilet at a time. Also, change positions frequently to avoid sitting/standing for too long. Gravity is not your friend.

[gardenmommy]

I can't think what has changed, really (I mean, aside from the obvious, I have a new baby). I'm eating pretty much the same foods, I'm standing and sitting about the same. My stools have been very soft since the birth, is that a problem? I guess I thought since they were soft, it wouldn't present a problem with passing them. Is that what you mean about bulking up your stools?

As far as being rushed, I don't really feel like I am. I mean sometimes the baby cries, but I figure it takes as long as it takes, kwim, and she isn't going to suffer lasting harm from crying while I sit on the toilet for 5 minutes. Besides which, she has 4 older siblings who are usually happy to hold her for a few minutes.

I am going to check out that link, thanks for posting it. Also, I'm going to think about making sure I'm neither sitting nor standing for too long.

[greeny]

Here are some things that helped me:

-Sitz baths several times a day. It's hard to make time, but I used to even nurse the baby while I sat on the toilet/Sitz bath.

- Wipe only with the Prep-H/witch hazel wipes after a bm.

- Put petroleum jelly or Prep-H around anus just prior to have a bowel movement. That helped things come out more "cleanly" so I didn't have to wipe much, which sometimes irritated things.

- The Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm feels SO good. It didn't necessarily heal things, but really made them feel better.

- Lots of Prep-H, alternating with the above-mentioned Bottom Balm.

I hope things get better! I have BAD roids after my third baby. It was so horrible. The above things helped.