Berkeley Parents Network: Hemorrhoids

Berkeley Parents Network

Hemorrhoids

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Advice about Health > Hemorrhoids

Still have hemorrhoids from the pregnancy

May 2002

Several months after my second child was born, I still have hemorrhoids from the pregnancy. I do everything recommended by the doctors (including drinking lots of water, eating fiber, exercising,and the various medications) and constipation is not a problem. I'm frustrated and on the verge of considering the more extreme solutions such as surgery. Before I do so, I wonder if anyone has tried alternative medicine for this problem. I've had acupuncture, but it didn't seem to help.

You didn't mention how long it's been since you delivered your baby. I had terrible hemmoroids with my first child and I'm happy to say that I didn't have any with my second. It took ages for them to finally go away. I adapted my diet as you did. Then, ever time one popped out, I pushed it back in. I used a drop of vitamin e oil, though I think you could probably use nearly anything slippery. I also, and still continue to cleanse with wet toilet paper instead of dry. It's much more comfortable, effective, and cost conscience than adult wipes. There's also no extra chemicals. Then the other thing I did, is begin an exercise program that includes toning my perineal musculature. That has really helped then not come back. Also, less sitting and more movement breaks. I hope this helps. Good luck. Dori

Here's what helped my hemorrhoids, which I never had before I became pregnant:
1. Nelsons hemorrhoid cream sometimes found in the homeopathic section of a natural grocery or vitamin store
2. kegel exercises
3. washing the anus with soap and water after every bowel movement (unless I was in a public, cubicled bathroom!) Hope this helps, happy and hemorrhoidless

Regarding your diagnosis of hemorrhoids (sp?): Please make sure that this diagnosis was correct. I personally suffered terribly for over a year with what repeatedly was diagnosed as hemorrhoids. Because of my complaining, I was ultimately sent to a proctologist who made a correct diagnosis of ''anal fissure'' which is an actual tear in the anal tissue. Mine had gone so long that it had become infected. These fissures can mostly be cauterized and they will heal, but I had to have surgery on mine. If you are having bleeding, go and make sure that you haven't got a fissure. Best of luck to you. Also, the surgery was the best thing I could've done; no more pain or problems. Puerta

[Editor] see Anal Fissure

My sympathies to you about your hemorrhoids. I personally found an osteopathic session helped me get rid of my one hemorrhoid. It took one session. A good place to try is the office of Catherine Henderson whose replacement, Marguerite, is also an MD. They are located on Solano at Ensenada. I had this a year ago and have never seen it again. I did a small 3 month study for my nutrition education during which time a participant (57 y.o.) was totally free of his long- term hemorrhoids by using a Standard Process product called Cataplex ACP (you can find this company in Emeryville and buy retail from them, I think). It contains whole food, not synthetics, with buckwheat being the the particular ingredient that worked. Buckwheat is quite high in rutin, a bioflavonoid. Other bioflavonoids to try include rosehips. I buy cut and sifted rosehips in bulk from Whole Foods, grind some up in a grinder, and sprinkle 1 tbsp on applesauce. They work wonders for hot flashes, BTW. Good luck! Nori

Fistula

Nov 2002

I have been diagnosed with a fistula by my OB/GYN. He believes that the fistula was caused by a hematoma which developed after I delivered my 2nd baby, 5 months ago. I have an appointment soon with a surgeon, Dr. David Bitar. I am wondering if anyone has any knowledge of fistulae and/or knowledge of Dr. Bitar. I'm particularly interested in information about recovery time following surgery for a fistula. Thank you. anon.

Three recommendations were received. See this page:
http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/medical/proctologist.html

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