hemorrhoids

[-scott-]

what a fun issue. *sigh* i'm 3.25 yrs post, c6/7. anyway, i've been dealing w/ hemorrhoids for the past year or so, but recently they're getting progressively worse. i know this is a fairly common issue among sci folks, but have any of you had problems? if so... in what way? how have they affected you physically? have they affected bowel routines in any way? and... for the news i'm not too sure i want to hear... if they've been bad enough, what treatments were administered? thanks in advance...

[SCI-Nurse]

jmublueduck - At your level of injury, I am wondering if your comment "they have gotten worse" is related to problems of bleeding and/or AD. Hemorrhoids in SCI are common since most bowel routines involve suppositories, mini-enemas and digital stimulation. Some suggestions: 1)If you are having either of the two symptoms mentioned above, you should be seen by your doctor. 2) Digital stimulation - should be a gentle circular motion with an index finger that is gloved and well lubricated. This needs to be only long enough to relax the anal sphincter and stimulate peristaltic action 3) Your diet should include adequate fluid intake which should be at least 8 - 8oz glasses of water daily; this amount should be exclusive of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as these act as diuretics and will deplete your body's fluid balance. A good fluid intake will contribute to a softer stool as will foods that are high in fiber content. 4) Are you using a stool softener; if not I would urge you to discuss this with your doctor.

And yes, if the hemorrhoids become unmanageable, then surgical removal may be the next step. But before you worry about that, be sure that you are doing all that you can to minimize irritation to these. If you have not seen a doctor recently re: this concern, I would urge you to do so. CRF

[-scott-]

(sorry to all reading this who may be a bit grossed out by any mental images - i know it's not the most pleasent subject)

SCI-nurse:
"they have gotten worse" refers to the fact that they have increased in size and number. very infrequently does bleeding occur, and I have never gotten AD from them. you're pretty on target w/ your suggestions; I follow them, w/ maybe the exception of monitoring my water intake, which i'm pretty sure is near what's recommended.

i saw a doctor over spring break (2 wks ago) and he looked at them & pretty much said not much could be done at this point... just to make sure i have enough fiber in my diet to soften the stool, in order that the BP goes as quickly as possible (I'm on a shower chair, which isn't too friendly to them).

regarding the "type" of hemorrhoids - am i correct in saying there are internal as well as external ones? reason being is that my PCA recently (w/in the past 2-3mo) noticed a larger hemorrhoid *inside* that apparently sticks out following sitting on the shower chair for any duration (in addition to >3 external ones). w/in the past week a 2nd, smaller internal one has appeared. any thoughts on this?

btw SCI-nurse, i have a few digital images if they would help at all. if they would, please email me @ jmublueduck@yahoo.com & i'll send them to you off-list.

[smokey]

I am currently having my internal roids ligated or banded. They were bleeding when I'd crap. You won't feel a thing except a little clammy sensation for a few days. You have to go a few times til they nip it down to nothing I guess. I also have an external roid that makes me feel clammy when I crap. The colo-rectal roid doc isn't real keen on popping that sucker out because you have to stay off it for a couple weeks and do sitz baths-kind of impossible for a guy in a wheelchair.

[Chunkyvomit]

Try Witch Hazel and Anusol Gel. The Witch Hazel is a liquid you pour on a cotton pad and gently apply to the hemorrhoids after each bm. Soak pad well (Makeup remover pads are perfect) and hold on the anus area for 2-5 min. The Anusol is an ointment. After the WH, apply the cream and gently push the hemorrhoids back in the rectum so you're not sitting on them. As mentioned elsewhere, drink lots, eat high fiber diet.

[-scott-]

thanks for the tips all.

chunkyvomit (interesting name, btw) or anyone: what's the objective of witch hazel? i just got some "tucks" pads w/ a 50% witch hazel content & started usingthem this morning.

things are still rough... the roids hurt & i'm scared they're not going to get better - just worse.

ah... what i'd give up for my body to work as it was created to... oh well. i'm going to bed. be blessed, all...

[TimS]

I developed this problem back in 1994. I started taking 100mgs of grape seed extract daily and in about 10 days the pain and problem was gone. Been taking it ever since and the problem has never returned.

Tim
http://2tim.net

[-scott-]

hey, that idea sounds like it's worth a shot - seems easy too. thanks for the tip TimS! how's it affect your diet (if at all)?

[Chunkyvomit]

I don't know the specific action or ingredients of Witch Hazel but I believe it has an affect on the swelling. I wonder if the tucks you mentioned, with a 50% WH solution, is ok. Buying a bottle of WH and applying it to a cotton pad may have a better affect as the solution isn't watered down... That's what my Dr. told me to do and he's a god in the treatment of sci patients circle.

Anyhow, hope it works for you. I know what a pain in the ass it can be.

[-scott-]

Originally posted by Chunkyvomit:

I wonder if the tucks you mentioned, with a 50% WH solution, is ok. Buying a bottle of WH and applying it to a cotton pad may have a better affect as the solution isn't watered down...

good point... I'm surprised I looked that over. I've only been using them 3 days & I haven't expected overnight results... but yeah, I agree w/ the concentration issue. ugh.

thanks...