Personal stories about treating hemorrhoids

Content provided by Healthwise

Personal stories about treating hemorrhoids

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

John, age 40: I have had hemorrhoids for many years, but they have never bothered me much. Once in a while they hurt or bleed, and I know that it's time to pay more attention to my diet and drink some extra water. My new doctor and I talked about them during my last visit. She asked if I had ever considered having them treated, and we talked about the pros and cons of my options. I decided that since they don't bother me very much, and because I know what to do if they flare up, I will just keep managing them as I have been. I can always have treatment later if they get worse.

Genevieve, age 50: Because I sit all day at work, my hemorrhoids can be a big inconvenience. I get plenty of fiber and water in my diet, but they are still bothering me. My doctor and I agreed that it would be reasonable for me to try the rubber band treatment. I will still have to watch what I eat and drink to keep my stools soft, but I hope that the treatment will take care of most of the pain so I can be more comfortable at work.

Ricardo, age 38: I had a rubber band hemorrhoid treatment several years ago. I recall that the treatment was quite painful, but it worked very well for a long time. Unfortunately, now the problem has come back. My doctor and I are talking about what to do next. He says I can do the rubber band treatment again or have surgery. Since the rubber band treatment worked well for me before, I plan to have it done again.

Barbara, age 47: I have given all the hemorrhoid home treatments a try, and they have helped. But I still feel like I need something more. It concerns me to have rectal bleeding, although my doctor has tested me and we are confident that I don't have anything more serious than hemorrhoids. I'm going to try one of the nonsurgical treatments and see if that will help stop or reduce the bleeding so I can worry a little less. I have heard good things about the infrared photocoagulation treatment.

Credits

Last updated:	September 29, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Brent Shoji, MD - General Surgery
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC