Hemorrhoids
At age 65, I have bright red bleeding and/or clotting at the end of my bowel movement.
The first trauma to my bowel was in 1964 with the birth of my second child. I recall asking the doctor if I could stand up to deliver because she was pressing against my bowel, but he said, "No." (These were the old days where you laid on a stainless steel table under bright lights with your feet in stirrups.) Just before she crowned, I asked to be put to sleep because I did not feel I could stand the pain. She passed, but I had the worst bruised, hemorroidal bowel! It was two years before it subsized.
The second trauma was around age 50, when I was given a medication that caused constipation as a side effect. The hard stools were horrible to pass, sometimes straining for 45-minutes stuck! Anyway, when I got stool softener, it helped, but again, my bowel was compromised, no blood.
Now, I have had the bright blood after each bowel movement and I am 98% sure it is the same problem - internal hemorroids.
I dread doctors, preferring to home treat, if possible. Of course, hemorrage or obstruction or severe infection would require the assistance of special training and equipment, in my mind. But, at present, it bleeds when I have a bowel movement only.
Are there any ways to relieve this symptom without causing further trauma or damage?
Presently, I am lying down more than usual, keeping my legs higher than my head. I am keeping the rectal area extremely clean. I am drinking as much water as I can and I try to get fiber (although I am afraid too much fiber will cause more bowel movements and more bleeding...) I have not gone to a pharmacy for anything like a suppository yet. I can begin taking hot baths daily.
Occasionally, an outer hemorroid will thrombose and I am aware when it does. It is usually relieved by elevating the rear and careful diet. However, it is the internal, painless, arterial bleeding hemorroids that concern me.
Also, it appears to me that when I exercise, say - walk for 20-minutes, the internal hemorroids are worse, not better. Is exercise good for them?
On the positive side, I am lucky in that I am retired with a very modest income. I cannot complain because I live with one child who looks out for my welfare and, if I need to rest, hey, I have privacy and comfort in which to do it. That is a great blessing!
From:
AudreL@aol.com
