Pain in the Bum!

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and anus. Trust me when I say this, it is one of the most painful experiences anyone can ever have. Let us talk about this enormous pain in the butt.

Personally, I have had issue even before pregnancy with hemorrhoids and anal fissures. The natural and easy process of going to the bathroom has always been pretty painful, and bloody for a long time. I knew my diet was at fault. I didn’t really have a healthy diet back then.

And during my various check ups with the doctors, surgery was recommended. But since it did not have guaranteed results, I opted not to. Also, because the pain was manageable, and by that I mean, not killing me.

According to a paper published on National Center for Biotechnology website, one third of females have thrombosed external hemorrhoids or anal fissures in the postpartum period. So it is incredibly common, but not something that is spoken about much.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Towards the end of my pregnancy, it did get pretty awful, but still could be managed:

But post delivery, going for a poo become a nightmare. It was excruciatingly painful. So awful, that I have cried and given up. But that would not solve it, obviously. I mean, it got to a stage where I would have been happy to give birth naturally without medication, than go for a poo! It was horrendous.

Finally I consulted another doctor and decided to take a different approach, and here is what helped me. All of the below are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.

DOCTOR’S ADVICE:

Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, in the Harvard Heath Blog, says that it is the most important thing to add fiber to the diet.

She also suggests lubricating the process by mixing a tablespoon of mineral oil with applesauce or yogurt and eating it at breakfast or lunch. Another suggestion from Dr Wolf is to try using products such witch hazel infused pads and soothing creams to help manage pain. “Don’t overlook the relief offered by sitz baths. Using a basin that fits under the toilet seat, soak the inflamed area in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times a day,” she adds.

The NHS website has the following advices:

If the pain continues to be unbearable even after trying these, maybe surgery is your only answer, and you definitely want to head to your doctor by then!

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