Kinda gross question

Hey everyone, kinda a gross question for you all, but we've all been there right? I've battled with hemmorrhoids since my surgery (constipation is an ongoing battle for me) and it's not changed during the pregnancy. Occasionally I'll have a little blood on the tissue after having a bowel movement, but then it stops. The other day I noticed that one of the hemmorrhoids felt really hard and was quite painful. Blew it off. Today I have started bleeding from my rectum and it's not stopping. It's there everytime I wipe and it's on my underware. Not sure if I should call my OB or my PCP. Any suggestions or anyone been there, done that? Thanks!

I'd call my ob. He has experience dealing with them, as many pregnant women get them. It sounds infected, and I believe he can prescribe you something. Take a sitz bath in the mean time to help. You dont want to let it bleed too much, so call right away!

What Jennifer said! I hope you feel better.  And dont be embarassed.  Unfortunately these are the down side of things that happen with age and pregnancy and WLS.  Praying for you. -JenQ.

I got hemorrhoids with the birth of my son 5 1/2 years ago and still have 'em! I bleed with every bowel movement whether I strain or not. I saw a doc about it and he said I actually have an anal fissure - the h'rhoids are just a perk! Since you said you've always battled with constipation that may be the culprit. Google it and check with your doc for sure!

Good Luck!

Hi Cathie,

I was just curious...I have the same issue and was wondering if your dr offered any long-term solutions.  Mine gave me prescriptions for ointment and suppositories that ease lingering pain somewhat, but I'm to the point that I can't imagine living like this for the rest of my life and am wondering what can be done...Natalie

I actually had them so bad about 8 months after my surgery, I thought I was going to die.  I felt one that was hard as a rock and actually went to the dr and had it removed.  It was was the size of a jelly bean when she showed me.  Just  dried up blood.  I felt so much better after it was removed.  Definately talk with your doctor!

No suggestions for the immediate issue (definitely call the OB though!) but I've been constipated (and progressively more painfully so) since about 1 month post op.  I was up to 3 stool softeners/day and no relief (honestly felt like I was giving birth rectally!).  Then I read about Miralax!  It seems most doctors say it's safe while TTC/pg (utmost importance to me) and it's made all the difference for me.  I take a capful per day.  I've had to take less as they don't sell it in Canada and my next trip to the U.S. isn't til 18th/19th and I'll run out of both Miralax and the s.s.'s before then.  And believe me, I have noticed a difference, it's getting more difficult (though not nearly as bad) again.

Ask your doctor if they'd ok Miralax :)  Hope you feel better soon!

T :)

 They sell it in Canada now.. but it's under a different name.. Restoralax.  I saw the commercial for it today and right under it had the caption "Sold as Miralax in the US"

AWESOME!  I'm going to look for some tomorrow night, ty so much!

T :)

You may have a thrombosed hemmorrhoid - essentially they get a blood clot and get quite hard and painful. If needed, they can lance it and drain it. If it isn't too bad, there's a prescription topical steroid called Proctofoam that is safe to use during pregnancy and works wonders!
Can you tell I've been down this road before?