Haemoroids

[Englishbird]

This is hideously embarrassing, but i have a haemoroid which needs to be removed.  Do I have to go to the hospital? is it something a nurse could do at my local surgery? Is there anything i can do myself? I've tried all the creams, ointments and supositories.  I don't know if i can get over my embarrassment and tell the doctor, or just live with it.  I know this is stupid, but it makes me cringe just thinking about it!!!! tia.

[Impret-Sir]

If you havnt seen the doctor yet  how do you know it has to be removed? If you are right, and it should come of, then it will involve a small surgical proceedure, so no, a nurse will not be able to do it. You do not have to have a general anaesthetic, it can be done with a 'spinal' type anaesthetic, and can be done as a day case. They may be simply excised, or they can be 'banded' where a tight rubber band is slipped over the pile, cutting off its blood supply, the thing just shrivels up and disappears over time. Haemoroids are very vascular, and can bleed a lot when removed, that is why they must be done by a surgeon, as haemostasis must be cetain before the job is finished.

[manilow]

Sorry but it is also one of the most painful operations there is.  Good Luck

[Englishbird]

thanks for that!!!!! lol .... joy, something to look forward to!

[Impret-Sir]

There is no reason why it should be so painful. You pain control should be well managed by the staff looking after you. If you have a spinal or a 'cordal' (similar thing)anaesthetic then you will be totally numb down there for about four hours post op. You will then be given pain killers as required, you only have to ask!

[Kay]

manilow. An op for Internal Piles can be painful but if its done by laser then not!  Impret-Sir is correct in saying about the rubber band for external piles. English bird who said it needs to be removed? Just wondering.

[Philtaz]

Where I work the band is often placed on the pile whilst the patient is sedated, so there isn't always a need for general anaesthetic.

A spinal anaesthetic is usually given if a patient may be at risk from a GA, due to excessive weight, breathing problems etc.  A spinal anaesthetic means that you would not be a Day Case patient, as a spinal takes roughly 4 hours to wear off and your blood pressure requires monitoring to a slightly greater degree than usual.

Try not to be embarrassed, your GP will have seen them hundreds of times, likewise the surgeon if you are referred to one.  It's a very simple, short straightforward procedure so try not to worry.

[Englishbird]

Thanks all - Doc said removal is last resort.  But they're not going to go away, none of the over the counter stuff has been working, so he's given me prescription stuff and i'll see how i get on.  It will only relieve the pain short term though.  Just another ailment to add to the list!! thanks for your answers though.

[redmug100]

Over the cnter stuff doesn't cure them it just takes away some of the discomfort. Make sure you drink plenty of water every day. Good luck