pain while going to the bathroom

Thanks everyone....this is all most helpful!

Dear Anon: I am sorry you are experiencing so much pain. I have experienced those painful hemorrhoids as a result of two pregnancies. However, I have kept them under control by maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber. It sounds like you have no issues with the eating part, so here is my regiment to treat my hemorrhoids when they flare up:

1. Ruscus Aculeatus (Butcher's broom) extract - 200-300 mg daily. This herb is known for helping reduce inflammation of hemorrhoidal tissue

2. Collinsonia (stone root) - 500mg 3 times daily. It reduces hemorroid swelling

3. Flaxseed oil - 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, besides helping reduce straining, it contains essential fatty acids that promote tissue healing

4. Bioflavonoid complex - 100mg 2-3 times daily, especially rutin and hesperidin which have shown to be effective in treating hemorrhoids, reducing swelling and bleeding.

5. Grape seed extract has anti-inflammatory effects and helps circulation - 100mg twice daily.

6 Aloe-vera juice is healing and soothing to the entire digestive tract. I drink 4 oz daily.

7. Vitamin C strengthens the rectal tissue - 500mg daily at a minimum

I hope these natural suggestions help out. Best of luck!

I've actually had a hemorrhoidectomy, and it was the absolute most painful experience I've ever had. It way surpassed the pain I experienced with my three C-sections. In fact, my first C-section was such a dire emergency that my OB cut into me before I was completely numb, and the feeling of that knife cutting into me didn't even come close to the aftermath pain of the hemorrhoidectomy. I would rather get hit by a train than go through another hemorrhoidectomy....

The worst part of it was the two weeks following the surgery, when I literally spent my days sitting in the bath, crying. It was a good four weeks post-op before I could even go to the bathroom without screaming loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear me. Basically, it was hell to recover from that surgery.

Was it worth it? No. Yes, my hemorrhoids were removed. And I won't have to deal with them again. But, the problem, that no one told me beforehand, is that the resulting scar tissue from having a hemorrhoidectomy can actually develop into hemorrhoid-like tissue that can become just as irritated, itchy, inflamed, painful, etc., as an actual hemorrhoid. So you can end up at square one. I discovered this during my last pregnancy, when my scar tissue became inflamed and very uncomfortable. That issue resolved itself on its own after I gave birth and lost the weight I'd gained, however I still "baby" that area and try to prevent it from happening again (using moist wipes like Alison suggested is very helpful).

As far as natural home-remedies, my nurse suggested two options for me (after childbirth, I had hemmorrhoids)
1) witch hazel pads
2) sitz bath

To help with the itching, you can try OTC creams or ointments with hydrocortisone.

Another recommendation: use moist wipes instead of toilet paper.

There are many options between "doing nothing" and "surgery"! The Mayo Clinic has some great options for "minimally invasive" treatments, as the above suggestions are only for the symptoms you are experiencing, and will not get rid of the actual hemorrhoid.