Hemorrhoid questions? (probably tmi and a little gross)?

Question

Okay, I've been plagued by hemorrhoids since having my daughter in Dec. 06. Until now, I've been able to ignore them after using the supposotories my obgyn gave me at my 6 week followup, and taking lots of warm baths and pushing them back inside. But earlier, I noticed just a clot of blood on the toliet paper, and my most recent BM had massive amounts(in my opinion) of blood in the toliet bowl, where the entire bowl was bright red and I could hardly see the product of the bowel movement through it all. This is sudden, and creeping me out. I have soft bms and control the amount of fiber I get, so I don't have to strain. So now, I need to get checked out after researching, but am a little confused, so:

What kind of doctor do I need to see? I have women's healthcare only and am only covered to visit a family planning clinic.

Is it completely urgent, or do you think it will stop in a few days? I don't have a lot of pain, just burning and itching.

How long do I wait before seeing a doctor?

Also, it burns a bit, besides taking a sitz bath( not possible, for at least 3 hours, until my toddler goes to bed) or using creams that I don't have access to or money to buy, are there any home remedies? I can't even use ice because I have no ice packs or ice cube trays to make any in my tiny freezer(I'm out of baggies too, lol)

I suffer from both external and internal, although I'm not sure what size they are, lol, if that makes any difference.

How much do these fixative procedures cost if not covered by insurance?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Got any frozen peas?  They work instead of ice.  Just make sure you mark the bad and never use them to eat- they'll be nasty.  Once it thaws, clean it and put it back in the freezer.

The family planning clinic can probably help you as this is an unfortunate result of pregnancy.  They may be able to give you some hemorrhoid cream to help shrink them and relieve some of the other symptoms.  The creams themselves are available at the grocery store, not too expensive, so you may be able to afford a tube.  I understand how tight money is these days, but a tube of hemorrhoid cream isn't so much

As to having them operated on, I can't tell you how much it'll cost, but I can tell you that the family clinic may be able to help you find a decent hospital and doc.  Most of us have both internal and external, but it sounds like yours are bigger than most.

Please also realize that there are charitable assistance programs at hospitals for those who need it.  Sounds like you could apply for help.

Are you eligible for Medicaid?  Look into it- that may help you pay for your health needs and the baby's as well.

Answer 2

A Hemorrhoid doctor...Proctologist.

Go now!!