Thrombosed Hemorrhoid not going away

In December after a marathon trip to singapore and back in 2 days I got the first painful hemorrhoid ever had. GP took a look and gave me some cream to put on it. A day later the pain was phenomenal and he gave me lidocane gel and suggested I see a surgeon. A few days later I get to the surgeon who tells me I have a thrombosed external hemorrhoid  but because I didn't see him in the first 72 hours it was too late to remove it. Who would have known to skip the GP and head for a surgeon? Anyway, tell me it will shrink down to a small skin tag in about a month and if I want he can remove the tag in the office. A day or two later the pain died down but the swelled lump was still there. It is now 5 months later and this lump is still there, somewhat smaller, but clearly not going away any time soon. It seems like 5 months would do it. What can I do to get it shrink? Is it something I'm not going to be able to remove? It's annoying and interferes with keeping clean. What do I do from here?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

If the thrombosed hemorrhoid continues to be painful, it should be removed or excised.  Yes, this is normally performed by a surgeon, not a gastroenterologist.  

In the meantime, you can do Sitz baths, and perhaps steroid-based creams and suppositories can give some mild relief.

If your surgeon isn't able to perform the procedure, I would seek a second surgical opinion.  

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

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Twitter.com/kevinmd