hemorrhoids and ice packs

Hi there,

I've been suffering from internal hemorrhoids for about 5 months now. The doc says that they're better every time he's checked them (3 times in the last 2 months (that many because I got scared and went back). That being said, the pain is worse now than it's been in a while.

I've been very, very careful about my diet and have been sure to get enough fiber and water each day. I'm fairly regular, as I usually have a BM a few minutes after I wake up.

I've been sitting on a pillow (the inflatable donut was quite uncomfortable) and using frozen gel packs a few times a day.

The question I have is, can you use too much cold on hemorrhoids or keeping does keeping them cool and, hopefully, not as swollen trump that? Basically, could I sit on cold packs all day without any harm?

Thanks.

[ggreg]

I think I answered your other post!  As long as you don't get frostbite, sure, you can use cold packs, but use numbness as your guide.  I get hemorrhoid flare-ups, mine are inside too, altho I'll get one on the outside now and then, and anyway whenever any of mine hurt, I put PLAIN KY jelly on the area after I shower every day that they bother me, and it keeps things from irritating me.  It's actually the particles of waste that rub on the tissues that causes the pain, and even tho they're "internal," the KY will work its way to them and the lubrication keeps those particles from bothering you as much.

[sirris]

Wow, you're turning out to be my angel. You've answered all 3 of the posts I've made in these forums. Thanks so much.

Do you think that the KY will interact negatively with the ointment (Proctosedyl)? For example, would it coat the area and stop the meds from accessing them.

After 5 months of this I'm at my wits end. The last trip to the GI got me another script for Anusol HC suppositories to use at night. The doc said things are looking better than the other 2 times he checked them about 2 months ago and then again 1 month ago and finally 2 weeks ago.

The last week has been the worst in a long time and it's starting to wear on me. Suffering from severe depression and anxiety doesn't help in this kind of case for sure. I can't help but feel that this is never going to end.

Thanks again.

[ggreg]

No, the KY won't interfere with any ointment, it's completely water soluble and if you put it on after you apply the other stuff, everything will be fine.

[sirris]

Thanks again for the advice. I'm going to grab some the next time I'm able to get out of the house. Today had a bout of pain that was so bad I nearly threw up.

I was at the GI only a week and a bit ago, so I know nothing is wrong besides them being there. I'm finding it hard to wrap my head around these just being "normal" 'roids. But that is likely what they are.

I'll say this, other sites that say that internal 'roids don't hurt are waaaay off.

After almost 5 months of this I'm terrified that it'll just keep going and this will become my regular state of being.

OK, enough of my little violin.

Thanks again.