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Well, so you have hemorrhoids. What a pain (and we all know where). Hemorrhoids are very common in seniors. In fact, it has been estimated that fully half of people have experienced hemorrhoids by the time they reach 50! What are these nasty little things that have come to intrude in your "golden years"...and what can you do about them. First of all, they are basically varicose veins of the rectum and anus. So, what does that mean? It means that the blood vessels which are supposed to be in the rectal area have become inflamed and twisted and thick and painful. Hemorrhoids are almost always caused by an increase in abdominal pressure which results most commonly from straining to have a bowel movement. Once the pressure has increased, the vessels are in peril of becoming irritated...and they usually do. That causes them to hurt, and bleed, and itch, and burn! Not pleasant. With people of "a certain age" the muscles which control the anus have become weak and stretched out and are not as effective at controlling the movement of the bowels. Thus, another fairly common symptom with seniors is called "encopresis" and refers to the involuntary passage of stool...leaking of bowel movement...onto the undergarments. But don't despair...there are lots of things we can do to help. However, let me say that if you develop sudden pain or blood in your stool, check with your doctor...even if you have had hemorrhoids for most of your life. The reason for this is to ensure that there is nothing more serious going on that may need immediate medical attention. So, once your doctor has confirmed that your problem is indeed hemorrhoids, what can you do? The treatment varies a bit depending upon whether your hemorrhoids are internal or external..
Internal hemorrhoids are inside the body and are not visible without the assistance of a medical instrument (anoscope) External hemorrhoids are around the anus and are visible to the naked eye, often as purple-colored balls. There are several operative procedures that can be done for your hemorrhoids, but we're no where near that area yet. There are many things you can do at home:
Change your diet so as to increase your fiber intake. Foods high in fiber are whole wheat breads, pastas, and cereals; fruits and vegetables; bran; beans.
Minimize foods that bring "nothing to the party"...spices, cheese, white bread, red meat, caffeine. And keep a record: Date/Time
Food
Symptoms
Mon 12/14 lunch
salad, chili, white roll diet Pepsi Mon 12/14 11PM burning, itching around anus
Tues 12/15 10 AM small hard stool with bright blood Better skip the chili next time, folks! Use OTC (over-the-counter) products for symptom relief. For example, motrin or aleve for pain, ointments to reduce itching and swelling, rectal suppositories to soften the stool and for pain relief. Apply ice to rectum 3 times per day for 20 minutes each time. Alternate with warm, moist heat (such as a wash cloth or small towel). Take a sitz bath 2-3 times per day. This simply means soaking your anal area in warm water using either a large bowl of some kind or the bathtub. Wear cotton underwear so as to keep the area dry. Moisture and the natural propensity toward germs in the anal region predisposes you to infection and worsening of symptoms. Wear loose fitting clothes so as to avoid irritating your hemorrhoids. Try to incorporate a bit of exercising, such as walking, each day. Avoid heavy lifting. If you must lift, do not hold your breath while lifting. Avoid sitting in the same position for hours at a time. You need to get the blood moving in your rectal area and reduce pressure.
Now, for the most important step you can take...change your elimination habits.
Answer nature's call as soon as you can. Do not, under any circumstances, push or strain to get the stool out. Once your bowels have moved, do not dawdle on the toilet. Get up and get moving. Do not rub the sensitive anal tissue but keep it scrupulously clean by patting the area clean with medicated wipes. (Note this is medicated wipes...not perfumed or scented.
If your hemorrhoids are out of control and these measures do not help, see your doctor. You may have to go to the "next level". Happy hemorrhoid-free day!
Do you want to learn more about getting rid of your hemorrhoids? If so, download my brand new free e-book "Getting Rid of Hemorrhoids" here: Learn how to avoid a doctor visit!
HemorrhoidCure101.com
Sue Bristol, R.N.
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