Yesterday I had a hard time with a bowel movement, and today I noticed some discomfort when bending down/sitting/etc., so (sorry, this is gross) I checked, and there's a purple, swollen bulb back there. It's not a constant pain - if I go to sit down or something, it will only be painful for a few seconds and then I cannot feel anything more. I really do not want to go to the doctor about this...does anyone know what this could be? Thanks!
You are probably not getting enough fiber in your diet. Everyone needs 20 to 30 grams daily to make their intestines work properly.
I suggest you start taking a water soluble fiber supplement like Metamucil to make sure you get enough FIBER. You could have pulled a muscle. If it doesn't go away in a day or 2 then see a Doctor. You should never have problems with a BM. Taking Metamucil will make your stools gentle without straning--- it's safe and can be taken daily ----twice is usually what is needed ---also drink enough water daily.
Ditto, Hemorroid. Eat fiber. Stay off high grease foods and meat. Take your fibre suppliment daily
and pray that thing does not start bleeding.
Oh yeh, sitz baths in extra warm water and staying off the toilet for prolonged periods also helps.
Go, do your business and get up. You also might try wiping with those medicated pads sold in the laxative suppository section of the pharmacy.
If the hemorroids start bleeding the blood will probably be bright red and try not to freak out too bad if it fills the toilet.
Usually the doctor will prescribe a steroidal suppository before sending you to the colon surgeon to handle bleeding hemorroids.
Those things can look really scary and they could be precursors to other more serious problems so you want to keep an eye on things.
kat
Basically hemorrhoids can be annoying but aren't really harmful unless you keep up the habits that cause them. It can actually be more helpful by telling you that you aren't eating what your body needs and telling you to change it.
It'll probably go away on it's own with the help of Preparation H suppositories and ointment. The Prep H will help lubricate the rectal area and help prevent additional irritation.
Hemoroids can hurt as well as itch!!! The Prep H or similar will help with that as well. I've sometimes used a napkin covered ice cube to help shrink the roid.
Some hemoroids can be massaged back into place. Had a friend that had surgery and had one buldge back out. Doctor massaged it back in.
I would say that the majority of people have some type of hemorroid....either internal or external. I've had mine for over 25 years and they don't usually bother me. Most important thing is to avoid constipation!!! JanettoB
Swollen anus? 
