How long for an external hemorrhoid lump to go away? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

kiefer617 · 09-09-2008, 10:56 AM

I'm a 39 yo man, who developed an external hemorrhoid for the first time ever about four weeks ago after a bout of diahrreah. I was in a lot of pain for the first day, and after a week, there was a lot of itching, but both those symptoms have gone away. What I'm left with is a lump thats about the size of half a grape, right on my anus, and it's as big as it was that first day four weeks ago! I've done everything they tell you to do -- sitz baths, exercise, drink lots of water, increase fiber, Tucks, Prep H, etc., even taken Horse Chestnut. I've been to my doctor who said it wasn't a thrombosed external hemorrhoid and that the lump should go away in 2-4 weeks. Has anyone had a similar experience, and did their lump ever go away, and were they left with skin tags? I'm just really stressed that this isn't resolving itself and would love to hear from anyone who has already gone through this. Thanks.

59yearold · 09-10-2008, 02:03 PM

I too, got an external hemmorrhoid after a severe bout of diarrehea. Some of the swelling and most of the pain went away in about a week, but their was still swelling for a long time. I found when my hemmorrhoid is swollen it really helps to ice it a couple of times a day. This will usually take care of the swelling. Also, try to keep your stool from being hard because the straining will keep it from healing.

fafafofe · 10-31-2008, 02:01 PM

Kiefer - what ever happened with your external hemmroid?

kiefer617 · 11-02-2008, 01:16 AM

Well, after about five weeks of NO improvement, it started to resolve itself very quickly and was gone within a few days. Luckily I was not left with any skin tags (I think that was my biggest fear!) I do think now though I have anal fissures --it just feels like little tears, it stings when I wash the area, and there is always a little blood on the toilet paper after bowel movements. Then it itches like mad and seems to be healing only to get aggravated and the whole cycle starts again! I've gone back to my old diet as eating more fiber didn't help at all and actually made me constipated, gassy, and really uncomfortable. I do try to soak in warm water at least once a day and am trying really hard to relax and not strain at all when I go to the bathroom. God, six months ago I never could have imagined I'd be having so many issues regarding this matter!!

fafafofe · 11-02-2008, 08:00 AM

Thanks for getting back to me on this keifer. Your story is my story. I too am 39 years old and have done everything imaginable. eating, exercising, sitz baths, gallons of water, fruits, veggies, etc. I also have an external hemmie about the size of two peas right next to each other. Tuesday will be three weeks with the hemmie for me. It doesn't hurt anymore, doesn't bleed, the only problem I am having is minor cleaning after a BM and associated itching. But I take care of that as soon as I have a chance to take a shower or clean a little better. I am freaked out because it is simply still there and hasn't really changed size. I am happy to hear that yours resolved in that 5 week time frame. I have read on line that it could take as long as 6 weeks and I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist in mid December just in case it is still around. I guess I'll just keep doing what I am doing.

Hey Keifer, can you imagine what is going to happen to us when we turn 40

?!!!