Hello,

I am five and a half months pregnant, and haven't chatted with you all for awhile.

First the good news-my parents have been great since I told them that I am pregnant. I found out that I am having a girl, and the baby's daddy has been great. We are thinking of getting married.

This has been a remarkable pregnancy-not without stress, but God has been good! I haven't even had morning sickness.

But for some reason, last week I got hit with severe constipation and hemorrhoids. I know this is normal for pregnancy, but everything I read says it should only last a few days, and now I am going on day six! The pain is excruciating, and I walk hunched over.

Here's what I have tried/done:
Been to the doc-he says there is not a lot I can do.
I have changed my diet(cut out sugary, unhealthy stuff, am consuming lots more fiber, fruits, veggies)
I am consuming more fluids
I have used Tucks
Citrucel(gave me too much gas)
I take warm baths
I use an ice pack
I try to stay off my feet
I have used Preparation H

I am just worn down and have cried a couple of times. I have had "success" on the toilet a few times, but it hurts like h--- and then although I get relief, the pain returns later.

I do see a correlation between me getting tense and the "seizures", so I know I have to relax.

Is there anything I am forgetting? Please tell me that it will go away any day now. I was at work today and it was miserable.

Ericka

Oh you poor thing. As for the hemorrhoids I really am not sure. I have been one of the lucky ones. Nine pregnancies and no hemorrhoids, but I do feel for those who have them. The only thing I can think of that might help the discomfort but not the heeling is ladacain cream. I really don't know if you can use it in that area but as your doc.

As far as the constipation, as you know, keep the fluids going especially water and sports drinks. Coffee, tea, sodas just dehydrate you more. Now I know with the other and discomfort it is hard but have you tried walking? Walking really helped me when I had trouble. I drink twise as much water through out the day and go for a walk after a heavy meal.
I do hope you feel better soon and good luck with you other plans in life.
God bless.

It will not last, but it may not be over anytime soon. Keep up with what you are doing. Also try warm apple juice--did wonders for me.

Also take a close look at your diet because I found out the hard way that it is the little things that cause you problems. Like brocoli, that can actually cause constipation just like rice and bananas.

But if you sit down at work take a pillow to sit on, be careful when picking up object off the ground etc.

Good luck and God Bless

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself - I am a new member and was reading the boards when I came across your post. Boy, did that sound familiar. While I was pregnant with my last child (5 yrs ago) I had a severe case of hemorrhoids. I could not walk, sit, stand, or anything else for that matter without wanting to cry because it hurt so bad...going to the bathroom...that was a nightmare (baby wipes helped a litte - regular toilet paper was too rough). Lucky for me I worked at a hospital and my manager had experienced the same problems - she advised me to go to the ER and have them lanced. I had that done (which is a little awkward being so exposed to the people you work with), the releif was instant (on a temporary basis). I did not want to take any medication post procedure, but the Doc gave me a Rx for Tylenol #3 anyway. The nurse told me that if I was concerned about taking the Rx, I could just get some extra-strenght Tylenol and take that instead. (WHO WHAS SHE KIDDING) If you decide to go this route, please fill the Rx. I went home and cooked dinner (feeling mighty fine, no pain), sat down to eat and only ate 2 bites when the local topical anestetic (lidocaine I believe) wore off....I was not feeling so fine. I had my ex run into town and fill the Rx..the pain was excruciating...after taking the Rx and giving it time to work the pain was gone. What I should have done is filled the Rx before I got home and taken one. My ob/gyn had no problem with me taking the Rx, I guess I was just trying to tough it out. I have since learned that there is no reason for someone to be in pain if it can be avoided.

I hope this helps. Good luck to you.

I never had hemmoroids unitl after I have my son. I just used the tucks and was fine. I was lucky enough not to have that pain.

I did however have the consipation. That was complete h**! A natural cure that worked well for me was two things. One it pour tall glass of Apple juice and heat it up in the microwave. Drink the whole thing. If that does not work than try Hot chocolate. A whole cup. Don't sip either one. Just drink them up. I know for me in about an hour I hit the bathroom and had relif! Hey it can't hurt right? I also use the apple juice trick on my son and it works for him every time. Hope it works for you.

GOOD LUCK

SPIRIT

Hello,

I just want to say thanks to everyone for your advice! I am feeling much much better. You know, I had never heard of the warm apple juice. I will have to remember that...

Anusol was quite soothing and Colace was very helpful. Also breathing and relaxation. I am still a little tender, but no where near where I was, and I am going to try and keep it that way.

Thanks so much for your support!!!

Ericka

I used to work in a hospital, and the standard protocol for postsurgical deliveries was stool softener and anti-gas meds. I'm glad to see you're feeling better, though.