OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Pelvic Floor Issues? My Journey with Hemorrhoids and Frustration with Doctors

This is going to be quite detailed, as I am at my wits' end trying to find a solution. At the age of 18, I was lifting weights at the gym when I encountered a problem. After a session of deadlifts, I attempted to relieve myself but found myself unable to do so, feeling severely constipated. Out of sheer curiosity and desperation, I filmed my anal region and discovered large, grape-like lumps that I suspected were hemorrhoids or possibly a prolapse. I've concluded they are indeed hemorrhoids since their shape isn't round. They appear to grade as internal type 2, as they protrude when I try to defecate, which subsequently hinders the process and feels like an obstruction. As a young adult without insurance, I thought they might resolve on their own. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I continued with my training while struggling for EIGHT long years. My symptoms include the following: - A recurring sensation of incomplete bowel evacuations - Persistent constipation - A feeling of fullness within my rectum - Buildup of pressure and gas that feels trapped - Inability for my anus to open while breathing, as if my diaphragm is weighing down on my pelvic region - Discomfort and pain above the crack of my buttocks and in the anal area - Difficulty in passing stools along with mucus discharge - Reduced mobility and tightness in my lower back, along with a constant feeling of bloating and fullness in my abdomen with no gas release Over the past year, the situation worsened to the point where I couldn’t exercise due to back spasms, leading to significant weight gain of around 40-50 pounds. Intimacy has become awkward since I often feel the urge to pass gas due to trapped air in my stomach. Engaging in hobbies like playing guitar or video games is painful due to persistent discomfort in my backside and lower back. Overall, my quality of life has drastically diminished, preventing me from enjoying activities I once loved. Now that I'm older, with a decent job and good insurance, I decided to have the hemorrhoids removed. However, my experiences with various doctors have been incredibly frustrating and unhelpful. I’ve seen multiple healthcare providers, and their routine has become painfully predictable: - Appointments scheduled weeks to a month in advance - Brief consultations lasting 5 to 10 minutes, often with no real effort made to address my concerns - Digital examinations that make me feel hopeless and unheard - Minimization of my experiences with assurances that the hemorrhoids would resolve or shift during bowel movements - Generic advice on fiber intake, laxatives, and hydration that I’ve already been following for years - Prescription medications that yield no results - And then the cycle repeats. At least five different doctors over the past year have subjected me to this same exhausting routine. One physician noted that I had "multiple large internal hemorrhoids" and recommended at least five banding sessions, performing three before abruptly suggesting a colonoscopy due to potential cancer risks—an assertion I had to endure from several doctors. Fortunately, the colonoscopy indicated no signs of cancer, something I firmly believed from the beginning yet felt unheard when advocating for myself. This doctor then speculated that I might be experiencing anal stenosis or levator ani syndrome. The latest healthcare professional thinks this could relate to pelvic floor dysfunction. I might agree, but I can’t overlook the undeniable presence and obstruction caused by the hemorrhoids with every bowel attempt. Currently, I am undergoing pelvic floor physical therapy, which I find entirely ineffective, only adding to my frustration. I have faced misdiagnoses and incurred costs for conditions that include: - Colon cancer - SIBO - Issues with intestinal motility (Stitz marker test) I simply want answers and resolution. At this point, I remain uncertain if it's exclusively hemorrhoids, yet none of the physicians have engaged in genuinely seeking a solution. They routinely suggest that my bowel movements will alleviate the hemorrhoids and send me away with prescriptions for conditions they misdiagnose. Furthermore, during examinations, doctors seem to glide past these hemorrhoids due to excessive lubricant, which is starkly different from the reality of a hard stool caused by constipation. Moreover, using laxatives or an excess of fiber compromises the body's ability to expel the swollen hemorrhoids, leaving them trapped and unresolved. When assessing my condition, if sufficiently lubed, I can insert my finger; however, if I’m not, overcoming the anal sphincter is impossible. Pushing through the hemorrhoids induces excruciating pain that triggers nausea. I’m at a loss for what to do next. It feels like I’m losing my sanity while still in the prime of my life, all thanks to this persistent affliction.

Answers (1)

6/26/2025, 3:50:55 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the overwhelming challenges you've been facing with your pelvic floor issues and hemorrhoids. Your experience sounds incredibly frustrating, especially when you feel unheard and uncertain about the way forward. I want to assure you that there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Key Takeaways

1. Your symptoms indicate a complex interplay between hemorrhoids and possible pelvic floor dysfunction.
2. Focus on symptom management and lifestyle adjustments while seeking a specialized approach to care.

Explanation

Given your long history with hemorrhoids and the accompanying symptoms, it’s understandable that you feel stuck. Hemorrhoids, especially if they are large and internal, can indeed cause significant discomfort and lead to other issues such as constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction. The difficulty you're experiencing with bowel movements and the accompanying pressure and discomfort can contribute to feelings of distress and frustration.

It's important to pursue targeted strategies, as continuing on an ineffective path without addressing your unique needs won’t help you achieve relief. It’s also vital to ensure you’re engaged with a healthcare provider who listens to you and treats your symptoms comprehensively.

Next Steps

1. Document & Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your daily symptoms, bowel habits, diet, and any triggers or alleviating factors. This can help you identify patterns and provide clear information to your healthcare provider.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Ensure you’re incorporating a balanced amount of soluble and insoluble fiber. Sometimes, an excess of fiber can worsen symptoms if fluid intake isn’t sufficient. Aim for hydration—around 2-3 liters daily—and consider foods that promote regularity without excessive gas.

3. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Options: Since you mentioned current therapy has not been effective, consider seeking out a therapist who specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction specifically related to your symptoms. Ask for exercises that promote relaxation of the pelvic floor, as tightness can contribute to discomfort.

4. Explore Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids: If large hemorrhoids are contributing to your issues, consider discussing more invasive options with a colorectal surgeon. Treatments can include banding, sclerotherapy, or hemorrhoidectomy, which may provide the relief you need.

5. Biofeedback Therapy: This involves using devices that help you gain awareness and control over muscle contractions in your pelvic floor, potentially easing your symptoms.

6. Regular Follow-ups with Specialized Providers: If you haven’t already, consider seeking a specialist in colon and rectal surgery or a gastroenterologist who has experience dealing with complex cases like yours and can offer a more thorough evaluation beyond standard treatment approaches.

7. Community Support: Sometimes, connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional relief and practical tips. Consider joining support groups, either online or in-person.

Remember to be proactive in your care, advocating for yourself while seeking out providers who will take the time to listen and explore solutions. I hope you find some comfort and reassurance as you navigate these next steps.