Painful Pooper asks:
I noticed that when I poop, my poophole seems to sort of bulge outward and form a thick rim -- as if instead of opening, it kind of drops out and then finally opens. Sometimes pooping hurts and most often it is a slow process as the poop works its way out. (The turds sometimes come out looking like curly-cues, like that pasta that's sort of c-shaped.) Are these hemorrhoids? Should I worry about it? Sometimes when I wipe before they retract, I can feel them, it's somewhat sensitive -- and it scares the heck out of me!
I also occasionally bleed when I poop, the doc says it might be internal hemorrhoids. Maybe those internal hemorrhoids are now (on occasion) external?
Dear Painful Pooper,
While it is normal for the rectum to bulge outward before opening, as you describe, I am curious as to exactly how you know this. I have no idea what mine looks like while pooping, because it would require LOOKING. This is just not what I want to see; but whatever floats your boat, I always say.
Here are a few basic truths about life:
- Pooping shouldn't hurt.
- You shouldn't bleed after you poop.
- Poop that looks like a curly-cue is always cool to see.
At least you are one of the few here who has GONE TO SEE A DOCTOR about a problem, so I have to give you props right there.
You do have hemmorhoids, and they could be getting worse. Before you have to have a hemmorhoidectomy like I did follow a very high fiber diet and be sure you drink plently of liquids.
See your doctor again if your problem isn't improving. Good luck, and thanks for asking Poonurse.
Please be advised that I am only a Poonurse. I am NOT a medical doctor. Any advice I give should be taken moderate skepticism. Please consult a REAL medical doctor if you feel you have a serious medical condition.
-- Poonurse
Poonurse is an RN with 25 years experience in labor and delivery. Her qualifications include seeing a lot of poop, and owning a computer. Also, she works in Michigan, which she calls the asshole of the universe, so that's another bit of credibility.
Got a question for her?