Over the last few years, I have encountered a few hemorrhoidal flare-ups. I don't understand how it happens -- after all, I am always careful not to push too hard while crapping.

The last flare-up I had occurred a few months back. It was by far the worst and longest one to date. During the first week I was so uncomfortable, it was like walking around with a golf ball covered in itching powder shoved halfway up my ass.

I tried several things to find a cure or at least gain a little relief: Preparation H, Vaseline, Tucks... nothing satisfied me. Shitting was painful and I was always paranoid something was going to rupture. And wiping... FORGET IT!! It would take fifteen wipes to just try to get my ass clean and by that time my ass was prickly raw. Not only could I never get all the shit out of my butthole, but then I would go to work and sweat, making things down below even more nasty.

Anyway, after about a month, the hemorrhoid cleared up, and my o-ring got back to its wonderful self. For the time being.

Anyone else have a hemorrhoid story? What was your remedy for relief?