How do I get rid of a hemorrhoid?

How to get rid of an awful hemorrhoid (repost)?

• Ok this is kind of embarrassing but I am 37 weeks and have a huge hemorrhoid. It's about the size of a green olive and it hurts real bad. I've had it since Thursday and I've tried preparation H wipes and cream and it's not shrinking. I've also been taking sitz baths and drinking 3 liters of water, eating fiber and taking Colace. I'm getting close to my due date and I don't want to have this thing when I have the baby, as I'm sure it will make my labor more miserable. I have a midwife appt on Tuesday and I plan on asking her about it then, but in the mean time do you know of anything else I can do?

• Answer:

  Oh -- know the discomfort TOO well. I had to have a hemorrhoidectomy a few years after my children were born. I used to add Epsom salts to warm (almost hot) water and soak my bottom until the water got too cold. That helps. Also, you can alternate between the warm baths and ice: place crushed ice in a plastic baggie and place directly on the site .... keep it there until you just can't stand it anymore. Another old remedy that helps shrink the site and help with the itching is Witch Hazel. Saturate a cotton ball with Witch Hazel, apply to the site and let it remain for about 5 - 10 minutes. It will feel cold, but does help. Using all of these methods periodically throughout the day may help improve the swelling and lessen the discomfort.