Very Personal but how can one ride on a spin cycle or bicycle when . . .

[kajero]

one has severe hemorrhoids?

What are the best OTC medicines?

My health insurance is lousy.

[ny biker]

Mayo Clinic says...

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20249211

Though a warm sitz bath and applying ice seem contradictory. I do know someone who did the sitz bath thing when she developed hemorrhoids during pregnancy. On the other hand if sitting on a bike saddle is an issue, that implies inflammation which I would treat with an ice pack, I think.

Not mentioned on the Mayo Clinic page, but I think my friend also used a stool softener to prevent further irritation.

I hope they subside soon.

[Catrin]

I've no helpful advice beyond what NY Biker said, but I hope you feel better soon!

[Sky King]

I remember using Tucks pads after childbirth too. An old BF did a ton of sitz baths but still ended up having to have his lanced - ugh

[ny biker]

There are two kinds -- external and internal. One is reportedly easy to remove -- I think the external kind. The other kind not as easy and can be painful, from what I'm told.

Hopefully the OTC treatments are helping...

[Robin77]

My PCP would not do anything about them! Said they were not serious enough. A call to USCF Olympic training camp and a chat with MD there got me a referral to a surgeon at Mass General, who, after I sighed heavily about how painful they become, especially after a long road race, He agreed to surgery. The procedure was called a "partial internal sphincterotomy!" No problems after that!
Good luck!
Robin