Hemorrhoids in Trucker Overview

Hemorrhoids in Trucker Overview

Hemorrhoids in Truckers: Overview. TRUCKERS! Do you know that you have a greater risk of developing hemorrhoids (piles) than almost any other worker? This is because you spend hours sitting in a confined space, which in turn causes an increase in abdominal pressure, the main cause of hemorrhoids. Additionally, those endless hours in your truck often cause the main predisposing factor to complications from your hemorrhoids: constipation!

If it weren't for your willingness to brave the elements and spend hours upon hours on the road in your truck, often far from home, the rest of us would be suffering in more ways than we could count...whether we realize it or not! If it weren't for the "stuff" that you bring to us with your truck, we would do without tools, furniture, toys, gifts, cars, building materials, medicine, clothing, food and much more. Unfortunately, we often take them for granted.

Office workers also typically sit for hours, but they are free to get up and stretch or go to the bathroom or take a break at least every few hours without it costing them a smaller paycheck. On the other hand, you have to make the decision to pull your truck off the road (in a safe place, of course), climb out of this monster and invest some of your precious time, which will translate into money for you.

What are hemorrhoids?

Most of us, except truckers, know very little about trucking and unfortunately most of us, including truckers, know very little about hemorrhoids. What are these annoying “little things” anyway?

Hemorrhoids are basically varicose veins of the rectum and/or anus. This means the blood vessels are swollen and twisted and irritated. If they are located in the rectum, they are called “internal” and are not visible without a medical instrument. If they are located around the anus, they are called “external” and are visible as reddened or even purple balls.

Why do truckers get hemorrhoids?

For truckers, it's sitting in one place for hours every day that causes pressure to build up in the lower intestine. The blood vessels respond to the pressure by becoming thick and twisted.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids in truckers?

How do you know if you have hemorrhoids? Your doctor will tell you for sure, but the following symptoms usually indicate hemorrhoids:

– Bright red blood on toilet paper or in stools

Itching and burning around the anus

– Pain during bowel movements (if the pain is sudden and severe, you may have developed a complication called “thrombus” or, even worse, “strangulation” (that’s what it sounds like). If you suddenly get severe pain, call your doctor immediately.

– A feeling that the intestines are not empty after a bowel movement

– Sensitivity around the anus

– Tumor around the anus

– A bump around the anus that may appear as a purple ball

– A feeling that you are sitting on something

What causes hemorrhoid flare-ups in truckers?

The biggest factor that contributes to the worsening of hemorrhoids is constipation. Truck drivers are prone to hemorrhoids due to the increased abdominal pressure caused by excessive sitting. “Road Warriors” are also prone to constipation for the following reasons:

Irregular bowel habits (can't just stop anywhere)

Inadequate fluid intake (causes excessive urination)

Low fiber intake (tasty but often fatty food)

How can truckers deal with hemorrhoids on and off the road?

There are many steps you can take to relieve your symptoms while you're in your truck and when you're not. Truckers as a group are a warm bunch and don't complain. However, hemorrhoids need to be treated as they will only get worse. It is possible to avoid surgery in the future if the hemorrhoids are treated now.

Admittedly, some of the things you will have to do will not be easy for you as you will have to change some of your “ways of doing business”. However, I trust that you understand that if you do not pay the price now, you will pay a higher one later. Also, we will make it as simple as possible.

First, let's talk about bowel habits.

Avoid constipation at all costs! Do this by increasing your fiber intake. That means fruit and vegetables, boys and girls! Also eat beans and whole-grain bread, cereal and pasta. Read the labels and choose the fiber! (Start slowly, however, as adding too quickly can cause gas.)

Establish a regular pattern to empty your bowels. For example, give your intestines a chance to do its work 20-30 minutes after meals. Getting your truck off the road is difficult and expensive, so you need to teach your gut some good habits.

If you feel the need to have a bowel movement, do so as soon as possible. Otherwise, the stool sits in the large intestine where it loses water, making it hard and dry. This is uncomfortable at first, but once you follow the previous suggestion and establish a pattern, betting becomes better.

Do not strain or strain when moving your bowel movements. If you keep stools soft, you don't have to.

For the same reason, don't rush it by pushing out the stool. On the other hand, you shouldn't dawdle on the toilet. Do your business and stand up. Use stool softeners if necessary, howevernotLaxative!

Some nutritional tips:

As we said before, increase your fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, bran).

Carry a bag of fresh fruit/vegetable pieces and whole grain crackers in the truck. Nibble on these while you ride along!

Increase your water consumption. However, don't load up on other types of liquids: coffee contains caffeine; Sodas have sugar (or chemicals if they're diet); Juices are too concentrated; Alcohol dries. Stick to water. You will learn to love it. (Plus, your bladder gets used to the extra fluid, so you don't always have to urinate every hour!)

Keep a food diary listing foods and symptoms to get a handle on which foods bother you. This way, you can avoid foods that clearly irritate your hemorrhoids.

More tips:

Avoid heavy lifting. If you have to do it, don't hold your breath. Way too much pressure buildup!

Wear cotton underwear to stay dry.

Change your position as often as possible. Move your butt frequently. Get outside and stretch whenever you can. Instead of sitting the entire lunch break (you've sat enough), stand up and stretch, bend, take a short walk... anything to get your blood flowing.

Keep your anal area meticulously clean. Do not use scented soaps or wipes. Gently pat the area dry; Don't rub!

If you have a flare-up:

• Wenden Sie häufig Eis an. Sie haben in Ihrem LKW Platz für einen Isolierbehälter. Packen Sie ein paar handelsübliche Eisbeutel ein und frieren Sie sie nachts wieder ein.
• Wenden Sie feuchte Wärme zumindest abends an, wenn Ihr Tag vorbei ist.
• Nehmen Sie ein Sitzbad (das bedeutet nur, dass Sie Ihr Hinterteil in warmem Wasser einweichen).
• Schlafen Sie auf Ihrer Seite, um Druck abzubauen.
• Legen Sie mit Hamamelis getränkte Pads neben Ihre Analhaut.
• Verwenden Sie rezeptfreie (OTC) Cremes, Zäpfchen und Salben.
• Verwenden Sie bei Bedarf Schmerzmittel wie Tylenol oder Motrin.

Don't despair! You can take your life back. The steps listed above require some effort in the beginning, but it gets easier. I promise, and I also promise, that your effort will be rewarded! Have fun trucking!

Inspired by Sue Bristol