Hemorrhoids in truckers: general description. TRUCKERS! Do you know that you are at higher risk of developing hemorrhoids (piles) than almost any other worker? This is because he is sitting in a confined space for hours on end, which in turn causes increased abdominal pressure, the main cause of hemorrhoids. Plus, those endless hours in your truck often cause the main predisposing factor for complications from your hemorrhoids: constipation!

If it weren’t for his willingness to brave the elements and spend hours upon hours on the road in his truck, and often away from home, the rest of us would suffer in more ways than we could count…whether we realize it that or not! If it weren’t for “the things” that he brings us in his truck, we would get by without tools, furniture, toys, gifts, cars, building materials, medicine, clothes, food and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, we often take it for granted.

Office workers also often sit for hours, but they have the freedom to get up and stretch or go to the bathroom or take a break at least every two hours without costing them less pay. You, on the other hand, have to make the decision to get your truck off the road (in a safe place, of course), get out of that monster, and spend some of your precious time that translates, for you, into money.

What are hemorrhoids?

Most of us, except for truckers, know very little about trucking, and sadly, 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. That means the blood vessels are swollen, twisted, and irritated. If they are located inside 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 look like red or even purple balls.

What Causes Truckers to Get Hemorrhoids?

In the case of truckers, it is sitting hour after hour, day after day in one place that causes pressure to build up in the lower intestine. Blood vessels respond to pressure by becoming thick and twisted.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids in truckers?

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

– Bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the stool

– Itching and burning around the anus

– Painful bowel movements (if the pain is sudden and severe, you may have developed a complication called a “thrombus” or, worse, “strangulation” (which is just what it sounds like). If you develop sudden, severe pain, call your doctor immediately.

-Feeling that the intestine is not empty after defecating

– Sensitivity around the anus

– Swelling around the anus

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

– Sensation of sitting on something.

What causes hemorrhoid flare-ups in truckers?

The only factor that contributes the most to the aggravation of hemorrhoids is constipation. Truckers are prone to hemorrhoids due to increased abdominal pressure caused by sitting too much. “Road warriors” are also prone to constipation due to:

Irregular intestinal clothing (cannot stop anywhere)

Inadequate fluid intake (causes excessive urination)

Low fiber intake (tasty food, but often greasy)

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

There are many steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms while you are in your truck and when you are not. Truckers as a group are very plentiful and not given to complaining. However, hemorrhoids must be treated because they will only get worse. It is possible to avoid surgery in the future if the hemorrhoids are treated now.

It’s true that some of the things you need to do won’t be easy for you because they will require you to change some of the ways you “do business.” However, I trust you understand that if you don’t pay the price now, you will pay a higher price later. In addition, we are going to make it as easy as possible for you.

Let’s talk about gut clothing first.

Avoid constipation at all costs! Do this by increasing your fiber intake. That means fruits and vegetables, boys and girls! Also eat beans and whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas. Read the labels and go for the fiber! (However, start slowly because adding it too quickly can cause gas.)

Establish a regular pattern for emptying your bowels. For example, 20-30 minutes after meals gives your intestines a chance to do their job. It’s hard and expensive to get your truck off the road, so you need to teach your gut some good habits.

When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, do it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the stool settles in the colon where it loses water and becomes hard and dry. This is inconvenient at first, but once you’ve followed the suggestion above and established a pattern, it’ll be better.

Do not strain or push when you have a bowel movement. If you keep your stool soft, you won’t have to.

For the same reason, don’t rush to force yourself off the stool. On the other hand, do not dawdle in the bathroom. Do your business and get up. Use stool softeners if necessary, but not laxatives!

Some nutritional points:

As we already said, increase your fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, beans, whole wheat, bran)

Take a bag of fresh fruit/vegetable chunks and whole grain crackers with you in the truck. Eat these while you drive!

Increase your water intake. However, do not consume other types of liquids: coffee has caffeine; soft drinks have sugar (or chemicals if they are diet); the juices are too concentrated; the alcohol is drying. Stay with the water. You will learn to love it. (And your bladder will also get used to the extra fluid so you don’t always have to urinate every hour!)

Keep a food diary with a list of foods and symptoms so you know which foods bother you. That way you can avoid foods that clearly irritate your hemorrhoids.

Other tips:

Avoid lifting heavy objects. If you have to, don’t hold your breath. Too much pressure buildup!

Wear cotton underwear to keep yourself nice and dry.

Change positions as often as possible. Move your butt often. Get out and stretch whenever you can. Instead of sitting through your entire lunch hour (you’ve been sitting long enough), stand up and stretch, bend over, walk a little… anything to get your circulation moving.

Keep your anal area scrupulously clean. Do not use soaps or scented wipes. Gently dry the area; don’t rub!

If you have an outbreak:

• Apply ice frequently. You have room in your truck for an insulated container. Pack up some commercial ice packs and refreeze overnight.
• Apply moist heat at least overnight when the day is done.
• Take a sitz bath (that just means submerging your butt in warm water).
• Sleep on your side to relieve pressure.
• Place pads next to the anal skin that have been soaked in witch hazel.
• Use over-the-counter (OTC) creams, suppositories, and ointments.
• Use pain relievers such as tylenol or motrin if needed.

Do not despair! You can get your life back. The steps listed above require a bit of effort at first, but it will get easier. I promise you, and I also promise you, that your effort will be rewarded! Happy trucking!