So I have hemorrhoids. Will be visiting the doctor soon. Am I taking the right steps?

First, I am going to see a doctor, already made the appointment.

Second. So being an 18 year old in college, junk food is all around me (I don't drink). However, for the past few months hemorrhoids have come back to haunt me (had them almost 7 years ago). There is bright red blood on my toilet paper and occasionaly on my stool. Also I fear it's a protuding one, as I feel something hanging out as I have the movement (it goes back in though).

So for the last two/three days, here is what I have done to help myself:

- more fiber and water (have bran with my cheerios, including legumes and other veggies).
- I sit on a cushion.
- I walk around (at least 20-30 mins a day)
- reduced soda intake (went from about 20-30oz to 4-5oz).
- Will use cold compression (ice) to reduce swelling.

What I am still working on:
- losing weight
- reducing things like cheese and dairy products.

So am I going in the correct path? Once again, yes I am seeing a doctor (who also dealt with my prev. hemorrhoids).

Other details.

I feel no pain when having a bowel movement.

I breathe while having a bowel movement.

I am trying to fully cut soda.

Any other suggestions?

P.S I know I asked this question already. Just getting different opinions

Handle your business, brotha. Reach back there and push it back in.

Sounds like you are taking control of the situation. Everything you describe is good. You may also want to consider a hemorrhoid cream, like Preparation H or Tucks. These can help reduce swelling, pain and itching. The most important dietary thing you can do is drink enough water and add fiber in the form of fruits and veggies. When stool is very hard, it can contribute greatly to hemorrhoids. Good luck to you.

Try a nice warm sits bath, also use baby wipes for the final wipe after bowel movement. don't know if that's the proper spelling on the bath, but run the tub up yo your navel and add a cup or two of Aveeno and soak for as long as you can.

Yes, you're on the right path. Hemorrhoids are usually associated with constipation, which is a diet-related problem. The blood in your stool means the hemorrhoids are serious. You need to make a bigger change in your diet than what you're doing, although it's a start. Also cut out, or drastically cut down on, highly processed foods: soda--as you mentioned, candy and most other sweets--especially the ones that are mostly sugar, chips, anything from fast-food restaurants, TV dinners, etc. Alcohol and coffee also make hemorrhoids worse, at least they did in my case. Try taking vitamins supplements regularly, especially the B-complex, which is beneficial for hemorrhoids.
If your doctor suggests some kind of surgery, tell him you want to try these diet changes first, to see if they help. But give them time to work--a month should be enough. Surgery should be the last resort.

Read the other answers and they are right but also remember not to strain when using the bathroom and don't spend a long time in there either sitting and reading only makes it worse your body unconsiously strains weather you mean to or not.

keep yur fingers out of yur pipe??or other strange objects?? add that to the list?

vitamin C helps, and oranges are a good source for that (eat 2 or 3 a day) and also apply Vitamin E oil to the, um, area. been there done that, after a few days i was fine.