I've had hemorrhoid issues for about 11 years. For the first 9 years, they would only flare up once or twice a year, but as I'm getting older, they're flaring up more often. I have one that swells up before and after a BM, and then it goes down for a while. I've tried OTC products, and they help for a while, but it always comes back. I exercise daily, even if it's just a walk. I also eat a VERY high fiber diet, 40g or more a day. I also cut out soda totally years ago, and now I drink mostly water and juice. I've had my female DR ask me for year if I had pain, and for the most part they didn't, but now they are, and I also have bleeding from time to time. I've been given RX creams that help, but again, it's only short term. I'm thinking of seeing a DR about this, but I don't know what to ask, or what to expect. I'm worried about any type or procedure or surgery, just because of complications. Needing some advice and encouragement!