Oh Laurie miserable.

I am lucky I got to suffer these pre pregnancy and what others have said is right, drink lots of water and do not strain just makes it so much worse. If you are taking iron tablets then some sort of laxitive is a good idea.

When I went to see the Dr about it the first time, they were able to recommend a really good cooling gel.

You poor woman, I soooo know how you feel. They are regular visitors of mine and slightly worse now that I've started iron tablets and have become abit backed up, Lol.

Are you able to ask MW to fax a script for you? Im not sure if anusol is subsidised or not but I do know ultraproct is but you can always just by from over the counter Proctesydyl is about $20. 

Definately dont strain coz that does aggrevate the little critters and if & when you can lie down with your legs elevated slightly higher than the rest of your body, drink heaps of water. I know #2's is the last thing you want to do but dont hold it in coz your motion could dry up and that would make it harder to pass.

I have them right now & since I've started on the iron tablets I have become irregular ( every 2 days now) But once I get the urge I just bite my tongue and go.

if they are really painful you can try ice cube's wrapped in a light clean material and place you no where for a temporaray relief and maybe go and buy you some unscented wet wipes....

I hope you can get them resolved before bubs decides to come....