You have my deepest sympathy dick, I had mine banded many years ago, extremely uncomfortable for about a week afterwards, but very little trouble since.
When the first appeared I went to see my GP.
He asked me in his gentle Irish brogue, 'Have I seen these piles before Mr Garador?'
'No' says I, 'You haven't Doctor'
'Well, I'd better have a look, hop up onto the bed.' 'Mmmm, I've one thing to say about them.'
'Whats that Doc?'
'I'm blooming glad they're not mine!'
Wonderful bedside manner!! :-))