Milzy, please take decisive action to address the issue.
A hemorrhoid is basically a stretched vein. In the majority of cases caused by straining when having a BM.
You probably caused the damage pre 1998. It can seem like they are gone when there are no problems for years.
I originally had piles around 18 years of age. Bad diet/lifestyle choices-BM straining. They would come & go over the next 30 odd years, very slowing getting gradually worse with the passing of time.
These days I have a very healthy diet & lifestyle but the damage was done.
On the 1st Nov 2017 the thrombosed pile I had caused me the most severe pain I have ever endured in my entire life. I collapsed at the GP surgery. (I was immediately put on 8 tramadol per day taken with paracetamol)
11 weeks ago I had surgery to have them dealt with. There are about 4 types of treatment depending on severity. I needed the surgeon's scalpel.
If I could turn back the clock I wish I had dealt with them in 1979 with level 1 treatment.
I also wished I had drank much more water with every meal.
Ice used on piles is very painful indeed. Much better to use very warm water in a Sitz bath for under a tenner. They fit in the toilet seat. Here is my review after using it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/review/B006679MHS/RNBHKTIQS2AJI
If you have questions or there is anything at all, I will do whatever I can to help. I don't want anyone to go through what I did.