Damn bro, they suck! That's for sure! I have two and they are noticeable and sometimes just itchy but sometimes very painful. Sometimes the pain is so intense I can't sleep and my lower back feels the pain from them.
That preparation H (max) cream does wonders bro! You can use the Walgreens version, I just highly recommend getting the Maximum relief one.
It's simple to use, poke out safety seal, draw a little out to lube the insert and slowly insert into your anal. Shoot a little in and then wipe off insert and reapply some on your finger and wipe on the exterior of your anus.
By the way health insurance does not, I repeat does not cover hemmroids. I discovered that when I went to the doctor. Doctors classify it as domestic surgery... also it can cost a range between $1K-$3K to handle them in the dr office...
Best of luck.
Also try ibuprofen at 600mg every 6 hours for 24 hours to relieve pain and inflammation.