Turns out it's not a hemorrhoid at all but some kind of surplus exposed tissue (can't remember his exact words). Doctor says it's minor but he wants to go in and see what might be causing it and since I'm 50 this year...

Colonoscopy.

The nurse walked me through the process of drinking of the special liquid and subsequent evacuation the night before....she was pleasant but nerdy, not really telling me how bad it was only that I should be at home.

Seems like it might be one of those things that sounds worse than it turns out to be. Anyone got first hand knowledge?