Hemorrhoids. You have Them and Mom’s Remedies Don’t Help.
Hemorroids are the bane of human existence. Over fifty percent of adults in the United States have them. Nobody talks about them. They are the punch lines to many jokes. But, can be a stubborn and serious problem; especially in big cities such as Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Culver City and West Hollywood.
When you have tried all of your mom’s home remedies to no avail, what else can you do?
First Things First.
First, consult a colorectal surgeon, also known as a proctologist. A colorectal surgeon has studied for many years to become a general surgeon and has taken extra training to become a coloproctologist. It is vitally important that an accurate diagnosis be obtained. Hemorrhoids are easily confused with anal fissures, an abscess or fistula (infections), or various other more ominous diseases. During the consultation, you will be gently examined, and an anoscopy may be performed. During the very brief anoscopy, your proctologist will look inside your anal canal with a small anoscope. This will aid in the diagnosis. If stool softeners and Vaseline have not resolved your problem, your doctor may advise you to try the following:
- Over the counter, 1% hydrocortisone ointment. This is an anti-inflammatory medication which will soothe the inflamed lining over your hemorrhoidal veins.
- Prescription strength 2.5% hydrocortisone ointment. Same as above only stronger.
- An antifungal ointment. You may have inadvertently scratched yourself during cleaning or when trying to stop a pesky anal itch. You may have developed a superficial fungal infection.
- Baby powder. Powder will keep the anal area dry, much as it does for babies, thus avoiding the adult equivalent of a diaper rash.
- If your hemorrhoids protrude, you may be able to manually replace them by gently pushing them back in. This will lessen the irritation associated with the hemorrhoidal prolapse. Hemorrhoids do not like the light of day. You may be able to return them to their normal, “inside” location. Your proctologist will advise you in this regard.
- If stool softeners do not soften your stool, your proctologist may prescribe a powder named PEG (polyethylene glycol). Its daily use for a very short period of time will allow for a more regular and complete evacuation. PEG solutions should be used under the guidance of your colon and rectal surgeon.
- A warm sitz bath. Sometimes a warm bath may relieve your stress and anal discomfort and break the cycle of pain. The warm water can help to alleviate the spasm associated with a bout of hemorrhoids.
Help Is Around The Corner.
If all else fails, your colorectal surgeon will discuss slightly more invasive maneuvers that can be performed in the office. Hemorrhoidal injections, also known as sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation, and infrared coagulation are but a few of the time-tested, minimally invasive, painless maneuvers that can help to control your symptoms. Each of these should be performed by a proctologist specially trained in their use.
Los Angeles Colon And Rectal Surgical Associates
At Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates, each of the surgeons is board-certified and available to talk with you, gently examine you, and straightforwardly care for your problem. Help is available for the pesky symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease. Call (310)273-2310.
