The Doctors: Hemorrhoids & Anal Fissures
Shelley is a 35-year-old woman who struggle with Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures. She said that seeing bleeding was scary, and the pain from these conditions is severe. It has interfered with her work schedule as well.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Jorge Rodriguez met with Shelley to help her come up with solutions for her persistent problems. Shelley talked about her constipation and bloating symptoms, as well as her anal bleeding.
Though Hemorrhoids are a common condition, anal bleeding could indicate more severe medical issues.
Her problems have been intermittent over the last year, and other doctors have recommended over the counter hemorrhoid remedies. She said she has extremely difficult bowel movements.
The Doctors: Anal Fissures
Dr. Rodriguez compared Anal Fissures to a paper cut in the anus, which doesn’t always heal by itself. These fissures or tears are open wounds that are disrupted all the time and exposed to infection from bowel movements.
Shelley has already incorporated more fiber into her diet, and her nutritional changes have helped her lose a shocking 100 pounds. Due to the length of her history, Dr. Rodriguez suggested an examination and Colonoscopy to see if there are other underlying issues.
But Shelley was scared, fearing that the procedure would hurt. He explained that it’s a simple examination, and she would be asleep during the procedure, so she wouldn’t feel any discomfort.
Read more about Colonoscopy Procedures.
The Doctors: Colonoscopy for Anal Fissures
According to the show, Shelley’s anxiety and Asthma were revved up on the day of her Colonoscopy. Dr. Rodriguez was alarmed to learn that Shelley drank some water, defying the pre-operative care instructions. He explained that as a result she may become nauseated or even vomit.
He listened to Shelley’s lungs to check on her Asthma, and determined that they should reschedule the procedure for another day. Shelley became upset, saying that she has a family history of Colon Cancer, which she is afraid could be uncovered in her exam.
Dr. Rodriguez said the best case scenario for colon cancer is catching it early. Dr. Travis Strok said you shouldn’t postpone medical treatments, even if they are scary, because they could prevent future complications.
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