Hemorrhoids are very common, and most of the time professional or medical intervention is not required. In fact, about 1 in 20 people suffer from hemorrhoids each year, and about 50 percent of all seniors over the age of 50 have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are also very common during pregnancy and after childbirth. However, in some cases, it is important to see a doctor for your hemorrhoids. Here are three signs that you need to seek professional help for hemorrhoids.

Bleeding

If you have blood in the stool or on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement, you may need to seek professional treatment for your hemorrhoids. Some minor bleeding may not be cause for concern. However, if you have a lot of bleeding or frequent bleeding, it could lead to anemia if the problem is not corrected. Continue reading “Three Signs You Need to Seek Professional Treatment of Hemorrhoids”

Even if your hemorrhoid treatment is nonsurgical, it will take some time to heal from a case of hemorrhoids. Taking care while you are healing is important. You will heal much faster and have a quicker relief of symptoms if you are able to take care of yourself and keep the area clean. Here are some ways that you can help yourself heal after your hemorrhoid treatment.

Sitz Bath

It is a good idea to take a sitz bath, or a short bath of warm water, for 15 to 20 minutes 3 times per day and after bowel movements. This will help relieve some of your pain and discomfort. It will also ensure that the area stays clean, so that you are able to heal quickly. Continue reading “Healing After Your Hemorrhoid Treatment”

If you are a long time sufferer of hemorrhoids, you have probably done some research into possible treatments. One of the nonsurgical treatments that was preferred for a number of years was Ultroid. This nonsurgical treatment has since been replaced with HET, or Hemorrhoid Energy Therapy. Here’s what you need to know about both and why HET is the new preferred method.

Similarities Between Ultroid and HET

Ultroid and HET do have some similarities in how they work. With both methods, the blood vessel feeding the hemorrhoid is targeted to disrupt the blood flow to the hemorrhoid while also triggering the body’s healing response. Ultroid uses electrical currents to trigger a chemical reaction in the tissues. HET uses low heat of 55 degrees centigrade that destroys the blood vessels but not the overlying mucosa.  Both treatments are appropriate for internal, not external, hemorrhoids. Continue reading “Have You Heard of Ultroid? Here’s Why It Was Replaced by HET”

While we will always do everything we can to avoid surgery, sometimes it is inevitable. If you need to have surgery to remove hemorrhoids, there are some things that you need to know to be prepared. Knowing what to expect during and after your surgery is important to its success.

The Surgery Itself

Surgical hemorrhoid treatment is a very simple procedure, and it is usually done on an outpatient basis. However, it is surgery, and any surgery comes with risks. Discuss with your doctor the risks of your surgery, and to get an understanding of the procedure itself. You will be placed under anesthesia for the surgical procedure, and you will need someone with you to take you home afterwards. Continue reading “What to Expect from Your Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment”

Hemorrhoid Energy Therapy, or HET, is a fairly new outpatient, nonsurgical procedure that eliminates internal hemorrhoids. This treatment is still being introduced in some practices, but we are experts in the procedure. Learn here what HET hemorrhoid treatment is, how it works, and how you can get started curing your hemorrhoids today.

What is HET?

Hemorrhoid Energy Therapy is an outpatient, nonsurgical procedure that eliminates internal hemorrhoids without pain. Then procedure is painless, the only discomfort being pressure related to the instrument placement in the rectal vault. It is very effective for grade 1 and 2 internal hemorrhoids and very helpful for grade 3 lesions. Grade 1 do not prolapse, grade 2 prolapse but spontaneously reduce and grade 3 need manual reduction. Patients with grade 4 internal hemorrhoids that cannot be reduced are not candidates for the HET procedure. HET usually stops the bleeding for grades 1-3. Continue reading “What is Hemorrhoid Energy Therapy and How Does it Work”

Last year, the state of Florida passed a measure allowing for medical marijuana certification for certain medical conditions. While hemorrhoids and their complications are not listed specifically on the list of approved conditions for medical marijuana certification, these conditions can qualify you for certification via the provision for debilitating and chronic pain. But the benefits of medical marijuana reach far beyond for a multitude of conditions other than anorectal disorders and I am now equipped and ready to to help as a certified physician with the Florida Health  Medical Marijuana Registry

My practice is proud to offer services to patients who wish to try medical marijuana. I understand that. the desire for natural treatments is strong in today’s society. We are interested in helping our patients achieve a better quality of life, utilizing any treatments at our disposal. Many illnesses are appropriate for medical marijuana including; cancer, Crohns, PTSD, MS, glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, ALS, epilepsy, terminal conditions and chronic nonmalignant pain. Many similar conditions including just a few of a long list include anxiety  Alzheimers and insomnia. Continue reading “Now Open to Patients Seeking Medical Marijuana Certification”

Hemorrhoids can often seem like just another nuisance. In fact, most Americans will suffer from a case of hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime. Yet persistent and ongoing hemorrhoids can lead to other common conditions that can cause additional symptoms and health problems. If these conditions develop due to prolonged or frequent hemorrhoids, it is important to see a doctor for treatment of the condition as well as hemorrhoids.

Constipation

Constipation is a common condition of people who have frequent or prolonged cases of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort and swelling, which in turn can make bowel movements uncomfortable. It can also lead to strained bowel movements, which can make constipation even worse. Severe cases of constipation can affect your health in numerous ways. Chronic constipation, especially when caused by hemorrhoids, should be addressed by a doctor. You can treat this condition with over the counter laxatives, but when those fail or you have to use them frequently, they can cause additional problems and side effects. Continue reading “Common Conditions that Result from Hemorrhoids”

Hemorrhoids are very common. About 50 percent of the adult population will have hemorrhoids at some point before the age of 55. There are a lot of over the counter and at-home remedies for hemorrhoids that at times can be very effective. You may be embarrassed to see your doctor about hemorrhoids, but there are some cases when it is necessary to do so.

Over the Counter Treatments Not Effective

If you have hemorrhoids and have been using over the counter treatments for over one week without relief of symptoms, it is likely time to visit a doctor. Hemorrhoids can lead to serious health conditions if left untreated. It is important that you relieve your symptoms, not just for your comfort but your overall health. If over the counter treatments do not offer any relief in a short period of time, you should see a doctor for additional treatment options.

Bleeding

Any type of bleeding from the anus is a cause for concern. If you notice red on the toilet paper after you use the bathroom, see red in the toilet, or notice black or tarry looking stools, you will need to see a doctor fairly quickly. These are signs that hemorrhoids have led to a bursting of the blood vessels, and could also be a sign of internal hemorrhoids and bleeding. When bleeding is severe enough to cause lightheadedness and shows no sign of stopping, this is a medical emergency and requires a trip to the emergency room. Continue reading “3 Signs You Need to See Your Doctor about Hemorrhoids”

One of the things that can cause hemorrhoids or make them worse is sitting for long periods of time. Many people have desk jobs that require them to be sitting for the majority of their day. If this is you, there are some things that you can do to minimize your risk of hemorrhoids.

Take Frequent Breaks

If you are able, you should get up from your chair and move around about once an hour. Even if it is a short break, you should spend some time standing or walking around frequently throughout your day. This gives the blood vessels in the anus time to recuperate from the pressure of constant sitting, and could reduce your risk of hemorrhoids. It is also a good idea to spend breaks from your work up and moving around rather than sitting in the break room.

Use a Pillow

Using a donut shaped pillow to sit on at your desk can also help relieve or prevent hemorrhoids. These pillows allow you to sit comfortably while taking the pressure off of the anus. Hemorrhoids are caused by issues with the blood vessels in the anus, and the constant pressure of sitting can exacerbate those problems. With a donut pillow, you can sit for long periods without putting pressure on those vessels. You can get these donut shaped pillows for a low cost at many retailers. Continue reading “3 Things Desk Workers Can Do to Minimize Risk of Hemorrhoids”

Hemorrhoids can be very painful and irritating, but there are no doubt times when they bother you more than others. There are some lifestyle habits that many people have that can aggravate hemorrhoids, making them worse or bringing on a fresh flare up. If these lifestyle habits sound familiar to you, you should consider changing your routine to improve your health and comfort.

Sitting for Long Periods

Many people sit for long periods, either at work or at home. If you spend most of your day sitting and you have hemorrhoids, you will likely become more and more uncomfortable as the day wears on. Hemorrhoids are aggravated by the veins in and near the anus becoming strained. If you are spending most of your time sitting, you will be straining those vessels, causing them to be worse.

If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, try getting up out of your chair frequently to give the veins a break. Getting plenty of exercise, at least once per day, will also help to reduce discomfort from hemorrhoids.

How You Have Bowel Movements

Bowel movements can greatly aggravate hemorrhoids because it puts those veins under pressure. If you are used to sitting on the toilet at the same time every day and straining to have a bowel movement, you are going to cause or worsen hemorrhoids. Instead, you should go to the bathroom when you have the urge and sit on the toilet as little time as possible.

Low Fiber Diet

A low fiber diet is fairly common today, as people eat more processed foods and go on low carb diets. Having enough fiber in your diet is very important when you have hemorrhoids. When you get enough fiber, bowel movements are much easier and more frequent, which will help reduce the strain on the anus.

If you are experiencing hemorrhoid symptoms and you have tried to make these lifestyle adjustments, contact our offices today. We will schedule an appointment for you, where we will explain the available treatments.