I have been suffering from anal itching and an anal bulge for years.
It would come and go, progressively getting worse. I have also
suffered from IBSD for years.I had a lap hysterectomy in February and
my bowels became all messed up. I had alternating bouts of
constipation and diarhhea. This is when the itching and bulge became
permanent. I have tried suppositories, OTC cream and Tucks. Most of
these things tend to make the irritation worse. At this time I suffer
a searing pain when I have a BM and unbearable itching and burning at
all other times. Several weeks ago I returned to my family doctor and
she said from past exams she knew they were internal hemorrhoids and
I should see a surgeon. I saw the surgeon earlier this week. He only
performed a visual and digital exam. He said I only had external
hemorrhoids and needed a hemorrhoidectomy. I left the office shocked.
I was expecting banding or something. I have been researching
hemorrhoids ever since.

My main questions are is it normal to schedule a hemorrhoidectomy
without doing an anoscope? He did have a copy of a colonoscopy
performed in September.

Also when I compare the way my external hemorrhoid looks to those on
the internet it doesn't look so bad. I also understand that these
internet pictures are usually worst case scenerios. I would to
through with the surgery in a heartbeat if I knew it would make
everything better. I have been adding fiber to my diet for 6 months
or more but I still have breakthrough bouts of diahrrea. This surgeon
prescribed me Questran to take. He thinks since I've had my
gallbladder removed this will help my diarrhea.

Any suggestion or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Sherri

Dear Sherri,

Haemorrhoids have 4 degrees;

1st degree;only bleeding without bulge
2nd degree;bleeding with bulge which reduces by itself

these 2 degrees can be treated by taking fibres,daflon or perhaps also banding

3rd degree; bleeding with bulge which need to be pushed with fingers
4th degree;bleeding with bulge so big that even pushing with fingers fail to
reduce back into the anus

these more advanced degrees need Haemorrhoidectomy for effective treatment

Good Luck

Dr Hamid