Qualms about going to the doctor usually stop people on their tracks. Most individuals fear what others would say about them if they’re diagnosed with a condition or disease. Others feel embarrassed so they’d choose not to open up about their illness. Some of these conditions include having hemorrhoids or varicose veins on the rectal area that swell and become very painful. Even if you have second thoughts about going to the doctor for help, you still need to make an appointment if you want to get out of your misery, don’t you think?
Here are some of the basic things that you would want to know about how to get through an hemorrhoid exam so you won’t stress out too much over that familiar fear of the unknown that most patients feel when going to the doctor.
It is important to consult with a physician whom you and your family can trust. There are those who seek help from a general practitioner. If you already have a long-term working relationship with your family doctor that would even be better news. Your physician will obtain your medical history, your personality, and your preferences in the course of treatment if applicable. Medical practice and the concepts that surround it can be confusing for most patients, so feel free to ask questions and express your concerns because your doctor anticipates your qualms and doubts.
Your gastroenterologist, the physician who specializes in the diseases and conditions of the digestive system will guide you on how to get through an hemorrhoid exam from beginning to end. But first, you should be willing to discuss every detail of your having hemorrhoids so your physician can determine what treatment method is best for you. Discuss the signs and symptoms that you find out from your condition, and he may also ask about your daily diet plan and exercise program. Write down the symptoms that you have before you head down to the doctor’s office, this way, your examination will go on smoothly. Try not to leave out anything because sometimes little things or details actually count.
There are hemorrhoid formations that may not require visualization or the use of an endoscope to view the affected area of the rectum and in this case, you will be given lots of advice to change some things in your daily lifestyle like quitting smoking, incorporating more fiber in the diet and drinking lots of fluids.
Now if your condition calls for a direct endoscopic procedure, you will be referred to a proctologist or a physician who specializes in the physiology of the rectum, colon and anus. He will then give you advice on how to get through an hemorrhoid exam with minimal stress on yourself. You will be asked to change into an examination gown before the visualization and your proctologist will then insert an anoscope to the rectum to directly examine your hemorrhoids. To do this, a water-soluble lubricant is slathered on the anus and the instrument to facilitate easier and pain-free passage to the rectum.
After the procedure, you will be asked to change back to your clothes and sit with your doctor to discuss some of the changes that you need to make in your lifestyle to prevent occurrence of more hemorrhoids in the future. Medications will then be prescribed depending on the magnitude of the condition or your doctor may also require you to undergo hemorrhoidectomy, the surgical removal of piles if it already impedes with your normal bowel movement. Take calming breaths and good luck on your exam.
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