to dread going to the doctor for my haemorrhoid problem?

[TurkishDelight57]

this post might be TMI

After two years of procrastinating, I’m finally going to a specialist for my little haemorrhoid problem. The bleeding has become alarming, and it’s scaring me now. I feel like I’ve put it off long enough. Can someone please tell me what the examination at the specialist involves? There aren’t any female specialists in my area so I’ve been referred to a male doctor. That does make it sightly more embarrassing for me, I won’t lie! What exactly does the whole visit involve? How painful/embarrassing is it? I might also need to have a rectal biopsy (which sounds terrifying), does anyone have first hand experience that they can share?

I’ve had the issue for over two years now- started when I became constipated due to some medications I was taking. There was blood every time I wiped (sorry, TMI), but I kept ignoring it thinking it was normal and would go away. Well- it hasn’t. The bleeding has just gotten worse, the pain isn’t unbearable by any means, but it’s worse than before. And there’s a constant itchiness/discomfort. I’ve tried OTC remedies and they did help, I’m very tempted to just carry on with those and avoid going to the doctor

@Rainartist and @TurkishDelight57 - I have a form of colitis which could not be diagnosed without a biopsy which does somewhat require being there rather than a scan. The biopsy I could not feel.

That said I can understand your unhappiness with this procedure , but for the last time I cannot tell you respectful the doctors and nurses were and how very much less intrusive it felt than I thought it would & also very private . But only you know what you can do. I can only tell you my experience.

I hope you get on well

I know the idea of this kind of thing is awful but the relief of getting it dealt with will make it worth it. Please don’t cancel through embarrassment.

@BasiliskStare my previous post did state that the op should take whichever test the Dr advised, however there is no harm in asking the doctor for an alternative pathway to investigate the symptoms. I did say that a colonoscopy would possibly still be required.

Years ago we used to do a barium enema in addition to a colonoscopy, patient need or doctor requirements determined which was done first. CT has now largely replaced the barium enema as it is a better patient experience despite the radiation dose.

Given the op has valid anxiety and concern from previous trauma, it may be an option she didn't know was available to her. It is obviously a given that the advice of the doctor in full possession of her history is what she should follow rather than internet advice however well intentioned.

@cheapskatemum bloody hell we all needed cheering up tonight, I've just snort laughed at this!

Have you been to the GP for it I have. I meanies clearly mortifying but somehow a specialist would actually have made me feel more comfortable than a GP, it's their bread and butter isn't so wouldn't faze them (a specialist I mean).

Anyhow tad stingy, didn't hurt had a quick prod, expect they might use a bright light. Over in less than a min, I can't see that you'll be any different.

Second @Hummingbirdcake.

Honestly the pain and the itching nearly sent me barmy at points. It'll be tough gocen your history but honestly if you've got no other suspicious comorbities they going to have a quick look and then give ypu a treatment pathway. Hemorrhoids are pretty bloomin obvious to the naked eye!

@Rainartist - Oh I hope you did not misread my post - I was just trying to say the more intrusive procedures can be a lot less worrying that one thinks - & of course if there is one less then fantastic.

Sorry if you thought I was being amiss - I did not mean to be

Hi @TurkishDelight57 i was wondering did you go through with the tests in the end and did you get a diagnosis?