I thought it was a hemorrhoid??

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
I thought it was a hemorrhoid??
13
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 10:57am
Okay, I've read a lot of messages here and I see a few that seem to have similar symptoms. For about two months now I've had painful bowel movements. Last week I finally went to see my doctor. She did a quick exam with her finger and said she didn't see a hemorrhoid. Now I have to go back in two weeks for a flexible sigmoidoscopy. So now I'm completely stressed out. If it isn't a hemorrhoid does this mean it could be cancer? I have had blood on the tp twice in the two months; sometimes the pain will ease up and then wham...I have a large stool that about brings tears to my eyes. Doctor did tell me to take 2 FiberCon tablets a day. That seems to be helping with keeping the stools soft, but I can still feel some pain when I pass a lot. I eat oatmeal for breakfast, drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.

Just pretty scared here and am hoping for some encouraging words. Oh, I am 53, female. I had a colonoscopy 18 months ago; they found 3 small polyps and removed them. I've cried tears over this. I was so sure it was just hemorrhoids, now I'm so worried. Thanks for letting me vent.

Bailey

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Community Leader
Registered: 10-01-2002
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 11:21am

Hi Bailey5a and welcome to iVillage,

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 12:01pm
Wren,

Thanks for your kind words. I have another colonoscopy scheduled in about 18 months; 3 years after the first one.

One thing that really changed this summer was I had a bought with acid reflux. So I really cut back on what I was eating; I mean I would go out to lunch and eat just half a hamburger; no fries. Instructions from doctor said not to drink fluids with your meals. So guess what...I cut back on my drinking; pop, water, milk, everything. Now I have that under control. I haven't taken a Pepcid tablet in about 2 months. So I do think the change in my eating habits could have some bearing on my current problem. Over the years I've never had any problem with regularity; oh, once in a while I would get a little constipated. Maybe once or twice a year. So this is really throwing me into a dither. I guess I was so sure it would be hemorrhoids. I did some heavy lifting a few days before I first noticed the problem. I was actually on vacation; had to use the restroom in a quilt shop (of all places) and it was horribly painful. They had some hand lotion in their bathroom; I used that and went about my day. A couple of weeks later it happend again.

Since starting with the FiberCon my stools are softer. But this morning I had some discomfort again. But it goes away pretty quickly; a little itching maybe but then I use the Preparation Wipes and a little ointment. Just so confusing.

Again, thanks for your kinds words. Bless your heart for replying. Have a great day.

Bailey

Community Leader
Registered: 10-01-2002
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 12:15pm

Bailey-

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Sun, 11-21-2004 - 9:00am

Hi Bailey!


Please don't cry your eyes out.

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
Mon, 11-22-2004 - 9:47am

Lynn,

Thanks so much for your kinds words. I don't have any nausea or pain anywhere else. I guess I'm just such a worry-wart I can't help thinking the worst. I've been taking FiberCon and drinking tons of water, and I actually had 3 really good days last week. I felt like my old self again and I was so happy. But then yesterday was a little more uncomfortable and this morning my first stool was very painful. I've had two more since and they were much looser and they didn't hurt when they came out. Of course my bottom is now sore from the first one and it's diffult when I'm at work...I have a desk job. I try to get up and move around a lot. Anyway, I'll be sure to check back in here. You all are so kind and understand. Sometimes it just helps to be able to "talk" about it to someone.

Have a great day,

Bailey

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
Thu, 12-09-2004 - 11:48am

Well, I saw my doctor and had the flexible sigmoidoscopy. She found nothing wrong except an anal tear. So, what a relief! After the test I had 7 very good days! I was so excited. Then I had a couple of days when my stools were harder again. I am about drowning in water here...I drink 8 to 10 glasses each day. Doctor told me to take 2 FiberCon tablets each day. So I'm doing that and pushing the oatmeal, salads, and apples.

So all in all I guess the outlook is good. Just annoying to have to constantly pay attention to what I'm eating. Sure does take the fun out of it.

Thanks so much for all the kind words.

Bailey

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Thu, 12-09-2004 - 12:07pm

Hi Bailey,

thflowers-hahd23222.gif picture by Wren53B

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Sat, 12-11-2004 - 11:02am

Bailey,


I can relate to the hard stools.

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
Wed, 12-15-2004 - 12:27pm

Thanks Lynn,

I must say, I really don't have a problem with "not going". I had 4 days in a row that were great, then a little sore this morning. It was definitely soft, but maybe it was too much. I don't know. I guess I will try eating less at a time. This is all so new to me; never had a problem like this for my first 52-1/2 years.

Have a great Holiday!

Bailey

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Wed, 12-15-2004 - 12:51pm

Bailey, going to much and too soft

thflowers-hahd23222.gif picture by Wren53B

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