new with questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2004
new with questions
2
Tue, 12-06-2005 - 10:59pm

Hello:

I am a regular on the thyroid conditions board, but new to this one. I have read some of your posts about hemorrhoids (sorry if spelled wrong), and I have experienced what some others have, here. I visited my doctor last week because I was concerned about what looked like a lot of blood in the toilet after a bowel movement. She confirmed that I likely have internal 'rhoids, and gave me dietary guidelines and care tips. She said to call back if the bleeding continued at that level for a week. Well, it has, so I have (called back), and have an appointment for a colonoscopy--- which I'm REALLY NERVOUS about! Any words of wisdom for me?

Also, I've had bouts of moderate to severe consipation on and off for alomst 4 years--- I am hypothyroid and as yet am not on quite the right dose of the right medication to have dealt with all my symptoms. Anyway, lately I have had horrible gas... like, way more than usual and really explosive. Just like it was in my last trimester of pregnancy... Also, the constipation is obviously irritating my 'rhoids... I am on a high-fiber diet (I do avoid soy as it isn't good for thyroid disorders), excercise and drink plenty of water... What else can I do?

The bowel movements these days are really difficult to pass and it never feels like I'm done. It's always a big production for very little result and i walk around feeling like I have to 'go,' but know there's no point trying...

Also, the new diet asks me to avoid salads, beans and a few other dietary items that I'm really hesitant to avoid (I LIVE on salads... and eat beans 2-3 times/week... although not lately because of the gas).

Thanks for your thoughts,
Dee.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: dee571
Wed, 12-07-2005 - 9:42pm

Hello Dee.

First off, rest assured about the colonoscopy --- I have had several and they are not bad.
The worst part is the prep where you have to drink either a gallon of go-lightly (and you go anything but lightly :) ). or, if you are lucky and your dr. will allow it, phospho soda which tastes horrible - but you only have to drink a little of it 2 x --- the night before and the morning of. The test itself is not much of anything --- they insert an IV and give you medications like demerol to take care of cramps and vercid which relaxes you and is actually an amnesiac, so some people just about sleep through it, others are partially awake, but you feel very surreal and it is not uncomfortable.

Certain fibers are harder to digest and cause gas and abdominal distention - cramping, it sounds like your Dr. is being smart to have you avoid them -- salads, beans, etc.

Just keep you water intake up and as Lynn wrote in another post --- please see, I think the heading was Hi -- it is the reply to the poster's question, she gives an excellent explanation to the differences between fibers and what you should eat and avoid.

Try not to worry about the colonoscopy ---

Ellen

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
In reply to: dee571
Thu, 12-08-2005 - 8:39pm

Hi Dee!


Welcome to the board!