Questioning the Surgical Recommendation for Hemorrhoids
I'm a 37-year-old man who has been diagnosed with stage 3 large external hemorrhoids, and my physician has advised surgery as a necessary course of action. The doctor explained that laser treatment or ligation would be ineffective at this point, stating that they might cause bleeding, which would then require immediate surgical intervention. During my appointment, the doctor prescribed Detralex, which I should take in a specific regimen: six tablets daily for four days, followed by four tablets each day for three days, then tapering down to two tablets per day for two weeks. Additionally, I was told to use Posterisan Forte twice daily for ten days. Now, two weeks have passed since my visit, and I’m relieved to report that I’m not experiencing any pain or bleeding. The only discomfort arises when I remain seated for extended periods, particularly when working at the computer for over an hour, which has prompted me to switch to a standing desk more often to avoid discomfort. I came across various reviews online regarding my doctor’s expertise; they generally praise her skills, but I did find one comment suggesting she had misdiagnosed another patient’s condition. This leads me to ponder: Could my hemorrhoids, even if they don’t completely heal on their own, possibly regress to stage 2? In 2012, I endured the worst pain from hemorrhoids and managed it successfully with just medication without needing any surgical options. It’s disheartening to consider that now, when the pain seems manageable, a surgical solution is being proposed. Is it advisable to seek a second opinion from another doctor? The assessment would require fasting for several hours, and while the procedure might be uncomfortable, I’ve grown accustomed to it, especially now that my symptoms have lessened. Interestingly, about two years ago, I underwent ligation for my hemorrhoids, but the relief lasted only four months as the doctor declared that this option is unsuitable for me. Prior to that, I had cycles of pain when sitting, followed by periods of relief, learning to navigate life with these fluctuations. When the discomfort escalated, I would either work at a standing desk or rest on a soft bed to alleviate pressure. Recently, after experiencing severe pain again, I felt compelled to seek medical advice, only to receive this discouraging diagnosis. The situation has left me contemplating my options and the best course of action to address my condition.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 9:10:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel uncertain about the need for surgery after managing your hemorrhoid symptoms effectively with medication in the past. You have raised several important points, and it's good to hear that currently, you have no pain or bleeding, just some discomfort during extended sitting. Let’s break down your situation and the best steps to consider moving forward.
Main Points:
- You're experiencing some success with your treatment regimen, with reduced symptoms but still have discomfort after prolonged sitting.
- You are considering the possibility of your hemorrhoids regressing and whether a second opinion on the surgical recommendation is worthwhile.
Explanation:
Hemorrhoids can indeed fluctuate in severity. While it is possible for stage 3 hemorrhoids to improve, especially if you’re proactive with symptom management, typically they will not regress to stage 2 without specific interventions that address the underlying issues. Surgery is often recommended for stage 3 hemorrhoids to prevent complications, especially when they are causing significant discomfort or have a history of bleeding.
Changes in your habits, such as using a standing desk and avoiding long periods of sitting, can help reduce discomfort and potentially improve your condition. However, your physician might still recommend surgery to ensure long-term relief and prevent future complications.
Next Steps:
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Continue Current Treatment: Adhere to the prescribed Detralex and Posterisan Forte regimen. These can help with symptoms and may provide sufficient relief to manage your condition.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting any changes or patterns as you manage discomfort with the standing desk and also during periods of rest.
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Evaluate Lifestyle Changes: Make adjustments where possible in your daily routine—such as taking frequent breaks from sitting, using cushions for support, and staying hydrated, which could benefit your overall bowel health.
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Seek a Second Opinion: If you're feeling uncertain about the need for surgical intervention, seeking a second opinion is a reasonable choice. Make sure the new healthcare provider has access to your medical history and the results of your previous treatments for clarity.
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Discuss Alternatives: When you consult with another physician, specifically inquire about potential non-surgical options that may be more effective than the prior ligation, given your past experiences.
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Consider the Implications of Surgery: Discuss all potential benefits and risks of surgery with any new doctor, particularly in light of your current symptom relief and concerns about past treatment experiences.
Your feelings are valid, and considering a second opinion can help clarify your options and provide you with the confidence needed to make an informed decision. Remember to prioritize self-care and symptom management in the meantime. Let me know if you need further information!
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