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Suggest Treatment For Strained And Difficult Bowel Movement, Hemorrhoids And Flatulence

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Posted on Sat, 4 Jul 2015
Question: I am a healthy 68 year old woman with a diet of fruits, veggies, fish and chicken. I have a \n active lifestyle.
I have always had a difficult time moving my bowels. To relieve this I would occasionally take a stool softener for relief. I did not make this a habit though.
When I STRAIN, the hemmeroids POP OUT. I am concerned because now there is slight bleeding and what comes out is a hemeroid, I think< the size of a tennis ball and I have to push it back in. I haVE ALOT OF GAS, WHICH IS EMBARRASING. iT KEEPS FROM ME GOING BOUT AT TIMES.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
add fiber supplement and increase fluids

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Hemorrhoids can cause bright red blood which is normally seen on wiping.

Straining, coughing, lifting heavy objects can cause the hemorrhoids to protrude.
Though hemorrhoids are very very likely the cause of the bleeding, if you have not had a recent colonoscopy (within the last 5 to 10 yrs), you should have one done to make sure there is no other cause.

You use a good amount of fiber with fruits and vegetables. Further increase in fiber would help with regularizing your bowels, fiber supplements such as metamucil, benefiber, cetrucil.

By adding a fiber supplement and making sure to drink enough fluids, you may be able to help your bowel movements improve.

At least 8 glasses a day of fluids are recommended. Caffeine products or alcohol are not counted because they cause the body to lose fluids (they are diuretics).

Summary: (1) add fiber supplement
(2) make sure using enough fluids
(3)if no recent screening test, should be done just to make sure no other cause of bleeding

I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (13 hours later)
I have had successful colonoscopy two years ago. I am concerned with the size of the mass that protrudes. I have to wear a pAd so as not to soil my clothing for many hours afterwards.
Nothing you suggest helps.
Have you heard of a prolapsed anus? Of course surgery is necessary.
Please study a little more carefully. So far your service has not told me anything I don't already know.
I may have to cancel immediately!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
3rd degree hemorrhoids more likely based on history

Detailed Answer:
HI

It is understandable to be concerned by the measures mentioned are in keeping with the ACG.

The hemorrhoids are dilated veins inside of the anus. They can protrude in some persons with 2nd degree or 3 rd degree hemorrhoids.

In 2n d degree, they go back in on their own, in 3 rd degree, they do not.

Since you have a history of hemorrhoids, if they are not returning inside on their own, you likely have 3 rd degree, but this can be confirmed by your doctor.

The protrusion can be large in some persons and cause bleeding.

According to the ACG (American College of Gastroenterology), dietary changes such as I mentioned would be one of the measures initially started (continue fiber, use supplements mentioned, a lot of fluids)
According to the ACG, if these are unsuccessful then in office procedures can be done such as banding, sclerotherapy, .

If the hemorrhoids do not respond to any of these or a person cannot tolerate these in office procedures, then , is surgery recommended.

There is a condition called rectal prolapse where the walls of the rectum protrude via the anus but based on your history of hemorrhoids, 3 rd degree may be more likely.

God bless

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16835 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Strained And Difficult Bowel Movement, Hemorrhoids And Flatulence

Brief Answer: add fiber supplement and increase fluids Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Hemorrhoids can cause bright red blood which is normally seen on wiping. Straining, coughing, lifting heavy objects can cause the hemorrhoids to protrude. Though hemorrhoids are very very likely the cause of the bleeding, if you have not had a recent colonoscopy (within the last 5 to 10 yrs), you should have one done to make sure there is no other cause. You use a good amount of fiber with fruits and vegetables. Further increase in fiber would help with regularizing your bowels, fiber supplements such as metamucil, benefiber, cetrucil. By adding a fiber supplement and making sure to drink enough fluids, you may be able to help your bowel movements improve. At least 8 glasses a day of fluids are recommended. Caffeine products or alcohol are not counted because they cause the body to lose fluids (they are diuretics). Summary: (1) add fiber supplement (2) make sure using enough fluids (3)if no recent screening test, should be done just to make sure no other cause of bleeding I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions