DOCTOR'S ORDERS: The Tests You Should Take After 50

 It's a midlife fact: once we've hit our fifties, we are more likely to need certain medical tests and exams to maintain our health. While this can be unsettling, knowing what tests are available to us can help us make better-informed health decisions. Here is a list of tests you should consider doing once you've reached your fifties: 

Routine Yearly Physical Exam 

Whether you are seeing a gynecologist or a family doctor for your routine checkup, it's important to know exactly what tests you need and what to expect. Routine physical checkups take time, so book your appointment in advance, making it clear that you are coming for a complete physical. If seeing your family doctor, it's best to stick with a general physical exam, screening for chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. On the other hand, see your gynecologist for gynecological exams. The following tests and exams get the best snapshot of your overall health: 

1. General Physical Exam

A general physical includes your doctor taking a detailed history to learn all about you and your family history. A head-to-toe physical exam includes your skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, chest, breast area, abdomen, rectum, and extremities (hands and feet).

2. Waist Circumference 

A larger waist circumference could put you at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which in turn can cause a cluster of medical conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which can increase your chances of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Among women, an increased waist circumference can also put you at risk of breast and uterus cancer.

3. BMI (Body Mass Index)  

Your BMI is another indicator of possible future health risks. However, your waist circumference and body shape make for a more reliable estimate.

 

 4. Blood Pressure 

Once you've reached 50, your blood pressure should be tested at each visit to the doctor. According to treatment guidelines, if you have diabetes, your blood pressure target should be around 120/80. 

 

5. Pelvic Exam

Your yearly visit to the gynecologist usually entails a pelvic exam. If you rely on your family doctor, you will most likely have to ask for this to be performed. A pelvic exam can determine the condition of your uterus, cervix, ovaries, and rectum. You should also ask for a rectal exam, as well as for a stool sample to be taken to test for the presence of blood. A regular pap smear will also examine your cervical cells, determining any changes or the possibility of cervical cancer. 

 

Along with your pap smear, you should also ask for the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) test. Testing positive for HPV could mean that you are a chronic carrier of the virus, which is believed to be the sole cause of cervical cancer. Consequently, additional tests for any abnormal cells caused by the virus can then be carried out.

6. Blood Work 

Your blood record contains a great deal of information about your health. By the time you hit your forties, it's important to run a complete series of blood tests. Doing so will allow you to find out about the state of your liver, thyroid, blood cholesterol, blood sugar and more. An overnight fast or fasting sample is critical. The following is an overview of what your doctor will test:

 

• Complete Blood Count: CBC measures the number, size, and shape of the different types of cells in your blood. It may be ordered as part of a complete physical examination, before surgery or if you have unexplained symptoms. 

 

• C-reactive Protein: Women with a waist circumference of 35 inches or over should ask for this important test to determine blood inflammation and risk of heart disease. 

 

7. Blood Chemistry 

 The state of your blood chemistry can be determined by a series of tests that can be conducted quickly and inexpensively. Here's what your doctor will test: • Glucose: This test will determine whether you have diabetes. A fasting glucose of less than 100 is normal, while a level of 100 to 125 is abnormal and called impaired glucose tolerance. Meanwhile, a level of 126 or greater indicates diabetes. 

 

• Blood Urea Nitrogen and Chloride: This tests your kidney function. 

 

• Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride: These are your blood salts or electrolytes. This test is especially important if you are taking diuretics (water pills) for hypertension or heart disease. 

 

• Uric Acid: Determines the waste product of all cells. If elevated, it may indicate kidney disease or gout. 

 

• Albumin: A blood protein produced by the liver. If low, it can indicate liver or kidney disease. 

 

• Globulin: A blood protein produced by your immune system. A high count can indicate chronic inflammation, infection or blood disorders such as multiple myeloma. 

 

• Calcium: A component of your blood that helps all the cells in your body function normally. A high count in your blood can point to hyperparathyroidism, which predisposes you to kidney stones and low bone density. 

 

• Serum Glutamine Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) and Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT): Determines the enzymes (proteins) produced by the liver and red blood cells. 

 

• Lactate Dehydrogenase: This enzyme is produced by many cells in the body. If high, your doctor will likely do additional tests to rule out malignancy. 

 

• Bilirubin: A chemical in bile that gives it its yellow color. If high, the bile passages from the liver to the intestine are blocked, indicating gallstones or liver disease. 

 

• Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT): An enzyme produced by the liver. Obesity and excessive alcohol use are the most common factors for a GGT increase. It may also be elevated due to liver disease. 

 

• Alkaline Phosphatase: An enzyme produced by the liver and bones. If elevated, determining the levels of GGT may help understand why - in which case, if both GGT and Alkaline Phosphate are high, the liver is likely to be the reason.

8. Blood fats and lipids

 The levels of your blood fats and lipids determine whether heart disease is present. This is generally what your doctor should test for:

• Total Cholesterol: This determines the sum of your LDL and HDL (more on this below). High total cholesterol levels are linked to heart disease. Your total cholesterol level should be below 200. 

 

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): HDL indicated your good cholesterol levels. Your HDL should be at least 30 percent of your total amount. In men, an HDL greater than 40 is normal, while in women, an HDL greater than 50 is normal. 

 

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): LDL determines your bad cholesterol levels. If your LDL is high, it puts you at risk for heart disease. Your doctor will likely recommend a change in diet and medication to get your LDL cholesterol below 130. If you suffer from diabetes or heart disease, your treatment goal for LDL should be below 100. 

 

• Triglycerides: This determines the form of fat in your blood. Your triglyceride levels are much more likely to be higher after a meal. Elevated levels indicate an increased risk of heart disease and could also be a sign of early diabetes. Your triglyceride levels should ideally be under 150. 

 

9. Thyroid Function 

Women over the age of 50 should be tested for an under-active thyroid. A thyroid function test measures the level of the two hormones produced by the thyroid glands: thyroxine 3 (T3) and thyroxine 4 (T4), both of which regulate your metabolism. If your thyroid hormone levels are low, the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) level will be high, whereas if the thyroid hormone levels are too high, then the TSH will be low or immeasurable. 

 

10. Bone Density  

An x-ray, known as the DXA scan, measures your bone density. The lower your bone density, the greater your risk for bone fractures. The most important score detected by a DXA scan is your T-score, which indicates how well your bones compare to that of a healthy 35-year-old-woman. If it falls between -1 and -2.5, you likely have mild protein and mineral loss in your bones, called osteopenia. If your T-score is -2.5 or lower, then you have osteoporosis and thus are exposed to a significantly increased risk of fractures. 

 

11. Mammogram 

This X-ray can detect breast cancer early, often before a lump can be felt. It is ideally scheduled a week after your period, a time when your breasts are least tender and glandular. Women over 50 should take this test yearly, while women at high risk of breast cancer should ask about a digital mammogram and an MRI. 

 

12. Colon Cancer Screening 

Once you've hit 50, talk to your doctor about a colon cancer screening. If colon cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or other cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial or prostate cancer run in your family, it is important to get screened. Have an annual rectal exam and check the stool for hidden blood once a year. Get a colonoscopy done once at age 50, then depending on your family history, once every 5 to 10 years. 

 

13. Dental 

Every six months, get your teeth and gums checked for decay or plaque buildup as well as signs of inflammation and infection, particularly if you are at risk for heart disease, metabolic syndrome or diabetes, or if you have a waist circumference over 35 inches.

14. Vision 

Getting your eyes checked on a regular basis can determine your vision, cataracts, and even glaucoma. If you suffer from metabolic syndrome or diabetes, you should have an annual ophthalmology exam done by an ophthalmologist, to check the retina too. 

 

15. Skin Examination 

Ask your doctor for a head to toe check of your skin on an annual basis. Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, that arises due to excessive sun exposure. 

 

16. ECG (Electrocardiogram) 

A baseline ECG assesses your heart's electrical activity. Be sure to get this test done by age 50, particularly if you are at increased risk for heart disease. For an accurate picture of your heart ask for a CT scan, a stress test which uses a heart ultrasound or special dye to get more accurate pictures of your heart. It may be a good idea to ask your doctor for a printout on a copy machine, which you carry with you along with your emergency health card. 

 

In case an emergency crops up in the future, your doctors will be able to compare a new ECG with your old one, enabling them to determine how best to treat you. 

 

17. Prostate Cancer

Once you've hit your 50s, it is important to discuss screening for prostate cancer with your doctor. If you have a family history of prostate cancer among first degree relatives, you should discuss screening at age 45. 

 

In Summary 

You know you are healthy at 50-60 if you have: 

• Waist circumference under 35 inches 

• Blood pressure <120/80 

• Blood lipids: LDL cholesterol <100, HDL > 50, TG (triglycerides) <150 

• Fasting blood glucose <100 

• ECG: baseline and CRP blood test if WC over 35 inches 

• Sleep 7-8 hours at night 

• Eat fruits, veggies, grains and healthy fats 

• Don’t smoke 

• Reduce stress in your life 

• <1 glass wine daily 

• Exercise/walk 30 minutes or more daily.

 This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: The Pain That This 34-Year-Old Ignored For Months Before His Diagnosis

Joe Faratzis, 34, shares the early signs of colorectal cancer that he overlooked, his diagnosis and treatment. Faratzis shares that he noticed his first symptoms in 2019 when he started to have faint abdominal pain. He says that he started to experience this pain in the bottom right side of his abdomen whenever he bent over. However, since it happened only periodically, once or twice a week, he didn’t think much about it.

According to a report in SELF, speaking to Julia Ries, Faratzis said that he spoke about the issue with his primary care doctor who told him to get a CT scan but he ignored it then. However, he now says that if he had gotten the CT scan back then, it would have averted a lot of troubles.

The next sign of colorectal cancer

Nearly six months after the stomach pain, Faratzis said that he noticed a couple of bright red spots of blood on the toilet paper after I went to the bathroom, once or twice a week. However, since it was never an alarming amount, he wasn’t concerned. But, today when he speaks about his disease, he says that the blood in his stool should have been a major indicator and that he should have spoken to his doctor.

The BIG red flag

A few months later, when Faratzis was sitting on the couch, he passed a gas and saw blood. He went to the bathroom and there was nearly half a cup of blood in the toilet. While it wasn’t painful, it seemed like there was an issue. He then went ahead and fixed an appointment with a doctor.

The Diagnosis

He explained his symptoms to the doctor and he conducted a digital rectal exam. However, the doctor didn’t find anything concerning other than a tiny bit of blood in my lower rectum. Faratzis was then referred to a gastrointestinal specialist as they thought he probably had haemorrhoids. The GI doctor asked for a colonoscopy and a month later, he had a colonoscopy.

 

Faratzis was sedated for the procedure and when he woke up, the doctor told him they had found a big tumour and had taken a biopsy to check if it was malignant. Three days later, his doctor told him he had adenocarcinoma.

After several tests and imaging, the doctors told him he had stage II colorectal cancer and that the cancer was localized to his colon. He was advised to do chemotherapy, radiation and get surgery to remove the cancer from the colon.

He took an oral chemo daily. Along with that, he also underwent radiation treatment five days a week for a few months to reduce the size of the tumour before having surgery. After this, he had a low anterior resection, a surgery to remove the portion of my colon containing cancer and an ileoscopy, a procedure where your small intestine is redirected out through your stomach into a bag.

 

The cancer spread

After the surgery, more imaging tests were done and it revealed that the cancer had exploded and it had spread to the lungs and liver. That’s when he was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. For three months, he did intravenous chemotherapy to kill the lungs and liver lesions. The chemotherapy got rid of the spots in the lungs and shrunk the liver lesions. However, there were several other liver lesions, for which he underwent a laparoscopic procedure.

Three months later, his lung lesions were back, however, the doctors were able to burn and free them away. He says, “This process repeated itself: Throughout 2021 and 2022, we’d find new spots on my lungs or liver and have to zap them. I probably had 9 or 10 lung surgeries that worked, but also led to some not-so-fun complications, like a collapsed lung, along the way.”

He says that he was never given a prognosis, or survival rate but he’s learnt that even if you have stage IV cancer, if you’re able to find tumours early and have them removed, there’s a chance you could continue to live for a really long time. “This isn’t always the case, but, thankfully, my doctors have been able to surgically remove all the malignant lesions that have popped up so far.”

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

 

How to Prevent and Treat Hemorrhoids, According to Doctors

 Hemorrhoids aren’t exactly dinner-party conversation, but you or someone you know has likely dealt with them. In fact, there’s a good chance they’re sitting beside you at that proverbial dinner table: it’s estimated that roughly 50% of all people will have hemorrhoids by age 50.

Despite their ubiquity, there are lots of misconceptions about treating hemorrhoids. And since many people feel self-conscious about seeing a doctor for hemorrhoids, they don’t always get the help they need. 

Several treatment options and lifestyle practices can make troublesome hemorrhoids go away. Here’s what colorectal surgeons want you to know.

What are hemorrhoids?

Technically, everyone has hemorrhoids. “Hemorrhoids in and of themselves are actually part of normal anatomy, so [they’re] nothing to be embarrassed about. We're born with hemorrhoidal tissue,” says Dr. Titi Adegboyega, chief of colorectal surgery at South Shore University Hospital in Long Island, N.Y. “When people say they ‘have hemorrhoids,’ what they're really saying is, ‘This thing that is normal is now acting abnormally or bothering me.’”

Sometimes called "piles," they're cushions of veins in the anal canal that help with fecal continence. Hemorrhoids are typically caused by straining from constipation or anything that increases intra-abdominal pressure leading to straining, such as pregnancy and childbirth, says Dr. David Greenwald, director of clinical gastroenterology and endoscopy at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Hemorrhoids may cause symptoms when they become swollen or dilated. They can either be internal (inside the anal canal) or external. “External hemorrhoids often feel like a bump, whereas internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen unless they prolapse outside the anal opening,” he says. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, bleeding, and rectal pain. 

Internal hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable but aren't typically very painful. “External hemorrhoids, on the other hand—they’re a pain in the butt,” says Adegboyega. “You feel them, they’re itchy, they irritate.” For small external hemorrhoids, those symptoms don’t tend to last past a few days. However, when people have a thrombosed external hemorrhoid—which is when a blood clot forms—severe pain can last for three to five days, with symptoms gradually subsiding over three weeks, says Adegboyega.

If you’re having intense, around-the-clock pain (especially after bowel movements), the more likely culprit is an anal fissure, which refers to tears in the lining of your anus. “It’s a cut, and just like when you have a wound, there is a pain associated with that wound all the time,” says Adegboyega. 

An anal abscess, which is typically caused by a local infection, is another potential diagnosis for anorectal discomfort and may be accompanied by symptoms like fever or chills.

That’s why seeing a colorectal surgeon is essential if you’re having these kinds of issues. Reviewing your history can help point doctors toward the most likely diagnosis.

How to treat hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids often improve on their own. Plus, “there are a variety of management options that are not related to surgery or any procedures that can relieve your hemorrhoid symptoms,” Adegboyega says.

Here is what docs recommend you do if you have hemorrhoids.

Soften your stool

Constipation is one of the main causes. “Hemorrhoids are blood vessels, and they’re very fragile,” says Dr. Albert Chung, a colorectal surgeon in private practice in Orange County, Calif., and founder of the YouTube channel “Your Friendly Proctologist.”

When these blood vessels swell up, symptoms may ensue. That’s why Chung’s first line of attack is to implement a lifestyle routine to ensure soft stools 90-95% of the time. “It's impossible to have 100%, because life is just like that,” he says. But Chung says you can promote mostly soft stools that are easy to pass by focusing on getting enough fiber, water, and exercise.

Greenwald also endorses lifestyle remedies to address constipation: Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day, ensure adequate fluid intake (typically defined as 64 ounces or more of fluid each day), and engage in regular exercise of 30 minutes or more daily. Unfortunately, Greenwald says, doctors regularly see patients rely on over-the-counter medications for symptomatic relief of hemorrhoids without addressing the root cause of the problem, which is often straining and constipation. Just making these lifestyle changes can be “effective at preventing hemorrhoids” in the first place.

Some people may also benefit from adding a stool softener, fiber supplement, or both to their routine. Here are a few popular options:

• Docusate sodium (Colace) is a helpful stool softener if constipation is provoking your hemorrhoids, says Adegboyega.
• Psyllium husk fiber (which you can buy in unflavored powder form or under brand names like Metamucil), works as a sponge, helping to pull water into your GI tract and move things along, Adegboyega explains. When you take psyllium husk you need to increase your water intake, she says; not doing so could make stools even bulkier.
• Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX), an osmotic laxative, and senna, a stimulant laxative, are other medications doctors may recommend. 

Talk to your doctor about which of these—if any—is the best option for you.

Getting your stool softer can happen in a variety of ways, says Adegboyega, but don’t overlook the simplest: “Some people just need to drink more water,” she says.

Use a pooping stool

Though we take bowel movements for granted, having one is a complex process that requires coordination of multiple body parts and processes, explains Chung. “Pelvic musculature needs to completely relax, which involves the pelvic floor lowering into the toilet bowl and the internal anal sphincter opening up,” so stool comes out uninhibited, he says. 

In this modern era, Adegboyega says, people are spending time on their phones while sitting on the toilet for a lengthy duration, which isn’t good for hemorrhoids. While toilet-reading is an age-old habit, limit your time on the toilet bowl to a few minutes. “You can also use a step stool to help to position you in a more squatting position, which alleviates the need to strain as much,” adds Adegboyega. If you don’t want to buy a stool designed for use during bowel movements like the Squatty Potty or Tushy Ottoman, you can try a footstool or even a yoga block or two.

Following bowel movements, doctors also recommend “sitz baths” for people struggling with hemorrhoids. These are over-toilet vessels that you fill with warm water to sit in after a bowel movement to help soothe your anal region. Or you can just take a warm bath for 10–15 minutes. “This generally helps to relax the area and helps with the swelling,” says Adegboyega. Some people also find it helpful to put an ice pack on the area, which can have a numbing effect.

Try an over-the-counter medication

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. “Potions” sometimes advertised on the internet to cure hemorrhoids should be avoided, says Greenwald.

Stick to creams and suppositories doctors trust, like Preparation H, “which can really offer a good amount of relief,” says Adegboyega, and temporarily shrink hemorrhoidal tissue. Lidocaine, a numbing agent, is another good option, she says, because its direct goal is to help the pain and itchiness. Witch hazel pads also help relieve symptoms.

When you see a physician for hemorrhoids, they most frequently prescribe hydrocortisone, a steroid medication to help with inflammation, says Adegboyega. You can buy it over the counter in 1% strength, but “most of the time when we’re giving it as a prescription, it’s 2.5%,” in either a cream form or suppository version.

See a doctor

If your hemorrhoid symptoms haven’t resolved themselves in two to four weeks with at-home remedies, Chung says it’s time to see a doctor.

Adegboyega similarly points to the need to see a health care provider if your hemorrhoids are persistent: either your primary care physician, a gastroenterologist, or a colorectal surgeon. (Lots of women also confide in their ob-gyn.) That’s because telling a doctor you have anal pain doesn’t confirm any diagnosis without a comprehensive exam, which will include a review of your patient history and onset of symptoms, as well as a digital examination.

“It’s important for that area to be evaluated to make sure that what we’re calling ‘hemorrhoids’ are indeed hemorrhoids that are causing those symptoms,” says Adegboyega. Follow-up tests such as a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy may also be recommended to rule out more serious gastrointestinal conditions, polyps, or colorectal cancers.

Chung estimates that 90% of his patients come to him with hemorrhoids, and of the 14 million views on his YouTube channel, among his most popular videos are hemorrhoid-related ones such as “external hemorrhoid treatment” and “how to build a routine and avoid surgery.”

In advance of your appointment, do your homework. Research, go on Reddit, visit online forums to get more information, advises Chung. “People think that Dr. Google is horrible. In my opinion, Dr. Google is helpful, because it gives you more questions to ask the doctor when you finally see them.”

Surgical interventions and other treatment approaches

The treatment approaches discussed above—from dietary tweaks to ointments—are often effective quickly, generally within five to seven days, says Greenwald. However, some hemorrhoids will not respond to topical anti-inflammatory suppositories and creams and may need additional therapy including the application of thermal therapies, a rubber-band ligation technique which removes blood flow to internal hemorrhoids, and even surgery (hemorrhoidectomy), he says.

Some doctors prefer only to intervene surgically as a last resort. “Hemorrhoids are rarely life-threatening and never turn into cancer,” says Chung. As long as you aren’t losing so much blood that you’re severely anemic, or you don’t have painful prolapsed hemorrhoids, Chung prefers to avoid surgery on his patients. “The big thing is the coaching. I coach them with soft pooping so they can be successful,” without more invasive procedures, he says.

Should you be worried about blood in your stool?  

As Chung bluntly puts it, “bleeding from your arm bothers no one, but if it comes from your butthole, people are already jumping to the phone, jumping to the internet to find a solution.”

For many people, that’s because they’re worried about colorectal cancer, a disease that has been rising among young people. But doctors stress that considering the context—such as your age, family history of colon cancer,_, and when you’ve had your most recent colonoscopy—is key. “Rectal bleeding is one of the most common signs of colorectal cancer, but it is the most common sign, too, of hemorrhoidal symptoms,” says Adegboyega. This is why seeking medical attention matters, since it’s hard to tease out what is causing the bleeding episode without evaluating the bigger picture.

Of course, it’s natural to feel worried when you see blood in your stool. “Most of the time, that bleeding is not going to be from something more sinister like a cancer; it's usually going to be from hemorrhoids,” says Adegboyega. When you have hemorrhoidal bleeding, the blood will be bright red, since hemorrhoids are at the end of the anal canal. “The bleeding in and of itself is just a very small fraction of the puzzle.” 

When in doubt, err on the side of caution and book that appointment. “It is important for people not to be embarrassed about seeking help for anal and rectal problems,” says Greenwald. “As I always say, don’t die of embarrassment.”

Following bowel movements, doctors also recommend “sitz baths” for people struggling with hemorrhoids. These are over-toilet vessels that you fill with warm water to sit in after a bowel movement to help soothe your anal region. Or you can just take a warm bath for 10–15 minutes. “This generally helps to relax the area and helps with the swelling,” says Adegboyega. Some people also find it helpful to put an ice pack on the area, which can have a numbing effect.

Try an over-the-counter medication

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. “Potions” sometimes advertised on the internet to cure hemorrhoids should be avoided, says Greenwald.

Stick to creams and suppositories doctors trust, like Preparation H, “which can really offer a good amount of relief,” says Adegboyega, and temporarily shrink hemorrhoidal tissue. Lidocaine, a numbing agent, is another good option, she says, because its direct goal is to help the pain and itchiness. Witch hazel pads also help relieve symptoms.

When you see a physician for hemorrhoids, they most frequently prescribe hydrocortisone, a steroid medication to help with inflammation, says Adegboyega. You can buy it over the counter in 1% strength, but “most of the time when we’re giving it as a prescription, it’s 2.5%,” in either a cream form or suppository version.

See a doctor

If your hemorrhoid symptoms haven’t resolved themselves in two to four weeks with at-home remedies, Chung says it’s time to see a doctor.

Adegboyega similarly points to the need to see a health care provider if your hemorrhoids are persistent: either your primary care physician, a gastroenterologist, or a colorectal surgeon. (Lots of women also confide in their ob-gyn.) That’s because telling a doctor you have anal pain doesn’t confirm any diagnosis without a comprehensive exam, which will include a review of your patient history and onset of symptoms, as well as a digital examination.

“It’s important for that area to be evaluated to make sure that what we’re calling ‘hemorrhoids’ are indeed hemorrhoids that are causing those symptoms,” says Adegboyega. Follow-up tests such as a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy may also be recommended to rule out more serious gastrointestinal conditions, polyps, or colorectal cancers.

Chung estimates that 90% of his patients come to him with hemorrhoids, and of the 14 million views on his YouTube channel, among his most popular videos are hemorrhoid-related ones such as “external hemorrhoid treatment” and “how to build a routine and avoid surgery.”

In advance of your appointment, do your homework. Research, go on Reddit, visit online forums to get more information, advises Chung. “People think that Dr. Google is horrible. In my opinion, Dr. Google is helpful, because it gives you more questions to ask the doctor when you finally see them.”

Surgical interventions and other treatment approaches

The treatment approaches discussed above—from dietary tweaks to ointments—are often effective quickly, generally within five to seven days, says Greenwald. However, some hemorrhoids will not respond to topical anti-inflammatory suppositories and creams and may need additional therapy including the application of thermal therapies, a rubber-band ligation technique which removes blood flow to internal hemorrhoids, and even surgery (hemorrhoidectomy), he says.

Some doctors prefer only to intervene surgically as a last resort. “Hemorrhoids are rarely life-threatening and never turn into cancer,” says Chung. As long as you aren’t losing so much blood that you’re severely anemic, or you don’t have painful prolapsed hemorrhoids, Chung prefers to avoid surgery on his patients. “The big thing is the coaching. I coach them with soft pooping so they can be successful,” without more invasive procedures, he says.

Should you be worried about blood in your stool?  

As Chung bluntly puts it, “bleeding from your arm bothers no one, but if it comes from your butthole, people are already jumping to the phone, jumping to the internet to find a solution.”

For many people, that’s because they’re worried about colorectal cancer, a disease that has been rising among young people. But doctors stress that considering the context—such as your age, family history of colon cancer,_, and when you’ve had your most recent colonoscopy—is key. “Rectal bleeding is one of the most common signs of colorectal cancer, but it is the most common sign, too, of hemorrhoidal symptoms,” says Adegboyega. This is why seeking medical attention matters, since it’s hard to tease out what is causing the bleeding episode without evaluating the bigger picture.

Of course, it’s natural to feel worried when you see blood in your stool. “Most of the time, that bleeding is not going to be from something more sinister like a cancer; it's usually going to be from hemorrhoids,” says Adegboyega. When you have hemorrhoidal bleeding, the blood will be bright red, since hemorrhoids are at the end of the anal canal. “The bleeding in and of itself is just a very small fraction of the puzzle.” 

When in doubt, err on the side of caution and book that appointment. “It is important for people not to be embarrassed about seeking help for anal and rectal problems,” says Greenwald. “As I always say, don’t die of embarrassment.”

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

 

 

 

8 Non-Routine Medical Tests Could Save Your Life

If you want to make sure that you live a life that is as happy and healthy as possible, then you really need to start taking care of your health as early as possible. Below, we've listed 8 non-routine tests that really have the potential to save your life, and some of them even need to be done as early as 30.

1. Duplex Ultrasound

A duplex ultrasound uses B-mode imaging to examine the carotid arteries. This allows a 3D image of your artery walls to be created. Additionally, it will also create a pulsed Doppler scan, which will measure the speed of blood flow through the arteries. 

 

The procedure itself is fairly simple, as a technician only needs to move an ultrasound probe over your carotid arteries. You should take this test if you're over 50, have experienced symptoms of a mini-stroke, or have other risk factors for stroke or heart disease.  

 

2. High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Test

This test measures your blood protein levels for a particular type of protein that is associated with inflammation, and which is known to increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. 

 

The procedure itself consists of a simple blood test. You should take it if you're over 35, have a family history of heart disease or stroke, or have at least one major risk factor for stroke or heart disease.

3. Homocysteine Test

A homocysteine test will scan your blood for homocysteine, an amino acid which is known to cause a build-up of plaque in the arteries. 

 

To take this test, you will need to fast for at least 8 hours before going for a blood test. You should get it done if you're over 35 and have at least one major risk factor for stroke or heart disease.

 

4. Electron Beam Computed Tomogram

If you're worried about heart disease, then getting this test done may give you some peace of mind. This is because an electron beam computed tomogram measures calcium levels in your coronary arteries, which have been linked to heart disease. 

 

To take this test, an imaging machine needs to scan your chest, in order to create pictures of your internal organs. You should ask for this test if you're over 35 and have at least two major risk factors for heart disease.  

 

5. Fasting Blood Glucose Test

This test measures the amount of glucose that is present in your blood, which can help determine your risk of developing type-2 diabetes. 

 

To take this test, you will need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before going for a blood test. You should get it done if you're over 30 and have any risk factors for diabetes, such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, or have a family history of diabetes. 

 

6. Isotope Treadmill Stress Test

This test will help to identify the location and degree of severity of reduced blood flow to the heart, by mapping 3D images of your heart at rest, during exercise, and after exercise. 

 

Doctors recommend taking this test if you are over 45, are planning to begin a vigorous aerobic exercise program, or have 3 or more risk factors for heart disease. 

 

7. DEXA Scan

A DEXA scan examines your bone mass density in order to work out how strong your bones are, as well as what your risk of osteoporosis is. 

 

To carry out a DEXA scan, you simply need to lie down on a padded platform, while an image scanner slowly passes over your entire body. You should get one done if you're over 50 and have at least 2 risk factors for osteoporosis, such as excessive caffeine or alcohol use, smoking, a family history of osteoporosis, or a diet low in vitamin D or calcium. 

 

8. Colonoscopy

When you undergo a colonoscopy, your doctor will pass a colonoscope up your entire colon in order to search for early signs of cancer, abnormal growths, and inflammation in the colon. 

 

The exam takes between 15 and 30 minutes and you should be given a sedative to keep you comfortable. All persons over 50 should get a colonoscopy done, as well as everyone over 40 who have risk factors such as excessive alcohol use, smoking, a family history of colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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