Answers About Hemorrhoid Banding
When something having to do with your hindquarters feels wrong, it can be very scary. If the pain and discomfort wasn’t enough, the embarrassment about possibly having to get your backside checked out by a doctor can be cringe-worthy. However, it’s good to know what to expect if, in fact, you are afflicted with hemorrhoids. Here are some helpful facts to help ease your mind.
1) How do I know if I have hemorrhoids? OK, first thing’s first—positive identification. Physical symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, pain, inflammation, and an unnatural feeling of fullness, even after you have had a bowel movement. Visual signs may include red, bloody stools, toilet tissue or evidence of blood in the toilet bowl. However, blood can also be a symptom of colorectal cancer, so it is important to get to a doctor either way.
2) Why did I get them? Both men and women are afflicted with the condition, and they can occur from anything that would put undue pressure on the rectal veins. This can include childbirth and pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting, constipation or diarrhea, eating an unbalanced diet or even sitting for extended periods of time on a regular basis. Hemorrhoids are common, and the good news is that they aren’t usually serious medical problems.
3) How does banding treat hemorrhoids? Banding is an extremely effective, safe hemorrhoid treatment. This method doesn’t require surgical removal, but rather using small rubber bands to cut off the blood circulation to the tissue near the hemorrhoids. Cutting off blood flow causes hemorrhoids to fall off within one to five days, and there is typically no evidence that you can see with the naked eye.
4) Is it painful? Does it work? Another benefit is that the procedure is virtually painless. In order to band the hemorrhoid, gentle suction is used, which lessens the chance of bleeding or pain during the procedure. Afterwards, it is possible to feel a little bit of dull aching or feeling of fullness, but over the counter medication can make these go away.
Banding typically works. However, for larger/more severe hemorrhoids, it may take more than one band or banding session for effective removal.
5) Will my insurance cover banding? Typically, banding can be done with little or no cost to you. Most insurance plans—including Medicare—cover the procedure. If you are unsure or would like to confirm banding insurance coverage, call the medical office in which you anticipate having the procedure done.
Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics. She especially enjoys writing about health. You can learn more about hemorrhoid treatment at http://www.crhsystem.com