In places like Hollywood and Beverly Hills, hemorrhoids aren’t usually mentioned in polite conversation. This is even true among those struggling with Crohn’s Disease or IBD in Los Angeles, though maybe it shouldn’t be. Thanks to little discussion of the subject, many people who suffer from Crohn’s also suffer from hemorrhoids in silence.

It is time to spread awareness about hemorrhoids and the problems they can commonly cause for those with any sort of inflammatory bowel disease.

Understanding Hemorrhoids while Struggling with Crohn’s

Hemorrhoids are veins in the anal lining that can become twisted and swollen. They can develop inside the anus or directly outside of the anal canal, and are classified as either internal or external depending on their placement. Wherever they are located, hemorrhoids are tender to the touch and often become incredibly itchy. They may bleed, leaving streaks of blood in the stool that look different from the bloody stools many people with Crohn’s Disease complications have experienced before.

Hemorrhoids are even more common among those with Crohn’s Disease than they are among the rest of the population. This is because the symptoms associated with Crohn’s, including chronic diarrhea and constipation, can put additional pressure on the rectal veins. Controlling your Crohn’s Disease symptoms through medication, diet and surgical intervention with the guidance of your colorectal specialist can help you reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids as well.

Hemorrhoids are not as severe as Crohn’s Disease, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Excessive bleeding from hemorrhoids can lead to anemia, while the chronic pain and itching is enough to drive anyone mad. Hemorrhoids don’t always go away on their own and often require removal, which is quick, safe and can typically be completed in a general office visit. Speak with your Los Angeles colorectal surgeon if you find yourself struggling with hemorrhoids after being diagnosed with any form of IBD.

The post The Connection between Crohn’s Disease and Hemorrhoids appeared first on LAcolon.

Hemorrhoids are swollen, twisted blood vessels that develop in or around the anus. They are often painful and cause itching, mild bleeding and general discomfort when sitting or standing. There are several treatments that are successful at eliminating hemorrhoids, but those only help after hemorrhoids have developed. Even after getting treatment for hemorrhoids it is wise to incorporate positive digestive health habits into your regular routine to reduce the strain on your bowels and diminish your risk of developing hemorrhoids again in the future.

Tea and Hemorrhoids

While tea is not classified as a medical treatment for hemorrhoids, it can be a valuable supplement to your current hemorrhoids treatment plan. Certain forms of tea can reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids by softening stools, soothing irritation and reducing inflammation in the intestines. Teas can help you become more regular, strain less during bowel movements and even enhance blood circulation.

Here are a few types of herbs that you will want in your herbal tea blend to fight hemorrhoids:

• Butchers Broom: This herb is also known as box holly, pettigree or sweet broom. It is a dark green plant with small red berries. The roots of this plant offer anti-inflammatory benefits and can be used to make tea.

• Mullein: This is a European herb that is also very prominent in Asia. There are several different species of the plant, the most common of which grows tall with small yellow flowers. Tea can be made from dried mullein leaves and flower petals. The herb has tannins that are credited with helping wounds heal.

• Dandelion: Though regarded as more of a weed in the United States, dandelion roots can be used to make tea. Dandelion has cleansing properties that are said to stimulate the production of bile to aid in digestion.

In addition to being used in tea, mullein and butchers broom can be applied topically. While these herbal supplements will not correct hemorrhoids, they can improve your digestion and help to reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids again in the future. If your problems persist then you should consult your Los Angeles proctologist immediately.

The post Sipping Tea to Fight Hemorrhoids appeared first on LAcolon.

The gastrointestinal tract traverses a digestive path from the mouth to the toilet. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and anus.

While a proctologist specifically focuses on the lower aspects of the digestive tract, keep in mind that some practitioners are also trained and qualified to operate on the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.

What Does a Proctologist Do?

Proctologists are medical doctors who have undergone years of sub-specialty training and practice to demonstrate proficiency in surgical techniques and colonoscopy. Their training also requires mastery in correctly diagnosing and surgically treating colorectal disorders. They specialize in the surgical management of all things involving the sigmoid colon, rectum and anus, including:

• Hemorrhoids
• Incontinence
• Rectal disorders
  • Prolapse
  • Bleeding
  • Polyps
  • Abscess drainage
• Anal fissures
• Colon and rectal cancer

In addition to surgical correction of medical disorders, proctologists use their expertise to also specialize in rejuvenation techniques. These techniques can aid in restoring parts of the digestive tract that have lost their grip, so to speak. For example, proctologists can use surgical techniques to help tighten the anal sphincter in cases of leakage or incontinence.

They can also assist in alleviating pelvic floor laxity such as a rectocele. This occurs when the rectal lining presses against the vagina, creating discomfort and potentially causing fistulas or other problematic and distressing symptoms.

When Should I Consider Visiting a Proctologist?

While these specially-trained physicians treat a wide variety of illnesses in the gastrointestinal tract, most patients don’t always know when a visit to a proctologist might be warranted. However, there are lots of reasons for patients of any age to seek treatment from a proctologist.

Many of the disorders that a proctologist treats are identified during regular check-ups with a primary care provider. Primary care providers constantly evaluate your laboratory and clinical data to catch any potential problems early in their course.

Some of the most common disorders for which your primary care provider may refer you to a proctologist include:

• Anal leakage or discharge
• Rectal bleeding
• Lump found around the anus
• Change in bowel habits
• Change in bowel characteristics such as color or consistency
• Red, swollen area on the buttocks such as an abscess
• Advancing age

Cancer Screening

One of the most important clinical changes your family practitioner is vigilant to monitor is anything that might indicate colon or rectal cancer. There were nearly 140,000 new cases of colon or rectal cancer in the United States in 2017. Colorectal cancer is often found in more advanced stages than other cancers because it doesn’t demonstrate dramatic signs and symptoms.

The need for this careful assessment and what seems like constant blood draws when you get a physical at the primary care clinic is largely geared toward finding the small changes that indicate bigger issues. Colon cancer is particularly tough to identify early on because the symptoms are so subtle.

For example, your primary care provider may have you visit a proctologist if they discover anemia or low amounts of circulating red blood cells. This is because anemia can result from very small amounts of blood loss in the stool of affected patients. So little, in fact, that special tests are used to recognize if there is any blood in the stool.

How Do I Choose the Right Proctologist for Me?

Like any healthcare provider, it is important to find a proctologist who has an outstanding history of successfully diagnosing and treating diseases. It is also important to consider their limitations in treatment. Some practitioners are only comfortable treating the final sections of the digestive tract (sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus), while others cover the entire gastrointestinal tract. This can be important for continuity of care since you have only one doctor taking care of all your gastrointestinal needs.

It is also important to have doctors who care about you as an individual. Trusting your physician to make the right choice for you and your needs can alleviate your stress and improve care.

Final Thoughts

If you have any of the symptoms described above or would like a professional to address any concerns you may have, call us today and make an appointment with one of our colon and rectal healthcare professionals.

The post When to See a Proctologist? appeared first on LAcolon.

In truth, parasites do exist and they could be living in your body right now. However, they are rare in healthy adults who practice good hygiene habits and live in areas with modern sanitation standards. And if you or your child does have a parasite, your doctor can diagnose it quickly and offer a safe and effective treatment.

What Are The Facts About Intestinal Parasites?

Parasites can and do prey on humans. Parasites are the reason there are bold warnings against eating raw pork and why your friends tell you not to drink the water in Mexico. Either of these parasites can cause gastrointestinal upset and dehydration, and even land you in the hospital.

There are two primary types of intestinal parasites people could get in the United States: helminths or protozoa. Helminths are the worms you’ve probably all heard about. Roundworms, pinworms, and tapeworms are all relatively common among children and in areas that lack modern sanitation. The two most common protozoa we see in the United States are giardia and cryptosporidium.

Still, they’re rare for healthy adults who practice good sanitation and hygiene habits.

When we do see parasites, they are usually in children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. They get infected with these parasites after encountering them in feces, often through contaminated food, water, or dirt or in a sandbox at school .

Parasites can cause a number of health issues, mostly related to the digestive system. Most commonly, they cause only itching around the anus. Many people have no symptoms but pass a worm in their stool. Other symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Gas or bloating
• Feeding tire
• Unexplained weight loss

Treating Intestinal Parasites with Pop Science

Those who believe intestinal parasites are causing a large portion of the population to suffer gastrointestinal issues also have a variety of treatments to rid you of the worms or protozoa they claim live off your digested food. This includes everything from a relatively healthy diet of green vegetables and green smoothies to drinking turpentine and castor oil. They like garlic. They really, really like garlic.

The social media and Internet bulletin boards receptive to this type of “junk science” are full of parents looking to deworm their children, pictures of what ends up in their toilet, and other posts that can only be explained as “TMI.” They perform colon cleanses and discuss the results. They feed their children Diatomaceous Earth and they juice black walnut hulls. Turmeric solutions are popular. One anti-parasite elixir is made by boiling two crushed garlic pods in milk and drinking it every day. Another promises to rid you of parasites if you eat three cloves of raw garlic first thing in the morning.

Some of these “alternative therapies” are unlikely to hurt you – and others could be deadly – but none of them will take care of the parasites if you actually have any. With little benefit, there is no reason you need to eat an excessive amount of garlic on an empty stomach unless you like the taste.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have a Parasite?

Unless you have one or more of the risk factors we discussed previously, it is unlikely you suffer from parasites. However, a parasitic infection is possible if you have immune system issues or if you have recently travelled outside of the United States. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor. They can test to see if you do have a parasite and treat you with a safe and effective medication.

One of the first questions your doctor will ask is if you have traveled to another country or to an area with poor sanitation practices. Drinking the water or eating poorly prepared foods in another country are one of the most common ways people living in the United States contract parasites. Your doctor will also ask a number of other questions and determine if they believe you may have parasites.

There are two primary tests they will use to determine what, if anything, is living in your gastrointestinal tract.

• The tape test: This test uses a piece of clear tape to collect a sample from outside the anus. We can then look at this under a microscope to identify what type of parasite it is; most commonly  pinworms in children.
• Stool sample testing: This type of test can identify almost any type of parasite, and is often used to ensure we give the right drug to the patient.

When we do discover parasites, the treatment is usually simple and very effective. We prescribe pills to target the specific parasite in question, and they clear up the issue within a few weeks.

But the most important first step is to consult your physician.

The post Intestinal Parasites: Fact vs. Fiction appeared first on LAcolon.

Perhaps the most important tool for navigating a colon cancer diagnosis is also the simplest: information. Equipping yourself with information about your diagnosis, its prognosis, and any possible treatments can help you to make informed decisions about your care.

Let’s review the stages of colon cancer and the rate of survival for each stage, as well as typical prognosis.

Stages of Colon Cancer

Essentially, colon cancer has five stages. These stages are numbered zero through five. For example, you might hear a person say they have “stage 2 colon cancer.”

As with other cancers, colon cancer is staged based on the extent of its penetration into the affected colon, as well as the degree to which it has spread throughout the body and affected other organs or systems.

Cancer stages with a higher number affect more of the colon and other body systems and are associated with a poorer prognosis and lower rates of survival.

Each stage of colon cancer also has several sub-stages within that particular stage.

Determining Stages and Survival Rates

Determining the stage of colon cancer can be difficult without surgical intervention. This is because without removing and dissecting the lymph nodes, it is hard for doctors to know if the cancer has spread to adjacent lymph nodes or to other parts of the body.

Of course, a lower stage of cancer when diagnosed is associated with a more optimistic prognosis and higher overall rates of survival. However, since staging is nearly impossible without surgery and surgery is not often done until later stages of the disease, it may be difficult for your doctor to tell you definitively what stage of cancer you have or what your anticipated prognosis will be.

Similarly, younger age is associated with a better overall prognosis, while prognoses are more guarded with advanced age.

Stage 0 Colon Cancer

Stage 0 colon cancer is the first stage of colon cancer, from which all further stages develop. It is sometimes referred to as colon cancer in situ. Some people count stage 0 cancer among the stages of cancer, and others do not.

In stage 0 colon cancer, there are cancerous cells within the innermost lining of the colon. A thin layer called the epithelium. Only cells of the epithelium are affected, and the cancer has not affected cells beyond this layer of the colon.

This stage of colon cancer is associated with the most favorable prognosis and the highest rate of survival.

Stage 1 Colon Cancer

In stage 1 colon cancer, the cancerous growth extends beyond the epithelium of the mucosa, or lining of the colon.

The growth of cancer cells in stage 1 colon cancer extends into the muscles of the intestine that are responsible for pushing food through the colon to be digested. However, the wall of the colon remains intact and has not been completely penetrated by the growth.

The 5-year survival rate for people with stage 1 colon cancer is 92%.This means that five years following their initial diagnosis with Stage 1 colon cancer, 92 people out of 100 are still living.

Stage 2 Colon Cancer

In stage 2 colon cancer, the cancerous growth has entirely penetrated the wall of the colon. There are two sub-stages within this stage, IIa,and IIb.

Stage IIa colon cancer means the growth has gone through the entire wall of the bowel but has not penetrated peritoneum, which is the layer of tissue that attaches the bowels to the wall of the abdomen. It is associated with a 5-year survival rate of 87%.

Stage IIb colon cancer is similar to stage IIa, but in this sub-stage, the peritoneum is also affected. This is associated with a lower five-year survival rate, of 63% in five years.

Stage 3 Colon Cancer

In stage 3 colon cancer, the cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes as well as affecting the colon. It may also affect adjacent organs within the abdomen.

There are three sub-stages of stage 3 colon cancer. How the sub-stage is classified will depend on whether adjacent organs have been affected, as well as the number of lymph nodes to which the cancer has spread.

The survival rates for these stages range from 89% to 53%.

Stage 4 Colon Cancer

In stage 4 cancer, the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or brain. It is stage IVa if it has spread to a single distant part of the body, or stage IVb if it has spread to more than one bodily part.

The survival rate associated with cancers that have spread to other parts of the body are much lower, usually around 10-15% after five years.

It is important to keep in mind these numbers make sense only in context, are affected by many factors, and may or may not apply to individual cases. It is essential you speak with your physician about your specific circumstances and diagnosis to understand your prognosis.

If you are concerned about your family member or loved one’s risk of colon cancer, share this article with them. It is never too early to be concerned with your colon health.

The post Colon Cancer Survival Rates by Stages appeared first on LAcolon.

Ease the Pain

Hemorrhoids and constipation are often painful health conditions. You experience pain in your rectum, especially when sitting down – whether at a desk or on the toilet.

There are four kinds of products that can prevent or treat constipation and hemorrhoids:

• Bulking Agents (i.e., bran, skins of beans and fruits, whole wheat, brown rice, spinach, broccoli)
• Stool Softeners (i.e., methyl cellulose, fiber, docusate)
• Osmotic Laxatives (i.e., polyethylene glycol or PEG)
• Stimulant Laxatives (i.e., aloe, cascara, senna, castor oil)

Stool softeners tend to be more helpful and safer than laxatives. Short-term use of stool softeners to treat hemorrhoids and constipation does not become a habit or cause damage to your intestine or colon.

Stool softeners are available in various forms, including:

• Capsules
• Tablets
• Liquids

Take the stool softener in the morning when you get home from work or early in the evening, as it begins to work within just a few hours. Carefully follow the instructions on the package, and contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Soft Stools is a Key Strategy

To prevent or minimize hemorrhoids, as well as constipation, stool softeners are sometimes necessary. Stool softeners bring water found in your body into your stool to soften it and make it easier to pass. Also, softeners decrease constipation and the pressure put on your hemorrhoids. Soft stools are key when it comes to hemorrhoids and constipation.

When shopping for over-the-counter and natural stool softeners, they may contain:

• Methyl cellulose
• Fiber
• Docusate sodium
• Senna (a laxative)
• Phenophthalein (a laxative)
• Aloe vera
• Mineral oils
• Bran
• Psyllium
• Plantain

No matter which stool softener you select, you need to make sure to stay hydrated. Drink eight to 12 glasses of water every day. This helps soften your stool in conjunction with the stool softener. Avoid caffeinated drinks, including coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol because they may cause you to become dehydrated.

Stool softener dosage depends on various factors, including age and form. For example, an adult should take 200 mg of docusate orally per day but can take up to 500 mg.

Stool softeners are for short-term relief only. They can have side effects, including diarrhea, or nutrient loss, if used habitually. You may also feel weak and nauseated if you excessively take stool softeners.

Other Options

Stool softeners may be necessary, but you do have other options, non-invasive and invasive, to treat hemorrhoids and constipation.

• High-Fiber Diet: To absorb and retain water, make sure to eat plenty of fiber and probiotics, including beans, yogurt, vegetables, and fruits.
• Ice Pack/Compress: Place an ice pack or compress on the affected area to reduce swelling and minimize pain.
• Witch Hazel: This extract eases hemorrhoid and constipation symptoms, such as pain and swelling.
• Warm Baths: Fill your bathtub with a few inches of warm water, and soak in it for about 15 minutes.
• Topical Treatments: Hemorrhoid cream is available in most pharmacies and reduces swelling. Apply hemorrhoid cream on the outside of your anus/rectum, or inside it to reduce hemorrhoid symptoms.
• Surgery/Medical Procedures: There are various options to remove hemorrhoids, including cauterization, freezing, rubber band ligation, and hemorrhoidopexy (PPH).

You can utilize these alternative options along with stool softeners or on their own.

Stool Softeners to the Rescue

Hemorrhoids and constipation are uncomfortable. To ease the pain and other symptoms, try stool softeners to make your stools easy to pass. Over-the-counter stool softeners and other options are available and start to work in just a few hours.

Are you ready to purchase a stool softener? Let us know if it works by leaving us a comment below or sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on future similar topics.

The post Stool Softeners: What to Expect appeared first on LAcolon.

What Is a Bowel Obstruction?

A bowel obstruction is a blockage in the intestines or another similar issue that prevents stool from moving through your small intestine and/or colon. When an obstruction is total and caused by a physical blockage, you will likely be unable to pass even gas through your anus. You may burp or vomit, but you will not have diarrhea or gas.

Some of the most common reasons we see for bowel obstructions in our practice include:

• Impacted stool that causes a blockage
• A hernia that involves part of the intestine
• Adhesions and other complications following abdominal surgery
• Colon cancer growths that grow undetected
• Intussusception, especially in children
• Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other issues related to inflammatory bowel disease
• Diverticulitis or other complications related to diverticular disease

What Are the Signs of a Bowel Obstruction?

Bowel obstructions can cause serious pain and other issues that make them difficult to ignore. Still, some people try to write the pain off as gas or other stomach ailments. If you suffer severe abdominal pain and/or cramping along with the inability to pass gas or other symptoms on this list, you need to call your doctor or go the emergency department as soon as possible.

The most common symptoms of a bowel obstruction include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Constipation
• Vomiting and nausea
• Bloated, full feeling, and/or swelling of the belly
• Unusually loud rumbling and growling from the gut
• Inability to pass gas

Knowing You Have an Increased Risk of a Bowel Obstruction

In some cases, you may be at an increased risk of a bowel obstruction because of other health conditions. You should be aware of this risk, and take action as soon as you experience any symptom that might be an intestinal blockage. The conditions that can increase your risk include:

• A previous abdominal operation
• IBD, especially Crohn’s disease
• Cancer in the colon, or other abdominal cancer
• Other conditions that affect the muscles and nerves of the bowel

In some cases, bowel obstructions are not caused by a physical blockage. Instead, they occur because of problems with the muscles and nerves in the bowel that keep stool moving and trigger bowel movements. This can happen not only because of medical conditions but because of medications with this side effect as well.

Some of the medications may include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Opioid painkillers, including Vicodin and Oxycontin

If you are on one of these medications and suffer any of the symptoms of a bowel obstruction, you need to contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.

Why Is It Important to Get Medical Attention as Soon as Possible?

It is paramount to get medical attention if you believe you or your family member is suffering a bowel obstruction. Untreated, an acute blockage can lead to serious complications quickly. Some of them can be life-threatening. The best way to prevent significant problems and to get relief as soon as possible is to get medical treatment.

Tissue Death and Intestinal Perforation

In some cases, a blockage can not only block stool but also blood flow to the affected area of your bowel. Without adequate blood flow, the bowel can weaken and even die. This section of bowel will likely need to be removed.

A weakened bowel wall can also perforate more easily. This allows stool and other matter to leak from the intestines into the abdomen. Peritonitis, an infection of the abdomen, is likely when this occurs

Peritonitis

Bowel perforation and peritonitis are one of the most serious complications of bowel obstruction. This type of infection is life-threatening, and can develop very quickly after a tear occurs. Surgery may be necessary, and a perforation always requires emergency medical care.

What Treatments Are Available for Bowel Obstructions?

When you see your doctor or go to the emergency department, the first thing they do will likely be to complete a physical exam. They may palpate your abdomen to determine exactly where your pain is and to feel for any swelling. They may also listen to your gut with a stethoscope to check for unusual bowel sounds.

An ultrasound or CT scan is usually the next step. This allows them to identify the location of the blockage. In some cases, especially if they believe the obstruction is in the colon, they may conduct a colonoscopy to see what is going on.

In some cases, a colorectal surgeon will be called in to put a tube from your nose into the small intestine to help allow a twist or telescoped portion to straighten out. They may also be able to place a stent to hold the bowel open. Most obstructions that do not clear with another solution require surgery.

Some people whose bowel perforates will need advanced procedures to clean out their abdomen. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent any infection from advancing, as well.

The post Do I Have a Bowel Obstruction? appeared first on LAcolon.

Today, doctors of alternative medicine often use coffee enemas as part of natural treatment protocols for fighting liver dysfunction, cancer, constipation, candida, viruses, and digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

However, modern medicine teaches that there is no reason to use coffee enemas or other practices to help the body excrete waste.

What Is a Coffee Enema?

A mixture of lukewarm-infused coffee and water is inserted into the colon through the rectum. The primary function of a coffee enema is to remove toxins and waste from the body.

Caffeine increases enzymatic activity in the intestine, helping to flush out toxins thereby giving your body the nutrients to heal while also lowering inflammation, restoring bowel function and increasing energy levels. A coffee enema allegedly supports these caffeine-related anti-toxin effects.

What Are the Alleged Benefits of Coffee Enemas?

There is no proven data to support the alleged health benefits of coffee enemas. Alternative medical practitioners and other proponents, however, list several benefits that many believe coffee enemas provide:

• Relieves constipation

The coffee enema supposedly triggers the elimination of food residues and toxins that are major causes of constipation.

• Supports cancer treatment

Using a coffee enema to treat cancer is part of the Gerson therapy–a popular alternative treatment for cancer.

However, there has to date been no studies to support any particular benefits that Gerson therapy and coffee enemas can help or increase the anti-cancer benefits of chemotherapy.

• Improves liver function

The theory states that when the coffee is administered through the rectum, caffeine, and other active components pass through the hemorrhoidal vein and enter directly into the liver. When the liver is stimulated, the body’s detoxification rate increases. As a result, the toxins and compacted waste on the intestinal walls empty the body.

As with the other supposed benefits of coffee enemas, there is no data to support this.

• Enhances oxygenation of the body

One of the supposed benefits of a coffee enema is improved oxygen distribution throughout the body, which improves cellular health. When the detoxification process of the body accelerates, so does the duplication of red blood cells. More red blood cells mean more oxygen in the body and increased energy levels.

This has never been proven.         

• Coffee enemas reduce Candida

Candida is a yeast infection that can develop in the gut. Some believe that coffee enemas create an acidic environment, which is thought to inhibit candida growth.

• Coffee enemas help you lose weight

Coffee enemas are used by some for weight loss, but results are usually temporary. After completing a coffee enema, weight loss results from the elimination of fluids and other waste from the body.

Although the long-term results can be objective, the immediate elimination of excess waste is what provides users with a false sense of doing something positive about weight loss.

• Provides energy

Immediately after a coffee enema is administered, many patients report renewed physical energy. This supposedly is the result of both the stimulation from caffeine and the reduced toxins. Users report the effect usually lasts several hours and can last up to a few days. Caffeine is a known stimulant and does boost short-term energy levels. Relief from constipation also provides increased energy, but this boost in energy can be short-lived as the effects of the stimulant wear off.

Side Effects

The risks associated with coffee enemas outweigh the nebulous claims of positive results.

Some of the side effects include:

• Cramps
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Rectal Burns
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Bowel Perforation
• Dehydration

There are many reports of coffee enemas causing colitis – an inflammation of the lining of the colon.

Using a coffee enema at home risks possible puncture of the rectum if the coffee liquid is inserted too quickly.

You can also severely damage your intestines if the liquid is too hot or cause severe rectal burns.

There’s also concern that coffee enemas may be harmful to individuals with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, congestive heart failure, abdominal hernias, hemorrhoids, heart disease, anemia, intestinal tumors, gastrointestinal cancer, and blood vessel disease.

The side effects of coffee enemas seem to increase if the individual is also fasting.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not undertake a coffee enema.

Coffee enemas can also result in coffee dependence because caffeine is a stimulant.

Conclusion

Mainstream medicine doesn’t advocate the use of coffee enemas. There is no generally accepted scientific evidence to support the supposed benefits of coffee enemas.

Most people use an enema to relieve constipation. There are several home remedies you can try such as increasing fiber in your diet and drinking more water. If this doesn’t bring relief, then seek the help of a professional to eliminate a more serious issue.

The post Coffee Enemas: Are They Worth It? appeared first on LAcolon.

During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope is put into your rectum. A tiny video camera attached to it lets your doctor view your colon and intestines. A colonoscopy is considered a safe procedure and involves few risks. However, complications can occur. Most people only experience minor cramps, bloating, pain, and abdominal swelling due to air that inflates their colon during a colonoscopy.

Preparation and Procedure Problems

For a few days before the colonoscopy, you are encouraged to have a low-fiber diet. Try eating the following and other low-fiber foods:

• Muffins
• Bagels
• Pasta
• Cottage cheese
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Fish

But avoid these and similar foods:

• Vegetables
• Brown rice
• Nuts
• Popcorn

Then, you will be required to follow an all-liquid diet the day of the colonoscopy. Liquids include the following:

• Clear broth
• Water
• Tea
• Apple or white grape juice
• Soft drinks
• Sports drinks

So, you may get hungry but know that it is only temporary. Prior to your colonoscopy, your doctor prescribes medications and laxatives to remove fecal matter from your colon. Having a clean and empty colon helps create a clearer view of your colon. However, these medications can make you feel:

• Nauseated
• Dehydrated
• Tired

Also, during the procedure, you may feel abdominal pressure, cramping, and bloating. You can be given more medication to alleviate these side effects. You may experience abrasions due to the tube being inserted and moved around.

After the Screening

Once your colonoscopy is completed, it is not uncommon to have the following side effects:

• Feeling sleepy and out of it for a few hours; sedatives and anesthesia take time to wear off
• Hungry after not eating for a while
• Being bloated and gassy to clear air from your colon; go for a walk to relieve discomfort
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Hemorrhoidal discomfort

Although a colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure and does not require hospitalization, you are monitored and observed by medical professionals until side effects subside and the effects of sedation or anesthesia go away.

After a few days, side effects should completely go away. However, contact your doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• Fever (100 F or higher)
• Severe pain
• Excessive bleeding or blood clots
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Tender abdomen
• Inability to pass gas or stools

Yes, a colonoscopy can cause side effects, some more serious than others. If you have any questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor.

Follow Up

At some point, you will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to receive the results of the colonoscopy.  Biopsy results for polyps and other abnormal tissue removed may take several days or weeks. Depending on the results, your doctor may ask you to monitor various symptoms and follow a specific diet.

If you prefer to not get a colonoscopy, there are a few alternatives that are less invasive or painful. These include:

• X-ray of colon
• Sigmoidoscopy (requires less preparation)
• CT scan
• Endoscopy
• Virtual colonoscopy

Ask your doctor which method is best for you. But make sure you do something.

Side Effects Aside

Sure it may be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but a colonoscopy is necessary to establish the health of your colon and intestines. Although there are some side effects that come with a colonoscopy, it is critical to get one if deemed necessary.

Have you had a colonoscopy?  If not, call your doctor to schedule one.

The post Got Gas? Side Effects of a Colonoscopy appeared first on LAcolon.

Getting Your Preliminary Results

Your physician will likely brief you on the preliminary results of your colonoscopy in the recovery room after your procedure. We usually keep this short and simple. We know this conversation may be fuzzy in your memory, or you may not remember it at all because of the sedatives we gave you.

In general, you can expect your preliminary results to sound something like “Your bowel looks healthy, with no sign of disease” or “We found a few small polyps and were able to remove them.” These results are meant to give you a broad idea of how things went.

Because they are brief and straightforward – and because you still have the sedating drugs in your bloodstream – you probably will not have many questions about what you are told before you leave the hospital, clinic, or surgery center on the day of your procedure. Your doctor may send you home with printed images and results, or these may be available for download from a secured Web server or app.

If they removed any polyps that required a biopsy, they will likely tell you when they expect the results. This depends on a number of factors, but it may be a couple of days to a week.

Reviewing Your Results

After the sedatives are out of your system and you are thinking clearly again, you can review your full results. Overall, there are two general findings:

Negative result

Having a negative colonoscopy is the best possible outcome. It means the doctor found nothing but a healthy colon during the procedure. Since there were no abnormalities, there is little else to discuss as far as your results go. They may include information on when to schedule your future screening. In some cases, your doctor could recommend repeating the exam sooner than expected. This may happen if they did not get a good look at the entire colon because of residual waste, issues getting a clear picture with the camera, or other rare problems.

Positive result

If your colonoscopy results list a positive finding, this means your doctor spotted a polyp or other abnormality in the colon. This is very common, and not a reason to panic. Most polyps are harmless, and your doctor probably removed it during the colonoscopy.

Some polyps, however, can be cancerous or precancerous. The details in your colonoscopy report will give you a better idea of what they will be looking for if they sent tissues for biopsy.

What If They Found Polyps?

Polyps are extremely common. We find some type of abnormality in about a quarter of all colonoscopies, and the risk increases with age. When possible, we remove polyps during the screening and send the tissue to the lab for a biopsy.

The results are almost always benign, but because most colon cancer develops from this type of growth, this is an important step in ensuring you do not have any signs of cancer.

In general, there are two things to look for in your colonoscopy results that could indicate precancerous or cancerous conditions. This includes:

Large or Numerous Polyps

Most polyps are small, harmless growths that do not develop into cancer. However, when we discover larger polyps or a large number of these polyps there may be an increased risk of cancer. This is especially true of polyps that measure more than one centimeter.

Adenomas

Adenomas are the type of polyp that is most likely to be precancerous. This does not mean your biopsy will be positive for cancer, but there is an increased risk. Because of the high risk of cancer associated with this type of growth, we will usually recommend more frequent screenings in the future.

How Do I Know If Anything Appears Cancerous?

Your colonoscopy results may include information on how any polyp removed looked grossly but it may not tell you how aggressive the polyp may be. The polyp is sent to a pathologist where it is examined under a microscope to tell you how abnormal it may be. Polyps with low-grade dysplasia only appear to be slightly abnormal. Those with high-grade dysplasia look more like a precancerous growth.

It is important to remember that just because a growth looks like it might be cancerous does not mean it is; the opposite is also true. This is just the first level of screening the tissue will go through. We will not know for sure until the lab completes the biopsy.

What Do I Need to Know About My Future Care?

If your colonoscopy results were negative, you will just need to continue following the screening schedule recommended by your doctor based on your age, health history, and genetic factors.

If you have a positive result, this may change the way your doctor handles your case. Even if you had no signs of cancer in the tissue removed, you may need more frequent screenings to ensure any future polyps are removed as soon as possible.

If you have an adenoma or other abnormal polyp, your doctor will let you know if they cannot fully remove it during the colonoscopy. This may mean you need additional procedures including possible surgery to remove the tissue. A precancerous or cancerous growth may also require additional treatment.

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