It can feel rather embarrassing discussing something like bleeding hemorrhoids – it’s just one of those problems no one wants to deal with. If you’re a healthy person, chances are it’s not anything to worry about. You may have only passed a difficult stool and made a tiny tear in the skin of the anal opening which will heal itself. Little things like that are often fine without any extra consultation. However, if you have a history of medical problems, a chronic condition, or are of a certain age, speaking to a doctor is a good idea when anal bleeding starts.
So you’ve put in a call and have an appointment. Now what? How are you supposed to get ready for something like this? Calm down, take a few deep breaths, and relax. This is nothing new to a doctor. The human body is nothing to be embarrassed about, especially when there is something wrong with it. A bleeding hemorrhoid condition can occur to many different people, regardless of race, age, or gender.
It can be very helpful to your physician if you go in prepared. Start by asking over the phone if there is anything specific you need to do before you come in. Make yourself aware of any possible pre-appointment restrictions. Depending upon the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may request that you stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin.
Instead of sitting with your doctor and guessing answers to his or her questions, take a moment to sit back with a pencil and paper and make a note of your symptoms. What sort of symptoms did you start with? Have they changed since then? What are they now? If you can recall the dates, write those down too. This can give your doctor a detailed record of what has happened to you before the appointment and allow him a better look at the overall picture.
Because you are seeking help about bleeding hemorrhoids, also write down your dietary habits, bowel habits, and any exercise you perform. If necessary, look up the fiber amounts of the food you have been eating. Then both you and your doctor will know just how much fiber is actually in your diet, as well as if it has had an effect on your bowel movement frequency.
If you currently take medication, either by prescription or over-the-counter medicine, make a list of what they are. Sometimes medications can lead to diarrhea, constipation, or other health hazards that can create the problem you may be experiencing. Include vitamins and supplements if you are also taking those.
If you have any questions, feel free to write those down so you don’t forget them once you are at the doctor’s office. Take as much time as you need once you arrive. Whatever the problem turns out to be, don’t forget that your doctor is there to assist you and help put your mind at ease!