Surgery for external hems ? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

hikenbike · 04-20-2004, 09:39 AM

Hello Folks,

I have read the board with interest but have not had all my questions answered so I thought that I would jump in.

I have what I think are external hemorrhoids, although when I saw a general surgeon about them, he referred to them by a different name that I had never heard before. They are large fleshy lumps, about the size of my pinky tip and are located on one side of my anus. I do get bleeding but irregularly and I can't be sure if these are the culprits or I have other issues "down there". They do not really hurt but can get sore and raw. The major issue is that they are a real hygiene problem after a BM. I have had them a long time (>10yrs) and am simply tired of them. My GP always pesters me when I go for a physical and he sees that they are still there.

After reading all the posts about surgery I have serious reservations about doing anything at all. When I saw the surgeon he said that he would simply "shave" them off during an office visit, which I have a hard time believing, given the posts that I have seen here. Perhaps what I have are not external hems and they can be dealt with simply or perhaps the surgeon is not experienced in these things and I should be seeing a colo-rectal specialist. I'm not sure.

While there is no substitute for an informed medical opinion I thought that I would throw this out and see what comes back. Ideas ?

Thanks.

runninggal · 04-20-2004, 03:13 PM

Oh my, "shave them off!" The thought of that, makes me shudder.
I would definately seek the opinion of a colorectal surgeon. I had internal and external hemorrhoids AND a sentinel skin tag, which was actually the extension of a chronic fissure. The sentinel tag was horribly painful and easily irritated. Several internests and a gastroenterologist misdiagnosed the sentinel tag as a hemorrhoid. The skin tags and hemorrhoids do interfere with hygiene, but if hygiene is your only issue, think long and hard before submitting to surgery. I was pushed to surgery due to excruciating, relentless pain. Educate yourself, get an opinion from a colorectal surgeon and ask questions. Good luck.

hikenbike · 04-20-2004, 04:13 PM

Thanks Runninggal. I want to avoid surgery at all costs. I want non-surgeon opinions since I worry that at times they are all too gung ho for the knife and may minimize complications.

cookie monster · 04-20-2004, 08:35 PM

Hi there,

Like u, i've external hemmy (ONE) & already it is driving me nutty. Originally, when it happened, i tot of snipping it off (back then, i didn't know it was a H).

I held back, bathed thoroughly, put on clean fresh clothes & went to see a lady doctor (yup, i m a female). she told me "thank God u didn't snip the H urself". i was told i would bleed & bleed. further, i didn't need surgery then. when i was studying & had a 3 week break, i tot of going for surgery but after reading this Healthboards (wonderful pple), i still remain a "timid mouse".

no, i've not applied any Prep H nor other related creams (fear of embaressment) & anyway, it has not bothered me too much yet ... though i still dream of one day snipping tat darned thing off.

take care & ask wat u want.