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Q
: Hello, I am a 38 year old woman who has been suffering with constipation practically all my life. About three years ago I had thrombosed external hemorrhoids. The surgeon did three incisions to release the blood, but left the hemorrhoids. I am now being treated with infrared coagulation. I've only gone twice so far. I'm not sure if this is going to help to relieve my hemorrhoids. I guess time will tell. I am taking in more fiber, water, aloe vera gel, fruits, and salads. I take the stool softener once a day. I tend to get bloated and gassy. I do little exercise. I currently feel that since I've changed my diet it has somewhat improved my constipation. The doctor told me to buy the flaxseed oil to lubricate my intestines, but the fiber that I had bought has flaxseed in it. I'm not sure if I should still buy the flaxseed oil. I was thinking if the infrared coagulation treatment doesn't work out I probably look into laser treatment, but I am afraid and not sure if this will solved the problem. Please E-mail me back with any suggestions. Thank you.
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Answer
: Hello Elizabeth. Infrared Coagulation(IRC) is the most widely used office treatment for hemorrhoids and is preferred over other methods because it is fast, well-tolerated by patients, and virtually problem free. A small probe contacts the area above the hemorrhoid, exposing the tissue to a burst of infrared light for about one second. This coagulates the veins above the hemorrhoid causing it to shrink and recede. Most physicians recommend two or three visits at two-week intervals, treating a different portion of the hemorrhoid tissue each visit. Most patients return to a normal lifestyle the same day. There may be slight spot bleeding a few days later. Heavy straining or lifting should be avoided and aspirin should not be taken for a few days.
Millions of patients have been treated with IRC. Experience shows that hemorrhoids treated with IRC generally do not recur. A sensible diet, moderate exercise and proper bowel habits will also help.
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