“Provider asked what was going on...”
Provider asked what was going on with me when he entered the exam room. I gave him a chronological breakdown (time wise) as to what I had been experiencing with regard to some hemorrhoid discomfort I had been experiencing since the last week of December 2024. I also told the provider that in the first or second week of February 2025, I had suffered what felt to be a hamstring pull injury that I was wondering could be be possibly contributing to or aggravating my hemorrhoid problem in some way. The provider didn't respond or elaborate regarding that situation. I told the provider that I hadn't been experiencing any bleeding (bright red or dark looking coffee grounds blood of any kind) and no pain with bowel movements. I then went on to tell the provider that in March and April of 2025, I had seen a gastroenterologist from a different medical facility that had performed two rubber band ligation procedures. One procedure in each respective month, but with no relief on my part with regard to my hemorrhoid problem. I then told the provider that I had requested from the gastroenterologist that I had seen previously about trying steroid suppositories to see if that might help resolve my hemorrhoid problem. The gastroenterologist complied, and prescribed the suppositories, but unfortunately the suppositories didn't help. I also told the provider that the gastroenterologist, from the other medical facility, that it was their policy to do one rubber band ligation procedure at a time, and that they worked left to right. I told the provider that I asked the gastroenterologist "why?" Since my anal/rectal discomfort seemed to be emanating from the right side. The gastroenterologist didn't respond to me other than to say there was two nerve networks in that area. I mentioned this to the provider, he also didn't comment or explain anything regarding that matter. It had been nearly a year that I had been dealing with my current hemorrhoid flare up, I decided to make an appointment with a colon/rectal surgeon hoping the surgeon may have some additional information that could help. The provider asked if there was a history of colon/rectal cancer in my family, and I said "No." The provider went on to perform a digital anal/rectal exam, and then an anoscope exam. Both exams were very painful and uncomfortable. I've had four anoscope procedures done in the last six and a half years, and I know firsthand they can be very uncomfortable, but this last one by far was the most painful. I realize the provider was just trying to be thorough, but the procedure was agonizing to say the least. The very next day, I had my first painful bowel movement with some blood appearing on the toilet paper. After the anoscope on the day of my visit, the provider said I did have internal hemorrhoids, and they all appeared to be of the same approximate size on both sides of the rectum. He asked if I take any fiber supplements, I told him I was taking a generic brand of Benefiber. He told me to take Metamucil, and come back in six weeks for a follow up. I asked if I would have to do another anoscope procedure at that time, and he said yes. Besides the painful anal/rectal procedure, and the painful bowel movement with some blood the next day; what also bothers me is what little interactive communication the provider offered once I expressed everything that I did. More communication on his part would have been appreciated. It's nice to listen to the patient, but it's also nice to get some feedback from the provider with regards to the key issues the patient has brought up. I felt I didn't receive that, and was disappointed with the office visit.
Comment - “ Warm engaging visit... ”
Warm engaging visit