Hemorrhoids & Anal Fissures While On Chemo :
2 chemo cycles ago, the steroids they give me with my chemo in office made me constipated, which incidentally led to the first hemorrhoid I’ve ever had in my life. also pretty sure I have anal fissures because it feels like shards of glass every time I poop. I absolutely dread going to the bathroom now, and regularly use prep h and anusol. unfortunately, I have 1/2 a colon so I go to the bathroom more often than most people. I am so depressed because it feels like I just can’t catch a break. not only am I fighting cancer and dealing with the awful side effects of chemo, but for the past few weeks going number 2 has been agony. I’m afraid one of these times when I go to the bathroom, I am just going to faint from the pain. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life. has anyone else ever had this problem? does anyone have any advice? this is literally ruining my life. I almost want it to end just so I can be free of the pain and subsequent sadness this is causing me.
Hi Discordia and Pauline
Hi Discordia and Pauline,
I really feel for you both, although I don’t have quite the same problems as you.
Pauline, like you, I’m having bladder problems – brain and bladder not communicating! And I have to sit for ages before I can pass urine and rock backwards and forwards!
I hate to think of you both suffering. Sending you both a big hug, Jo xx
What Symptoms Should Young People Be Aware Of
According to May, many people dont have any symptoms until their colon or rectal cancer has reached a late stage, but there are a few telltale signs to watch for.
Blood in your stool is a common symptom of colorectal cancer. Other symptoms include pencil stool, which is long and thin, potentially because a tumor is constricting the colon or rectum, as well as cramping, abdominal pain, and new diarrhea or constipation. Decreased appetite, fatigue, and weight loss typically dont occur until colorectal cancer is in an advanced stage, says May.
She implores young women, especially, to advocate for themselves if they think something wrong, because there are issues that make it easy to dismiss symptoms in this population. In women, some warning signs of cancer, such as anemia, may be attributed to pregnancy or menstruation. A lot of women have low blood counts or anemia because of menstruation, and their primary care doctor makes the assumption that its the culprit. Meanwhile, there are many causes of anemia, including blood in the rectum.
If you are concerned that you may have colorectal cancer, talk to your provider in earnest. Tell them that you have heard about this disease and you want to make sure you aren’t having the symptoms. If you have tried that a couple times and your doctor still doesn’t want to send you for a colonoscopy, you should feel empowered to ask for a second opinion, says May.
What Does Severe Fibroids And Constipation Pain Feel Like
Fibroid pain is often debilitating, affecting all areas of a womans life. Cramps are often so severe, NSAIDs dont manage the pain as well as they do for regular menstrual discomfort. Depending on the size and number of fibroids within the uterus, the pelvic area might feel full, enlarged, or heavy. Additionally, fibroids can cause back and leg pain if they press on sensitive nerves.
In comparison, hemorrhoid pain can range anywhere from little to no pain, to itching or burning. Wiping or going to the restroom might be uncomfortable and feel hot. Experiencing sharp abdominal pain is also associated with constipation and hemorrhoids. Both fibroids and rectal pain is uncomfortable and can be treated easily with the right measures.
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Can Fibroids Cause Bleeding During Bowel Movements
The short answer is yes, they can. If youve noticed bleeding during bowel movements, it could be that you have an internal hemorrhoid instead of an external one. Even though they may not be as painful as external hemorrhoids, internal veins tend to bleed. Internal hemorrhoids may bleed during straining or pressure this happens when the surface of the inflamed vein becomes damaged.
Fibroids dont directly cause bleeding during bowel movements because they grow inside or on the uterus. However, they can cause severe constipation which could lead to an internal or external hemorrhoid in the rectum. Since the uterus, intestines, bladder, and rectum are all in the pelvic region of your body, fibroids can impact any one of these vital organs.
What This Study Adds
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An algorithm based on simple clinical variables such as age, family history of ovarian cancer, anaemia, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, rectal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, appetite loss, and weight loss, which the patient is likely to know or which are routinely recorded in general practice computer systems, can estimate absolute risk of ovarian cancer in women with and without symptoms in primary care
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The algorithm could be integrated into general practice clinical computer systems and used to assess risk in women presenting with and without symptoms
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How To Differentiate Between External Or Internal Hemorrhoids
Iâve been having problems with hemorrhoids for many years now. Probably about 8 years or so . It has gotten worse in the last 2-3 years Iâd say. How do I tell if this is internal or external hemorrhoids?Iâve read up on the symptoms and Iâm not sure how to read this. For me, the flare up only occurs after a bowel movement. If i go to sleep right after, the hemorrhoids is always gone. Sometimes the hemorrhoids will go away on its own after a few hours on its own .All i know is that it never goes on for more than 1 day continuously because it always goes away when I go to sleep. Any idea which type I have? Its gotten to a point where I dread bowel movements because it makes walking difficult . Hoping there is a way to make the hemorrhoids go away within an hour of the bowel movement.
Sores Or Pain In The Mouth
A cold sore that heals is nothing to worry about, nor is a toothache that goes away after a trip to the dentist. But if you notice sores that dont heal, pain that sticks around, white or red patches on the gums or tongue, and any swelling or numbness of the jaw it could be a sign of some mouth cancers, according to the ACS. If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, see a doctor. Learn the rampant cancer myths to stop believing.
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Types Of Hemorrhoids: Internal And External
Hemorrhoids are either internal or external.
Internal Hemorrhoids These hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are not usually visible to the naked eye. Internal hemorrhoids generally dont hurt, but they often bleed painlessly.
In some cases, internal hemorrhoids may protrude through the anus and can be seen, which is known as becoming prolapsed. When this happens, they will usually shrink back inside the rectum on their own or can be pushed back in.
External Hemorrhoids These hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the outside of the anus. These are the most uncomfortable hemorrhoids and can be itchy or painful, and may feel lumpy. When a blood clot forms within an external hemorrhoid, this is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which can result in severe, ongoing pain. Sometimes clots dissolve on their own, but if they dont, your doctor can remove the clot, a procedure thats most effective if done within 72 hours of the clot forming.
A Lump At The Anal Opening
A lump at your anal opening can be caused by hemorrhoids, as well as colorectal and anal cancer.
Hemorrhoids are a far more likely cause of a lump in the anus. External hemorrhoids and prolapsed hemorrhoids can cause a lump under the skin just outside the anus.
If blood pools in an external hemorrhoid, it causes whats known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. This can cause a hard and painful lump.
Though there are similarities in symptoms, hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer also causes some very different symptoms.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid symptoms can vary depending on the type of hemorrhoids you have. For example, internal hemorrhoids inside the rectum usually can’t be seen or felt because they’re deep inside. However, you might see blood in your stool, on tissue or in the toilet bowl. You might also experience a hemorrhoid that has pushed through the anus , which can cause discomfort.
With external hemorrhoids, you’re most likely to experience anal itching swelling or lumps around the anus rectal bleeding and pain around the anal area, especially when sitting. Some people will experience a clot in an external hemorrhoidal vessel that can be very painful.
Chest Abdominal Pelvic Back Or Head Pain
Pain occurring anywhere in your body could be a possible symptom of cancer. If you have any unexplained pain that persists, especially pain you would describe as a deep ache, talk to your healthcare provider.
Head Pain
Headaches are the most common symptom of brain cancer or tumors that have spread to the brain, but certainly most headaches are not due to cancer.
The classic headache due to a brain tumor is severe, at its worst in the morning, and progresses over time. These headaches may worsen with activities such as coughing or bearing down for a bowel movement, and may occur on one side only. People with a headache related to a brain tumor frequently have other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, weakness of one side of the body, or new-onset seizures. However, brain tumors can also cause headaches that are indistinguishable from a tension headache, and may be the only sign that a tumor is present.
Cancer spread to the brain are seven times more common than primary brain tumors and cause similar symptoms. Cancers most likely to spread to the brain include breast cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma. It’s not uncommon for people with brain metastases, especially those with small cell lung cancer, to have symptoms related to a tumor in the brain before they have symptoms due to the primary cancer.
Back Pain
Back pain can be caused by tumors in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis, or by metastases to the spine from other cancers.
Shoulder Pain
Chest Pain
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When To See A Doctor
Its important to see a doctor if you experience rectal bleeding. Though hemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding, they can also be a sign of cancer.
A doctor can perform a physical examination, which will likely include a digital rectal exam, to confirm hemorrhoids and rule out more serious conditions.
Make an appointment to see a doctor if you have bleeding during bowel movements or experience pain or itching that lasts more than a few days and isnt relieved by home remedies.
See a doctor right away if you experience rectal bleeding for the first time, especially if youre over 40 or the bleeding is accompanied by a change in bowel habits.
Get emergency care if you experience:
- significant rectal bleeding
Why Hemorrhoids Form And What Symptoms They Cause
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus and rectal areas that can cause irritating symptoms such as itching, pain, and bright red blood on the toilet paper or in a bowel movement. These swollen veins can form inside the anus or around the anus just under the skin . Hemorrhoids are an annoying problem for about one half of Americans as they age and are a common complaint during pregnancy.
Hemorrhoidal veins become swollen due to age, obesity, prolonged standing, or the pressure of straining during bowel movements with chronic constipation or diarrhea. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the increased pressure on these veins from an enlarging uterus can cause hemorrhoids to develop.
Self-treatment for hemorrhoids includes anti-inflammatory creams and ointments that help reduce the itching and swelling. Even without treatment, hemorrhoids usually disappear within a few days. If a hemorrhoid does not improve within a few days, or if rectal bleeding is occurring, a doctor should be consulted to rule out a serious condition.
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Are Hemorrhoids A Warning Sign Of Anal Cancer
The main warning signs of anal cancer are rectal pain, itching and bleeding, as well as changes in bowel movements, such as unusually narrow stools. Hemorrhoids, which are painful clusters of inflamed veins in the rectum and anus, can produce many of the same symptoms as anal cancer. While hemorrhoids are not usually a precursor to cancer and are far more common these symptoms should still be promptly brought to the attention of a physician, who can pinpoint the cause and provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, if necessary.
What Should I Do If I Have Signs And Symptoms Of Colon Cancer Or Hemorrhoids
When to Call the Doctor for Colon Cancer Symptoms and Signs
If you have any of these symptoms call a doctor.
- Bright red blood on the toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or in your stool when you have a bowel movement
- Change in the character or frequency of your bowel movements
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
- Unexplained or persistent abdominal pain or distension
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained, persistent nausea or vomiting
If you have any of these symptoms, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
- Large amounts of bleeding from your rectum, especially if associated with sudden weakness or dizziness
- Unexplained severe pain in your belly or pelvis
- Vomiting and inability to keep fluids down
When to Call the Doctor for Hemorrhoid Symptoms and Signs
Bleeding from the rectum or anus is never normal and although hemorrhoids are the most common reason to have blood in the stool. If you have rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, call a doctor. Other causes of rectal bleeding exist and can be serious. Inflammatory bowel disease and cancers of the colon can cause with rectal bleeding. Blood in the stool should never be ignored.
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Implications For Clinical Guidelines
Our study is topical given the recent guidelines published by NICE in April 2011 on the recognition of ovarian cancer. This recommends carrying out tests in primary care for women if they have any of the following symptoms particularly more than 12 times a month: abdominal distension feeling full or loss of appetite, or both pelvic or abdominal pain increased urinary frequency or urgency, or both or symptoms suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome in the past 12 months or unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or changes in bowel habit. NICE guidelines recommend that women with symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer should have a CA125 test and if the concentration is 35 IU/mL or more, an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis should be undertaken. After the scan a risk of malignancy score should be calculated, based on menopausal status, CA125 concentration, and ultrasound findings. Those with a score of 250 or more should be referred to a specialist team. NICE also acknowledges, however, that research is needed to determine the specificities and sensitivities of the risk of malignancy score at different thresholds as well as evidence for the performance of CA125 in a primary care setting.
Summary Of Key Findings
We have developed and validated a new algorithm designed to estimate the absolute risk of having existing but as yet undiagnosed ovarian cancer based on a combination of symptoms and simple variables such as age and family history of ovarian cancer, which the patient is likely to know and which will increase the baseline absolute risk. The algorithm could be used to assess risk at the point of care in those patients presenting to general practitioners with these symptoms, many of which are non-specific. The algorithm does not actually result in a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, rather it can be used to identify a subset of high risk women suitable for targeted investigation.
The algorithm performed well in a separate validation sample with good discrimination and calibration. After external validation this new algorithm could potentially be used to identify those at highest risk of having ovarian cancer to facilitate early referral and investigation and so help earlier identification. Further research is needed to assess how to implement the algorithm, its cost effectiveness, and whether, on implementation, it has any impact on the stage of ovarian cancer at diagnosis and subsequent survival.
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How Can You Live Better With Vulvodynia
When you have vulvodynia, you may find it hard to do your daily tasks. It may hurt to walk, exercise, or sit for long periods of time. And it may hurt to have sex. All of these things can affect your life, work, and relationships.
At times you may feel overwhelmed, tired, and angry. These feelings are normal. Most women who have vulvar pain feel this way at one time or another.
Even though living with vulvar pain can be stressful, the good news is that you can do some simple things to feel better.
- See a counsellor.Cognitive-behavioural therapy allows you to express your emotions and concerns and to learn new ways of coping with vulvar pain. Sex therapy can also help you and your partner find ways to be intimate that dont cause pain.
- Keep a pain diary. You can track moods, thoughts, activities, and medicines that affect pain. Having a record of pain can help you and your doctor find the best ways to treat it.
- Get support from other women. A support group, online forum, or chat group helps you share your concerns and hear how other people cope with the pain and challenges of living with vulvodynia.
- Practice relaxation and breathing exercises.Meditation and guided imagery are two examples of how you can reduce stress and relax your mind and muscles.