Infrared coagulation

[Larry - Florida]

I have fought hemorrhoids for years and had one banded about 15 years ago. Mine had gotten to the point they were interfering with my active lifestyle so I finally decided to do something about it. I talked to two doctors … one insisted that I needed a hemorhroidectomy … the other wanted to use a stapling technique. Being a “wuss” when it comes to pain, neither sounded too good to me. I asked both about infrared coagulation and they said it would not work for me.
As I said, I’m a “wuss” so I decided to try the infrared coagulation first. I’ve had 4 sessions thus far and noticed improvement from the first treatment. I was able to paint all day on a ladder after two treatments with no problem. After 3, I spent all day pulling out bushes in the yard and transplanting them. I couldn’t have done either before treatments began. They can control the “burn” temperature to what you are comfortable with. However, apparently the higher the burn, the less treatments you will need. I’m going with less burn temperature and more treatments. Because of the size of my hemorrhoids, I probably have another 4-6 treatments.
Now, contrary to what the literature says, it is not painless but it isn’t a lot worse than getting a shot. It’s just that most of us aren’t used to the pain in that particular location.
It is true that it lets you keep up with your normal activities. I go to the gym 3 days a week, ride a bike regularly and have no activity restrictions. You can have a treatment and go back to work with no problem. Remember … I’m a “wuss” so if I can do it, anyone can.
As to cost. The place I use is a non-network provider for BC/BS so it costs more. However, it will only be about $600 total out of my pocket for all treatments if I have a total of 10 … and $30 each if it goes more. It would be worth a lot more than that to me.
I don’t know about long range issues but this seems a whole lot better than what I have heard from folks who have had surgery.

[Tina]

I had 3 IR treatments. After the first treatment I couldn't tell a difference at all. I was thinking it may be a waste of time until the second treatment. I could tell a noticeable difference, but not 100%. After the third treatment I felt like my old self again. I must say, though, that this was done in Nov. 08 and it is now May 09 and it's back in full force. So, my suggestion would be to do 3 treatments a week apart, and then separate the last 3 treatments over the year until insurance picks up the next 3 the next year.

[cured]

the solution is so simple everyone,yes everyone,even doctors overlook it.Topically applied raw honey will give you more relief than any surgical procedures or medicinal so called wonder drugs.try it what do you have to lose?

[Mark]

Molly wrote:

I've had two treatments and the doctor said the treatments will shrink the internal hemmoroids and after so many treatments the outside problems will start healing.The pamphlet stated painless, well believe me, it wasn't painless. Of course, I may have some other problems because I was terribly uncomfortable the entire evening and during the night after both treatments.Unsure if this is for me.

You are right; about 2 in 100 patients have random nerve endings that go above the dentate line (internally). Those patients need to let the doctor know immediately if they are experiencing any discomfort. Topical Lidocaine can be squirted into the rectum to help numb the area if there is any sensitivity. But for 98% of patients the treatment is painless, they describe the feeling as pressure or warmth. IRC is also the recommended treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids. Whenever a patient has blood in the stool it is important that they have a rectal exam done. It is very important that a physician identifies where the blood is coming from. If it is coming from a hemorrhoid then after completing treatment the blood will go away. If it doesn't then a colonoscopy should be done immediately in the case that it is a more serious issue. Cancerous and pre-cancerous symptoms can be mistaken for hemorrhoids, so it is important that you see a physician to make sure you are in good health. There are other ano-rectal issues that can be mistaken for hemorrhoids as well, such as fissures, fistulas, and HPV. Over treating with topical OTC products that contain steroids such as hydro cortisone can actually begin to break the healthy tissue down, and cause further/additional issues. There are physicians throughout the country that perform IRC and I would certainly recommend it as first line treatment for hemorrhoids. After all if it doesn't work there are plenty of less patient-friendly treatments to try that aren't as effective. Simply Google search for "irc treatment of hemorrhoids, City, State” and find a provider in your area. If you are in Colorado then you can go to www.MountainStreamsMedical.com and they have locations in Denver and Colorado Springs.

[Mark]

cured wrote:

the solution is so simple everyone,yes everyone,even doctors overlook it.Topically applied raw honey will give you more relief than any surgical procedures or medicinal so called wonder drugs.try it what do you have to lose?

This may treat the symptoms for some patients, but in my experience I've never had a patient cure a hemorrhoid via topical ointments, creams, or foods...

[john]

can anyone tell me where can I get IRC procedure done in Seattle,WA area? Thanks!

[Mike]

Yes, topical application like that usually only provide a short term relief and not fix the problems that caused them in the first place. You have to get to the root of the problem, not paper over it, if you dont want to have any future problems.

http://howtotreathemorrhoids.us

[Stuart]

Tina wrote:

I had 3 IR treatments. After the first treatment I couldn't tell a difference at all. I was thinking it may be a waste of time until the second treatment. I could tell a noticeable difference, but not 100%. After the third treatment I felt like my old self again. I must say, though, that this was done in Nov. 08 and it is now May 09 and it's back in full force. So, my suggestion would be to do 3 treatments a week apart, and then separate the last 3 treatments over the year until insurance picks up the next 3 the next year.

Gee Tina, I'm a bit discouraged. I had my first IRC done last week and after a few days of feeling better, I'm back to square one. The Doc said after the fist one, to come back in 6 weeks! I'm wondering if this is going to be a waste of time if you've had 3 treatments but your hems went back to full force in 4 months. If you are reading this, please post if you are better. I've got to get my life back and don't want to do full blown surgery! BTW, I've spent $500 on herbal and "natural" remedies to no avail. HELP!

[mark]

Ive have had 4 irc treatments and need 4 more according to my doctor. Let me tell you it has gave me my life back. Still cant really work out like i used to but no more pain. The treatments take only a few minutes Im in and out in 15 tops. You feel a little stimg and thats it.

[faithful1]

john wrote:

can anyone tell me where can I get IRC procedure done in Seattle,WA area? Thanks!

Hi...anyone had IRC in Seattle? or Tacoma? Please let me know where I can go. Thanks and God bless us all.