Grade 4 Hemorrhoids

[Patri68]

My 70 year-old mother has had severe rectal bleeding for years now due to Grade 4 hemorrhoids? Her iron level and hemoglobin levels are low (doctors concerned)

She had a colon resection in 2009 and had also undergone chemotherapy (in remission).
In Oct. 2011 she had a colonoscopy (2 polyps removed and biopsy came back negative).
She also has a heart condition.

Her surgeon advised her that she is not a candidate for hemorrhoidectomy (surgery) because of her heart condition.  She also suggested rubber band ligation but is skeptical that it would work.

I am very concerned about her, I don’t know what else to do.

Has anyone ever heard of removing hemorrhoids using laser ??

I truly welcome any thoughts or suggestions.

Thanks in advance,  

Patty

[Patri68]

Thanks for your response.

Since her colon resection, she's had diarrhea (every time she eats fruits and vegetables).  Her family doctor has her on 2 iron pills a day, plus 12 other pills related to her other conditions (heart, diabetes, etc.).

[mammo]

Just because her doctor is skeptical that the rubber band ligation will work...it is well worth trying.  It's non-invasive and maybe her only hope.  But I'm big on getting more than one opinion, and you may want to do this.  Your mom has suffered a lot and the doctor need to try something to help her.  I wish you and your mom all the best.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  I would recommend that you get a second opinion about this.  Also, is she is having any problems with constipation, this can make the hemmorhoids worse, so I would recommend talking to your doctor about treating this.