Very Scared. (humiliating question)

[Joe90812]

Hello,

I have been suffering from chronic constipation for 5 years. I recently had the sensation of my bowels completely shutting down and a colonscopy was performed. The results were that I have hemroids. I found a website that promised a cure called "Miracle H". I was desperate to find relief so I purchased it.

The method they recommended was to take an herb in powdered form called "cranesbill" and mix it with water and insert the solution into the anus twice a day to treat internal hemroids. They promised it would cure the hemroids. They said form many people the cure is as fast as 2 days. For others it may take several days. I figured I would give it a week.

Well, it's been a week and I don't notice much difference so I figured it didn't work and I went to dump the rest of the solution down the drain. When I went to do this I noticed that mold has started to grow inside of the jar! They recommended mixing the powder and water in a mason jar and storing it like that to be used when needed.

I am now really scared! Am I in real danger? Your prompt reply is greatly appreciated.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are a variety of reasons for chronic constipation.  If the symptoms continue, obtaining abdominal imaging can be done to exclude a bowel obstruction, and a colonoscopy as well to evaluate for a mass.  

I would also check the thyroid, as hypothyroidism can lead to constipation.

Specialized tests can be done, including anorectal manometry or an endorectal ultrasound, and should be discussed with your GI physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd

[Joe90812]

Also, I should add that the mold did not appear to be growing in the actual solution that I had been putting into the dropper, but on the sides of the jar where the residue from the solution had built up and was sticking on. I did, however, pour the solution  out of the jar and over and past this residue when taking it out of the jar. Man, this really *****.

[Joe90812]

All of these things have been done, except for the anorectal manometry or endorectal ultrasound you mention. The GI specialist I went to did not allow me to speak. He pretty much just talked over me despite my attempts to explain my situation. When the colonscopy came back as showing hemroids but no other abnormalities, he suggested I have IBS and should allow the drug companies to use my body as a test subject for their wonder drugs. There's no way I'm about to do that. I don't see why he's saying I have IBS when the colonoscopy clearly showed the problem to be internal hemroids. Isn't IBS just a blanket diagnosis that's given when there really is no other explanation?

What about the mold issue mentioned in my original post? Is this a cause for concern?