Hemorrhoid Surgery Doesn’t Deserve Its Bad Reputation

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 30-year-old, and otherwise healthy, grandson has been suffering from, and treating, hemorrhoids for two years. He is anemic due to his loss of blood. He’s had several bandings; they couldn’t complete the last one because he was in too much pain. They said they couldn’t anesthetize the area because his lack of feeling would prevent them from knowing if they were near a nerve. So, now they say he should have surgery, although it is said to be quite painful and difficult.

Do you agree that they can’t anesthetize the area for banding, and is the surgery as horrible to deal with as they say? Under what conditions would you say it is advisable to have the surgery? -- A.P.

ANSWER: Most people with a banding procedure do not need anesthesia, and nerve blocks are not used in hemorrhoidal banding because a feeling of pain is a useful indication that the band is not in the best position. When home treatments and office procedures (like banding, scleral therapy or infrared coagulation) are ineffective or can’t be used, it is time to consider surgical treatment. The surgery’s reputation of being “horrific” is undeserved. I have had several patients in the last few years undergo this surgical procedure, and although they have certainly had a few days of pain after the procedure, all have been happy with the outcomes. Surgeons often use long-acting local anesthetics, and the pain is greatly reduced when they are combined with better surgical procedures, compared to older surgical techniques and anesthesia.

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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

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Participants Needed

VPG Medical is seeking eligible participants to test an investigational application for Android smart devices.

To participate you must:

• Be 40 years or older

• Have a history of Paroxysmal AFib

• Use a Samsung Android smartphone daily You will be compensated for your time and participation.

For more information and to determine if you qualify, please contact Margot Lutz: (585) 622-4410 • m.lutz@vpgmedical.com

375 White Spruce Blvd., Rochester, NY 14623 (585) 622-4410 • www.VPGMedical.com

Sue DeBruyne, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Assistive Devices Help People Remain Mobile

Disabilities affect people from all walks of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 55 million Americans have a disability of some kind. Of these people, 33 million have a disability that makes it difficult for them to carry out some daily activities. Statistics Canada states that, as of 2012, 13.7 percent of the population age 15 years or older reported having a disability that could impact daily life.

People with disabilities may need assistive devices to reclaim some measure of their independence. For example, millions of people rely on wheelchairs or walking aids to get around. These are called assistive technology and rehabilitative devices, which include tools, equipment or products that can help people with disabilities get around more easily. These devices may be as small as magnifying glasses for reading to as large as wheelchairs.

The National Institutes of Health state that 2.2 million people in the U.S depend on wheelchairs for day-to-day tasks and mobility. More than six million use canes, walkers or crutches to assist with mobility.

Assistive devices can be highly effective, but only when they are used properly and safely. Assistive devices should be measured for each user. Many walkers are height-adjustable. The width of a device also is important. A walker or another device that is too wide can affect mobility or require modifications to be made around the home. Weight is another consideration. The device should be lightweight so it can be maneuvered, but also weigh enough to provide enough stability to keep users upright. Users should proceed slowly and favor their stronger sides when relying on canes or walkers. Devices should not be used to climb atop other items like step stools. Children should not be allowed to play with or ride on assistive devices. If there are safety belts or locks on any assistive technology,theyshouldbeputinplacebeforeusetopreventfurtherinjury.

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Pointers On Moving To A New Home By Rental Truck

(NAPSI)—Moving yourself to a new home by renting a truck can be easier than you may realize, if you heed these five facts and tips.

• Know when to go. When planning your trip, take into account the time of day you intend to travel and likely traffic patterns. Always leave lots of extra time and be aware of possible bottlenecks along the way.

• Be up on your truck. Make sure you can find and understand all the truck’s switches and gauges. Adjust the seat and side mirrors so they match your height and comfort zone. Also, remember, trucks are taller, wider and may weigh up to 10 times more than the average car, so you have to be extra vigilant.

• Understand the agreement. Most truck rental agreements say something like the language from the U.S. Department of Transportation that prohibits the “carrying or hauling of explosives and other dangerous articles.” That means you can’t pack paint, chemicals and cleaning materials, flammable solvents, propane, gasoline and the like. Check with your rental agent if you’re not sure about a particular item.

• Know the “No-Zone.” Trucks have big blind spots, what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration calls the “No-Zone.” You should know where these areas are, explain the experts on truck rental at Penske, especially when changing lanes or coming to a stop.

• Look into insurance. Most insurance and credit card companies won’t cover truck rentals under existing policies. If your insurance company is among them, consider signing up for additional coverage to protect yourself and your belongings. You may feel more confident knowing there is a company that offers free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.

Learn More: You can find further moving facts and tips at www.PenskeTruckRental.com and (800) GO-PENSKE.

STRANGE

By Lucie Winborne

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Penny Saver

Rae is our Samoyed puppy who is full of spunk & energy! She loves being in the presence of her humans and playing tug-ofwar. Stevie has 4 doggie omas John Ghidiu

June 28, 2024 omas John Ghidiu (5/28/1942 -6/28/2023). Loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor, and friend. Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of his life to be held Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 3-7pm at Milley’s Handlebar Cafe, 3120 Kittering Rd., Macedon, NY 14502.

Please visit www.rlyostfuneralhome.com for more information.

You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.

- Albert Camus

Monumental Memories

Full range of cemetery memorials & services. Many granite stones, colors, shapes & engraving options on display. Friendly, caring & here to help!

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