Years of suffering finally over! 24-year-old talks openly about his hemorrhoidal condition

"It had been clear to me for a long time that something was wrong, but I didn't have the courage to confide in anyone," Mr. Singh explains. Like him, many people struggle with rectal symptoms such as bleeding or pain. The 24-year-old suffered from enlarged hemorrhoids until recently, for about five years. As the self-employed manager of a transportation company, R. Singh drove his own deliveries until a few years ago. By this time, sitting was also starting to cause problems. At the beginning of this year, he had himself treated with biolitec's laser therapy. Now he shares his experience, "I hope by sharing my experience I can help others and especially young people overcome their shame and go to the doctor early."

Affected people often don't dare to see a doctor about rectal diseases until it's too late

The only one to whom R. Singh confides in is his brother: "It must have been about two years ago. My brother and I actually tell each other everything. It was only through him that I learned that such problems are widespread. He encouraged me to go to the doctor." Like many young people, he then gets the information he needs, from the Internet. Instead of his family doctor, he goes directly to a proctologist (rectal specialist), but this should not be the last.

Diseases such as hemorrhoidal disorders affect all population groups

"The first doctor didn't see the need for action. I wasn't told what I had. Only ointments and suppositories, which did not help me, he prescribed." R. Singh feels that he is not taken seriously. Another visit to the same doctor is not an option for him. At the next proctologist, he at least gets a name to go with his symptoms. He has hemorrhoidal disease, i.e., pathologically enlarged hemorrhoids. This differentiation is important, because what the fewest know: Everyone has hemorrhoids. They are supporters of fine continence. Therefore, preserving them often plays a major role in the choice of treatment. R. Singh's doctor performs a rubber band ligation. This involves placing a rubber band around the enlarged pad to tie it off. However, the doctor lacks the necessary sensitivity when inserting it: "He just put the rubber band around it. He didn't care what it was like for me or that I was in pain, the main thing was that it fit," Singh reports.

With shameful rectal conditions, which can also be very painful, the doctor-patient relationship and choice of therapy is especially important

Neither rubber band ligation nor ointments and suppositories help R. Singh. Still ill and also unsettled, he comes to the consultation of Dr. Erik Allemeyer. Dr. Allemeyer knows how important it is to have a clear understanding of proctology and to be sensitive to the patient's needs. Dr. Allemeyer also tries rubber band ligation. Nevertheless, there is a decisive difference, explains R. Singh: "It was different with Dr. Allemeyer right from the start. I was taught in detail about every step of the treatment. He carefully palpated the area and asked me if the placement was okay. When I came in for a checkup, he wanted to know exactly how I was doing."

Conservative approaches are often but not always successful for hemorrhoids

But again, no lasting improvement is seen. A new approach is needed: "I didn't care what was done, the main thing was that the symptoms disappear. The only thing I wanted to avoid was a real operation with cutting out. If only to avoid being out of action for too long in my self-employment." Dr. Allemeyer explains his options to R. Singh. He advises him, because of his desire to be fit again quickly and his pre-existing condition, type 1 diabetes, to undergo LHP laser therapy from biolitec. In this procedure, a laser fiber is inserted into the hemorrhoid and irradiates it with laser light from inside, shrinking it back to its natural size. The treatment is quick and gentle on the patient. In addition, since diabetes can cause problems with wound healing, it is particularly suitable because the hemorrhoid is only punctured.

Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is also suitable for high-risk patients

Mr. Singh's treatment takes just under half an hour. He leaves the clinic on his own two feet the day after. "I only needed painkillers on the first day, and two days later I was able to go about my business a little again. Of course I took it easy, but at least a little bit was doable again," R. Singh reveals to us. After a week and a half, he can go about his regular daily life. At the follow-up appointment, both doctor and patient are satisfied with the result. "I can't tell yet whether everything is back to normal, but it's definitely much better than before the treatment," R. Singh tells us shortly afterwards. He didn't have to pay anything; his statutory health insurance covers the costs in full. "Of course, it's still a bit early to draw a final conclusion, but if I could turn back time now, I would definitely opt for laser therapy again," R. Singh shares. When we ask if he would recommend LHP to others, he is clear: "The way things are going so far? Yes definitely."