Hemorrhoid - from radiation?

Ok, it's official --- I'm old.


Got an embarrassing question:


I had a colonoscopy last August. Two smal polyps found, non cancerous. A few weeks after this I noticed a bump. Dr. that did my colonoscopy says it was a hemorrhoid. After no exercise for a few weeks, it went away.

Started to do more exercising in the past few weeks/months - got it back.

I had radiation back in April, 2009. Can radiation cause hemorrhoids? 

I never had these before.

(I knew I should have come up with a better login name than my real name)

Thanks,
Jerry L.

Jerry,

I have had the 'roids since a rectal fistula a few (~5) years ago. When We did all the scheduling for DaVinci surgery, and then for IGRT, they sent me to a colo-rectal guy for pre-approval.

He commented that my rectum looked like a patchwork quilt. There were serious compliments for the surgeons work, but the warning that radiation would be problematic.

Short version - a past (before radiation) problem with significant rectal bleeding every 8-12 months is now (6 months post-IGRT) every 4-6 weeks. I take a lot of antibiotics, and hope it will improve.

The connection to radiation appears to be there, in my non-physician's view.

Jerry, fret not about the name thing. I'm really Dave and do drive a GTO. No biggie.

I too have suffered the 'roids for year. Usually they come on from stress. Too much spicy food can also irritate. Get your doc to write a scrip for a cream called analpram. Stuff is a gift from God!

Hope it helps and you feel better

DAVE!