When it comes to those all-too-common “rear-end miseries,” people often avoid going to the doctor, more out of embarrassment than fear. After all, who feels comfortable talking about hemorrhoids, cysts or polyps? Yet seeking treatment for these conditions of the colon, rectum or anus in the earliest stages can help you avoid pain, discomfort and serious illness down the road.
That’s the advice of Jeffrey Wiseman, MD, a board-certified general and colorectal surgeon at UHS. He speaks candidly about colorectal and anal conditions, while at the same time displaying compassion for his patients and sensitivity to their feelings and concerns.
Problems of the lower region of the body come in many shapes and sizes. They can range from life-threatening to merely annoying. Dr. Wiseman is familiar with all of them, and believes in finding the correct specific solution to each one.
“I want to reassure patients that the treatment is really going to be based on their symptoms,” he said. “The sooner they come in, the easier it is to treat the problem – the less involved it is and the quicker the person is in recovery.”
Among the conditions that can be treated surgically by a specialist of Dr. Wiseman’s training and expertise are these: hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perirectal abscesses, fistulas, pilonidal cyst abscess and infections.
So how do you know when it’s time to see the doctor about a problem?
“Pain is completely individualized,” Dr. Wiseman said. “If you’ve got a little aching, you don’t need to run to see me today. But if it isn’t going away after a week or so, or if it’s getting worse, then you should give me a call.”
Continuing, he noted: “Going to see a colorectal surgeon doesn’t mean you’re going to have a painful, embarrassing exam. You’re in the hands of a specialist who has the expertise to make sure the treatment is appropriate to the condition. And depending on the diagnosis, a large percentage of things are taken care of right here in the office.”
Dr. Wiseman received his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, did a residency at the college’s hospital and completed a fellowship at Ferguson Hospital.
He practices with UHS Surgery at Wilson Square in Johnson City; phone 763-8100.
