At Katy Stomach Doctor, you will find the best doctor from all Katy TX Colon And Rectal Specialists. Here, you will receive the most comprehensive consultation and evaluation from Dr. James Maher.
Katy TX Colon And Rectal Specialists
Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, you can count on Dr. Maher to be the best in the field. To him, education is highly essential, and he works to provide the best healthcare services in your community. Between all the Katy TX Colon And Rectal Specialists, there is no one like Dr. James Maher!
Colonoscopy
If you detect changes in your colon and rectum, Dr. Maher can perform a colonoscopy to find out. During a colonoscopy, we will insert a flexible tube into your rectum. With a tiny camera, we can view and evaluate the inside of your entire colon.
Typically, this test will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour. If needed, we can remove abnormal tissue or polyps during this examination. Once the procedure is done, Dr. Maher will take the time to notify you of all findings.
Why Do I Need a Colonoscopy?
People who are looking to obtain information on any intestinal symptoms are recommended a colonoscopy. Also, we highly suggest this to anyone interested in screening for colon cancer. Lastly, if you have a history of polyps removed, you should repeat a colonoscopy periodically. In doing so, you can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Before & After a Colonoscopy
Before receiving a colonoscopy, there is some preparation required. For instance, we need you to take a laxative and adjust your medications. You must inform Dr. Maher or any medications you are taking.
With that information, we might ask that you change your dosage or stop taking such medication for a while. Also, you will have diet restrictions two days before the evaluation.
After the colonoscopy, there are also some things to expect. Since we will be using an anesthetic during this procedure, you must bring a designated driver. For the rest of the day, you will not be able to drive or work.
Also, it is common to feel bloated if polyps were removed during the colonoscopy. It is also common to experience a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement. However, if you experience high fever, clots, and severe abdominal pain, we recommend consulting with Dr. Maher.
Results
If there were no abnormalities in your colon, then your results will come out negative. Typically, it is still common for Dr. Maher to suggest you repeat colonoscopy in 10 years. On the other hand, your results will be positive is polyps were present in the colon. Although most polyps are not cancerous, further lab analysis will be required.
Ulcerative Colitis
The common disorder, Ulcerative Colitis, comes to affect the colon and large intestine. Considered a chronic condition, this irritable bowel syndrome will require long-term management. While that may sound scary at first, it is essential to know that you have the best team helping you.
Commonly, some of the symptoms experienced with Ulcerative Colitis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Excess gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Mucus in the stool
Even though the symptoms may improve or disappear, it is also common for them to worsen. For that reason, it is best to seek medical attention.
Causes & Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Although the cause of Ulcerative Colitis is not known, there are some factors that come to play in this condition’s development. Such factors are:
- Muscle contraction in the intestine
- Inflammation in the intestines
- Nervous system
- Severe infection
- Changes in bacteria in the intestines
Drug therapy and surgery are the two treatment options available to help reduce the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis. We will first start you off with anti-inflammatory drugs. Then, we will suggest immune system suppressors and other antibiotics. With such medication, we aim to reduce the inflammation and the amount of drainage experienced.
As mentioned, another option available is colon and rectal surgery. With surgery, we can often eliminate Ulcerative Colitis. However, this means that we will have to remove your entire rectum and colon.
If you are ready to treat your Ulcerative Colitis, visit Katy Stomach Doctor. Here, you will consult with Dr. James Maher.
Crohn’s Disease
Another inflammatory bowel disease that we treat is Crohn’s Disease. This infection will spread into the layers of the affected bowel tissue and other areas of the digestive tract. As painful as it is, this condition can bring life-threatening complications. The areas most affected by this disease include the colon and the small intestine.
The symptoms of Crohn’s Disease tend to range from mild to severe. Usually, they are known to develop gradually, but there are times when they may appear without warning. When this condition is active, you may experience the following:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Blood in your stool
- Mouth sores
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Pain by the anus due to inflammation from a tunnel into the skin
Causes & Treatment for Colonoscopy
While the precise cause of Crohn’s Disease remains unknown, heredity, and malfunctions in the immune system may play a role. If you have family with the disease, you should consult with Dr. Maher about the subject. Also, bacteria in the immune system can trigger Crohn’s Disease. More so, a poor diet and stress can come to aggravate the condition.
As for treating Crohn’s Disease, there really is no cure to the condition. Also, not one treatment will work for all patients. Therefore, it is necessary for Dr. Maher to plan a suitable treatment for each individual with Crohn’s Disease.
Usually, Dr. Maher will start patients off with anti-inflammatory drugs. Then, he will move on to prescribe other immune system suppressors and antibiotics. With such medications, we aim to reduce inflammation and drainage.
If drug therapy and lifestyle changes do not bring any results, we can provide surgery. However, it is essential to note that drug therapy will not cure Crohn’s Disease. Instead, it will relieve your symptoms and help minimize the risk of reoccurrence.
Katy Stomach Doctor
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Maher, visit us online or call us (281) 945-5190. From all the Katy TX Colon And Rectal Specialists, the best one, Dr. James Maher is found at Katy Stomach Doctor.
Katy TX Fun Facts
- The annual Rice Festival in Katy first took place in 1981.
- At Katy’s VFW Park, there are many events hosted like movie nights and community campouts.
- In downtown, you can enjoy a walking or driving tour of more than a dozen historical homes and buildings.
- From Houston, Katy is approximately 30 min./miles away.
- To learn more, visit here!