June 2025

How a Rubber Band Can Eliminate Hemorrhoids

If you’re bothered by internal hemorrhoids – found within the lining of the anus and lower rectum – hemorrhoid banding may be the answer. It’s a common treatment that works just as you might guess. During this outpatient procedure, a rubber band or ring is slipped around the hemorrhoid, which cuts off the blood supply until it shrinks. Your provider may use an anoscope to locate your hemorrhoids before banding. Learn more about banding.

Watch this short video to learn more about hemorrhoids.

Getting to the Bottom of Problems ‘Down There’

Problems that affect your anus or rectum can be worrisome, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. The quicker the diagnosis, the faster treatment can begin. Anorectal manometry is a special test that can provide the answers you and your CGI providers want. 

The test involves inserting a catheter into your rectum (which has been emptied thanks to a home enema). The catheter measures the pressure inside your rectum while you squeeze, relax, push, and cough. Learning how your muscles respond during the 30-minute test will help your provider better understand your condition and how to treat it. 

Learn more about anorectal manometry, the steps involved, and the conditions it can detect.  

This Breathing Technique Can Reduce GI Symptoms

GI conditions can be stressful. Diaphragmatic breathing (also called belly breathing) can help. This simple technique teaches you to breathe more deeply to quiet your mind. Doing so also massages your internal organs. For GI patients, diaphragmatic breathing has been shown to reduce pain in the abdomen, urgency, bloating, and constipation. If you’re rushing to the toilet, this breathing technique can calm your digestive tract and ease the panic. While on the toilet, it can calm you and result in a more complete bowel movement.

Learn the steps to diaphragmatic breathing

Meet Our Newest Provider
Angela Pollitt, CNP

Welcome to nurse practitioner Angela Pollitt, CNP, who joins our Anderson office after eight years at The Christ Hospital, two years at The Little Clinic, and 10 years at Bethesda North Hospital where she was a charge nurse in the Emergency Department, an EMS instructor, and a nurse on the medical/surgical team. She’s a University of Cincinnati grad (both her associate and bachelor’s degrees), and a graduate of Otterbein University, where she earned her master’s degree in nursing. Outside of work, you’ll find Angela, like most parents, cheering for her children at their various sporting events. Welcome Angela!

Learn more about Angela on our CGI providers page.