Frequently Asked Questions
BOOK APPOINTMENTGeneral FAQs
What materials are required for my first visit?
You should bring your driver’s license, list of medications, pertinent previous medical records, and your insurance card.
What is the best way to make an appointment?
You can email us, submit our contact form, or call our office through our phone number.
Where will the procedures take place?
The procedures will be performed at Dr. Davidson’s outpatient facility. It is located at 8631 W. 3rd St. Suite 1135 E Los Angeles, CA 90048.
Hemorrhoid FAQs
Are men or women more vulnerable to getting hemorrhoids?
Men and women have an equal chance of developing hemorrhoids.
What are the causes of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure on the rectum. This can come from extensive periods of sitting, constipation, strain, and diarrhea. Hemorrhoids are also influenced by pregnancy, obesity, and heavy physical activity.
Who has a high risk of getting hemorrhoids?
Most adults will experience hemorrhoids at one point in their lives. Jobs that require prolonged sitting can create the highest chance of developing hemorrhoids.
What are the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids?
Symptoms can include pain, itching, burning, and blood in the stools. Individuals may also have large internal hemorrhoids that can bulge.
Does a bulge indicate an external hemorrhoid?
Bulges can be created when internal hemorrhoids expand in size. This can make them appear to look like external hemorrhoids. This is why GI exams are important for an accurate diagnosis.
Are hemorrhoids a risk factor for colon cancer?
Hemorrhoids are not listed among the risk factors for colon cancer
Colonoscopy FAQs
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a cancer that forms in the colon. They develop slowly over time, and symptoms may be unnoticeable. Colonoscopy screenings are recommended to identify and remove colon polyps before they become cancerous tissue.
What is a colon polyp?
A colon polyp is a small growth located in the lining of the colon. They can only be diagnosed through laboratory testing.
How frequent are colon cancer cases?
Colon cancer is the second-most leading cause of cancer-related deaths. There are over 150,000 new cases each year in the U.S., resulting in approximately 50,000 deaths.
How can I prevent colon cancer from forming?
Colon cancer can be prevented through healthy eating habits, regular exercise, maintaining stable weight, and scheduling regular colon cancer screenings. Patients should adhere to a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
When should my first colonoscopy be scheduled?
Patients without a family history of colon cancer are recommended to have their first screenings at age 50. African American patients should begin their colonoscopy at 45 years of age. If your family history has numerous instances of cancer, you should begin screening 10 years before the age your relatives have been diagnosed.
How often should a colonoscopy be performed?
The frequency of colonoscopy is affected by the type, size, and quantity of polyps that may be found during the procedure. Your doctor will discuss the results and determine the specific schedule for the next colonoscopy.
Will colonoscopy cause pain?
Colonoscopy is not painful because patients are generally under sedation during the procedure.
Will I able to drive after a colonoscopy?
You will not be allowed to operate a vehicle after colonoscopy. You must be accompanied by an escort to drive you home.
Capsule Endoscopy FAQs
What is an endoscopy?
Endoscopy involves having a flexible scope inserted into the body through the stomach, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, or rectum. An upper endoscopy visualizes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines. The doctor will provide treatment and therapeutics while the upper endoscopy is in progress.
Who performs the endoscopy?
A gastroenterologist is specifically trained to perform endoscopic techniques for the treatment and diagnosis of gastrointestinal issues.
Will the procedure hurt?
It is not common for patients to experience pain during or after endoscopy. Most patients will be sedated during the procedure.
Should I be accompanied to the procedure?
You must have another person available to accompany you to the office after the procedure. You will not be able to drive and the person you are with must be able to transport you back home. If you feel gassy after the procedure, this is normal. The air was introduced to improve the view of the lining of the intestines. The symptoms will be mild and last for only a short period of time.
What is capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy involve swallowing a small pill that contains a light and camera. It captures several thousand pictures of your intestines. You will also wear a small recorder around your waist that sends the pictures to your doctor’s computer.
Does the camera have to be retrieved afterwards?
The camera is completely disposable.
Our Blogs
Checking Your Digestive Tract Starts with a Camera
Yes, a camera you can swallow is a real thing. Some parts of the digestive tract can be harder to visualize with traditional testing. That's where capsule endoscopy comes in. The process involves swallowing a small capsule containing a light and camera. As it travels...
Stop Blaming Your Last Meal
Your stomach hurts, so you blame lunch. Again. Was it the coffee? The dairy? The spicy food? Stress? That random snack from yesterday? When digestive symptoms keep coming back, it's easy to put one food on trial every time you feel uncomfortable. But one meal doesn't...
Your Gut Keeps Receipts
Your stomach hurts again. So you blame lunch.Then coffee.Then stress.Then that one thing you ate three days ago. But when digestive symptoms keep returning, the most important question may not be, "What did I eat?" It may be: What's the pattern? Pay attention to...
Call to Schedule
Our office is available to answer your questions and evaluate your symptoms.
Phone
(310) 855-0222
Fax: (949) 404-6467
Hours
Mon - Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat - Sun: Closed