Dr. Jan Rakinic
Colon and Rectal Surgery
IL
40 years experience female
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Office
Phone
Practice website
About
Bio
Jan Rakinic, M.D. is the chief of Colorectal Surgery at Southern Illinois University in Springfield IL. She is the Head of the Colorectal Cancer Management Group at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU. She is the Program Director of the Southern Illinois University Residency Program in Colon and Rectal Surgery. She is a Director of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, a Senior Board Examiner for the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, and a member of the Review Board for Colon and Rectal Surgery for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Licenses
United States: Illinois
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
222 Answers
18 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Colorectal surgeon: I advise having him seen by a colorectal surgeon, who is a specialist in diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancers. He or she will also take a fam... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Ask Pharmacist: There are many over-the-counter medications sold for hemorrhoids; most are meant only for external use. The medications meant for internal use general... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Coffee?: Morning caffeine intake can cause that. Back to basics: daily fiber supplement, more water, cut caffeine intake by one half. If your symptoms persist,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Shave; have surgery: Uncomplicated cysts can often be managed with shaving the area. Dislodged hairs that work into the cyst cause the infection. Of course, some folks who... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Not a good idea: There is no way to make a bowel prep for colonoscopy sound fun or glamorous. Havingf said that, if you are going to do this, you want the best prep po... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
See doctor: Rectal bleeding is not normal and should always be evaluated. See a colorectal surgeon, who will do a complete evaluatin and examination, and can trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Yes, but it is rare: While childhood cancer is quite rare, many types are described. If a child has persistent symptoms, they should always be taken to the doctor. But rem... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
?? See doctor: Any change in bowel habits that persists for more than a week or two shuld be evaluated by a physician. Diarrhea can be related to diet, medications, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
It can be.: The appendix is in the right lower abdomen- so is one ovary and egg tube, and a lot of the small intestine; and the uterus, bladder, and rectum are ri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Depends: That depends on if the surgery was done laparoscopically or through an incision, and on what type of work you do. Most people go back to work sooner a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Grapes and carrots: Grapes and carrots in particular can gently ease constipation. Get yourself into the habit of using fruits and veggies regularly- these are the natura... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Nonspecific: Classic symptoms are pain that starts at the belly button and then moves to the right lower abdomen, and loss of appetite, present for less than 24 h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
See your surgeon: See or speak with your surgeon as soon as you can. Answer questions as completely as you can. This could be nothing to worry about; but it could be a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Rare but yes...: Severe constipation can rarely cause hard, dry stool to erode through the colon wall. Peritonitis can occur, and death is a possibility. Having said t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Yes; poor results.: Treatment that does not remove the right colon is associated with a very high recurrence rate. While colon resection does have risks that must be cons... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Need to know more: Different cancers have different symptoms; blood in stool may be one, but it is also very common in the absence of cancer.Please ask your question wit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Pain, anorexia: Classic appendicitis symptoms are: pain that starts near the belly button and is crampy, and then moves to the right lower abdomen and becomes constan... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Go to ER: Please seek medical attention right away. This is nothing to delay.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Not really: Appendicitis generally evolves over 12-24 hours. Either the diagnosis is made and the appendix is removed, or the appendix ruptures and other treatmen... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Probably not, but...: There can be many reasons for changes in the odor of stool. Diet and medications are just a few. If there is a change that seems to persist for longer... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
No.: Polyps are not painful. If you are having abdominal pain, there is another reason. See your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
No , but it helps: Regular exercise can't prevent colorectal cancer, but it can help to promote a healthy lifestyle that will help a lot to decrease risk of colorectal c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
No but it helps!: Increasing your dietary fiber does decrease chances of colorectal cancer, as well as diverticulitis and heart disease, and may decrease the risk of br... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Discuss with doctors: Many patients with crohn's go through pregnancy and childbirth successfully. Consult with your gastroenterologist and obstetrician before planning you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
See doctor: Rectal bleeding is not normal and should always be evaluated. See a colorectal surgeon, who will do a complete evaluatin and examination, and can trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
See doctor: Rectal bleeding is not normal and should always be evaluated. See a colorectal surgeon, who will do a complete evaluatin and examination, and can trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Nope.: Hemorrhoids are normal blood vessels that live in the anal canal, and friction or rubbing (like hard stools or anal sex play) can cause them to bleed.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Maybe.: Probably safe, as long as administering the enema is not painful. I don't know if i'd recommend it routinely.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 54-year-old male asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
It depends.: I assume this treatment is directed by your gastroenterologist, and that you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. If not, please consult with ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Nature of disease: Irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) is notorious for changeable symptoms. Some people have more problems when stressed, some only after the stress is resol... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Hurts, but treatable: Anal fissure is a crack or tear in the anal canal, exposing the sphincter muscle, which spasms, which causes the pain when trying to move bowels. Trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Just bad luck.: The cause of appendicitis is not really known. Often there are small hard deposits of stool (called fecaliths) in the appendix when it becomes inflame... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Need exam with doc: The history is important here- is the blood on the toilet paper or in the water? Maybe hemorrhoids. Painful? Could be fissure. Is blood mixed into the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Need to see GI: The description of your husband's symptoms is worrisome for a possible esophageal abnormality. Food can get stuck, and that is really not fun. Please ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Related to food: Likely related to food items you've eaten. Or sometimes to non-food items: ingesting foods that have been colored with food coloring can change the st... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Drink it all or call: The point of the colonoscopy is to allow the endoscopist to evaluate the colon fully. This can't happen if stool remains in the colon. It's not just t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Probably diet: Digestion is aided by bacteria in the digestive tract. One of the products of their work is intestinal gas. This is normal. Sometimes we feel that we ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Yes; not recommended: You can. It increases the chance of getting a worse infection and worse scarring after healing. See your doctor and let them help in your care.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Pretty rarely: When someone has appendicitis and need surgery, they will be asked if they can empty their bladder on their own. If yes, no catheter will usually be n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 54-year-old male asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Difficult problem: It is rare for left sided colitis to require colon removal, but it does happen. Before that, discuss the use of biologic agents or Cyclosporine with y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Yes, lots!: Many people consult colorectal surgeons. Most people who are seen do not have surgery recommended, since many times people are seen for problems that ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Yes.: Stool softeners are safe to use regularly. However, i suggest that people add a fiber supplement and increase water intake first. Laxatives are anoth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
See your doctor: See your doctor. You may gain sufficient benefit from increased fiber and fluid in your diet so that enemas won't be needed. However, a complete histo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Walk and drink water: The body often responds to less activity than usual with change in bowel habits, often constipation. When traveling, head this off by frequent walks (... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
"Fix" could be easy: It is definitely worth being seen by a specialist for proper diagnosis and a management plan. Some simple diet changes may be all that is needed. Make... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Question for doctor!: Rectal bleeding is never normal, and should always be evaluated. See a colorectal surgeon, who can perform a specialty exam and diagnose your concern.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Many are effective: Like any surgery that involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue alone, many pain meds are effective: oral opiates are often given for the first few da... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
See doctor!: While blood in urine may be indicative of a urinary tract infection, abdominal pain is less usual with uti. See your doctor right away for a complete ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
See doctor: There are a number of disorders that can cause anal pain, including hemorrhoids, fissure, abscess, and others. See a colorectal surgeon for proper eva... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jan Rakinicanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 40 years experience
Rectocele: If you are really a mom of 23, i salute you! seriously, you could have a rectocele- a weakness of the tissue between the vagina and rectum. This can c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
572
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Rakinic is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Rakinic is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
May 1, 2012
gives thorough information
HealthTap member
Dear DR.Rakinic, Thank you for your help. Really appreciated your answer. This website is very important to many patients and thanks again for your service. Stuart
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! so if i eat vegitables, drink water, do not drink caffine and still suffering what should i do?
HealthTap member
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Hopefully I won't have too much trouble getting better. thanks again!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Tulane University School of Medicine, LA
Graduated 1983MD
Awards
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