pelvic pain

[Sissy8-1-2019]

Has anyone tried MRI Defecography tests for rectum and anal pain? It’s a first suggested to me. Don’t know if this may help diagnose this pain.

[BlueLagoon007]

Hi,Yes I had a proctogram/defaecography test but it was an x-ray rather than MRI as I can't have MRIs.

It showed a rectocele/enterocele and intussusception but so far I have had no treatment for it as my case is a little complicated. I also have pudendal neuralgia which causes chronic pelvic pain and the risk of surgery could further irritate the nerves. I am seeing another colo-rectal specialist soon but I don't hold out much hope of finding a way of helping with the anal pain, very frustrating.

Have you been to a colorectal specialist?

Good luck with it all.

[Skye22]

Had test done and diagnosed with levator ani syndrome also severely compromised bowel due to adhesions and colitis. Hope you get a positive outcome.

[Merciesneweveryday]

Levator Ani, or whatever one calls severe rectal pain is miserable. I have had the test. It wasnt a painful experience and we discovered that though I tried, I could only push a third of the contents out of my rectum. The MRI measured me lying down, not the best position for simulating defecation, but it showed a slight rectecele and that perastasis is compromised, insightful for my UROGYN and PT, and me. Stool sitting there high in the rectum gets dry causing more pain and tightness. I have found no help from the several GI Drs I have been to. No pill has helped me so far, occasionally a suppository will help when pain is really bad. Perhaps not new but some things I have personally learned so far: water and fiber in food are very important. Knowlegeable PT (keep looking as needed) has been the most helpful for learning degree of tightness and loosening and coping mechanisms - squatting, pelvic floor stretches, and walking are important even if hurting, internal and external vaginal and rectal massage has also been helpful. Having warm sitz baths or full baths with (magnesium) epsom salts is my go to every day, to fairly effectively settle the pelvic area down and relax my body. Because of the pain before, during, and after defecation, a long with having Hunners lesions in my bladder, using techniques to settle down my vagus nerve, like prayer, gratitude, massage therapy, rest and redirection, beyond what is mentioned above, is all helpful. It is quite a journey and still learning every day.