this not a pleasant subject

[kingharold11]

i have recently had sciatica for several weeks during which I have had to take loads of painkillers this resulted in constipation in spite of taking various remedies senna cot etc, the constipation has gone now along with most of the pain but i am left with a very sore and painfull anus could this be piles

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Either piles or what is called an anal fissure - which is a fancy name for a little split just at the edge of the anus. Needless to say - every time you "go" that little cut gets stretched and opens up again and HURTS! The doctor should be able to give you something to reduce the pain - don't be embarrassed, they see these things all the time and ignoring piles can make them bad enough to need something more drastic to deal with them.

When you are constipated senna isn't really the best thing to take long term - it is quite an aggressive way to deal with the problem and can make the skin around the anus very sore, the same as with diarrhoea. A very good answer is something called lactulose (don't get it confused with lactose) which is a liquid and softens the stool by drawing water into it. You get constipated with medication because the gut slows down, the stool is in a position for longer and more water is taken out of it and it gets harder and more solid. That might help now - because of the stool is still fairly hard it will be more uncomfortable to pass and as the anal fissure starts to heal the scab gets knocked off again and again.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

When I have to take more painkillers than usual I make sure I up my intake of liquids, water particularly. This ensures that the stools stay relatively moist and therefore easier to pass.

I also find that a handful of black grapes a day keep me regular, not too many because they have quite a lot of sugar in them.

Much better to try and control the problems before they start than sort them out afterwards as you have found.

You could try an OTC cream like Anusol for piles, it usually works over a matter of days, and makes life much more comfortable. DorsetLady

[30048]

My best remedy for constipation is a pear a day. Next time try it...it may be just my system but it really works. I would also try to use a lot of Vaseline before you have to go to protect yourself. So sorry ....it must be miserable.

[polkadotcom]

If you get constipation again you could try suppositories? It is a far less painful way of beating it. I know co-codamol is a problem in causing it, so when I am taking them I do try to eat a little more fruit and to drink more water, but I am not always successful! What does help me is prunes or prune juice, but they are not to everyone's liking.

[Trenny]

Raspberries and strawberries work for me. Also, try dulcolax/bisacodyl suppositories.