Severe anal pain

[inpain123]

I have started experiencing severe pain in my anal area. I have been in agony, with this about 4 or 5 times now, it wakes me up and has lasted for about an hour each time. No sickness, not constipated. Any ideas? Do I need to see a doctor?

[Lisahelen]

I would say any unexplained pain that is recurrent should be investigated or at least discussed with your gp.

[inpain123 in reply to Lisahelen]

Thank you, that's a good point and a very good idea.

[DTH123]

What you are suffering from is called proctalgia fugax which is a muscle spasm in the anal area. I've had it myself on occasion and it can be excruciating. All you can do is take painkillers and wait for it to pass.

[inpain123 in reply to DTH123]

Thank you so much. That is really helpful. I just thought that because it is becoming more frequent, I should maybe see a g.p. about it (obviously, I'd rather not!)

[Hidden]

May I ask, does it cause any twitching or muscle spasms in your legs?

[inpain123 in reply to Hidden]

No, it doesn't do that. But the pain wakes me up and I can't stop it. Hurts to curl up, hurts to straighten out... I feel like I have been kicked by a horse or something.

[Hidden in reply to inpain123]

ok, thank you. I get pain similar to how you describe but my legs jerk about when I get it. I was wondering whether to suggest what it might be to my doc.

[sunnydale1uk]

Hi there,

I too have had this and find a hot water bottle helps relieve the spasms,

hope this is of some help

[Dave59]

I've had this, pretty sure it is internal piles, i use germoloid ointment(not the cream) seems to work. Get a doctor to check it out though

[inpain123]

Oh ok. I've never heard of internal piles but... yeah, best I get it checked out. Thank you.

[Sueinsheff]

I get this. My experience is of excruciating pain around my anus which feels like I am being gripped - sometimes spreading further around my pelvic floor. It first started when I was 11 years old and my horrible needlework teacher thumped me in class - which leads me to think it is related to stress and the rest of my ibs symptoms. It has happened at random times. I too have had it wake me in the middle of the night or in the middle of a shopping centre and even immediately after orgasm. I find ibuprofen always eases the pain away and I have also used one of those beany things you put in the microwave and applied gentle warmth to the area. I would recommend seeing your doctor but, in my experience, some gp's won't be familiar with these symptoms - so persevere. I found an anal examination re-assuring. I didn't have piles - just a tight arse!! I've since found humour has helped me enormously. Now days I find this pain a bit of a gift because in some situations the first inkling of it tells me I am in a stressful situation and gives me chance to deal with it assertively - if I'm up to it.

Good luck and relax - you're not alone