Rectal pain??

[Big_Tuna]

I’ve had IBS for about 23 years (first diagnosed at 16) and suffer mostly from diarrhoea. Over the years I’ve found ways to cope by managing my diet, but over the past few months I’ve been starting to experience intense rectal pain at night. It only ever happens at night, and It’s extremely painful and not linked to needing the toilet, although I find if I get up for a bit then go back to bed the pain eases off a bit so I can sleep. I’ve not had this before, and in between incidents my digestive symptoms are like normal. I don’t know if it’s linked to my IBS, if it’s linked to perimenopause (i’m approaching that age!) or if it’s something else. Has anyone else experienced this? Thank you!

[Luisa22]

Well, I don't know if my pain is the same as yours or the same thing. But I sometimes get THE most awful pain right in the anus area. It really is a killer. That can come on any time but has frequently woken me up from sleep. Mine is just dreadful, yet disappears within about 15 minutes.

I was so scared of it once...many years ago even before I had IBS, so I went to the doctor. It was so bad I thought it had to be cancer!! The doctor diagnosed "Proctalgia Fugax" which is totally benign and harmless. I think it's a muscle spasm or something.

When it happens I just have to wait. Taking a painkiller is useless because the pain has gone well within the time it would take for a painkiller to work.

Yet I have found that quickly taking a shot of some alcohol brings the beginnings of relief within a few moments. I guessed that is because of the relaxing effects of alcohol.

It doesn't take long to disappear. And it doesn't come back often at all.Maybe 4 times a year?

So I don't know if yours is the same thing. You should ask your doctor.

[clio18]

i agree with Luisa22's comment. I used to get this and yes the pain is bad, but dont have it so often now 🤷‍♀️ gp did prescribe some rectal suppositories which i did use but i found just gently massaging around the area with my finger helped, guess it must have somehow relaxed the muscle spasm which causes the pain ( ive had IBS since a hysterectomy in 1992 ) good luck x

[BabsyWabsy]

I get rectal pain occasionally, usually when I am emptied out. It feels like it wants to prolapse. It doesn't last long, but I find sitting on a hard chair helps to stop the felling as if my bowel wants to fall out.

[xjrs]

Any changes in symptoms should really be discussed with your GP so you can get a formal diagnosis.