TENESMUS

[gussmithy]

Hello

I don't know whether I have IBS or not, it's a rather meaningless term, but I do suffer from Tenesmus. Have had chronic consipation for years and have to take suppositories.

Recently developed tenesmus. What a nasty thing this is and my sympathy to all others who suffer.

It's a long shot, but does anyone know of an appropriate consultant, presumably a gastro specialist, in the Surrey or W Sussex area? Imagine I have to see someone privately as we no longer have a real NHS.

Any other general advice appreciated.

Gussmithy.

[Angrybelly]

Tenesmus is one of the most horrible symptoms and there's not much out there anyone can do. The feeling that you have to go and nothing comes out is a nightmare. I've been fighting this off and on for 5 years through my ibs symtoms. Doctors have no idea what to do which is appalling that nobody has worked on this horrible symptom.. I've tried rectal creams and only a few things work, fiber and rectal ointment called Dialtizem. Some probiotics like kefir and cortisone creams also help. Tenesmus is ignored by the medical community and is found commonly in people with IBD's and proctitis. I still don't believe I have ibs because my tenesmus comes very often and destroys my QOLF. We need medical doctors to work on this horrible symptom.

[Frasina]

I suffer with this too and have both IBS and IBD. It is ignored; medical professionals assume one is not eating enough fibre yet I often eat too much fibre. In my case, it does come and go so it is not consistent. Its very uncomfortable and bothersome!

[Leo70]

I would suggest that you speak to your GP in the first instance as they should have information regarding what private hospitals are available in your area and therefore the name of a suitable Consultant Gastroenterologist, as they can make a referral to a private consultant if that is what you want. Alternatively the GP may feel your tenesmus does warrant a "soon"investigation under the NHS, as, because this is a new symptom you have, it would need to be looked into. One can always look on-line to view what private hospitals are available in local areas and the specialist consultants that visit there, and whether they would need a referral from your GP or would consider a self-referral if that is what you want, but I would speak to your GP in the first instance.

[Boxroad]

I find a good haemorrhoids cream helps a lot with my tenesmus, I have to put it inside and out but find the feeling goes after about five hours, I had a colonoscopy that showed internal haemorrhoids.

[SueCats]

Due to IBS symptoms, I saw a Dr Sarah Langlands at Clare Park, Surrey 5 years ago. She specialises in Gastroenterology. She also works out of other hospitals in the Surrey area.

If you wish to see a colo-rectal surgeon or to speak to a dietitian I can suggest (from personal experience) these also.

I agree with what Leo70 says, speak to your GP as there may be a more suitable specialist closer to where you live.

[gussmithy in reply to SueCats]

Thank you, SueCats and all who replied re my questions about tenesmus. Although I've not heard of any cure, I will next approach my GP with a view to seeing a colorectal specialist.

[alicemarsh]

I would ask to be referred to a colorectal specialist as this deals with this area of the body - more than a general gastroenterologist.

The colon is the lower bit of the bowel and the rectum is the pouch inside the body that holds the poo - it’s like the bladder but holds it before it comes out with voluntary control. You may know all that.

You can do some research beforehand on ones in your area on Google and the doctor may also know of one local to you.

Spire health and Nuffield health are two main providers of private healthcare.

When you go to your doctor they will actually do the referral. They are normally quite quick if it’s private.

You just tell them if you are self funded or have health insurance.

[bungi1961]

I have posted on here a few weeks ago as a constant "URGE" to poop I didn't know that it had a Medical term for it so I looked it up on the WWW I would like to thank you for the info about it as I have had this for the last few months the only relief I get from it is a warm flannel "NO" soap ETC just plain water and apply vaseline after OK hope that helps!!!