EXTREMELY painful to poo, what is going on?

[Starsupinthesky]

Not a troll, I’m a regular poster but have namechanged as it’s embarrassing.

I’ve been really struggling with extreme pain when pooing. It’s a horrific burning pain, and it’s definitely rectal and doesn’t feel like it’s coming from my stomach or abdomen or backs. I would have sworn it felt like a fissure or tear but I’ve been to see the GP and don’t have either. I also don’t have piles or haemorrhoids.

It’s not painful all the time, it comes and goes but when it happens its agony and leaves me in tears. I also get blood sometimes too.

I’m not constipated (usually the opposite-IBSD) and I eat fibre and a normal healthy enough diet. I was hoping it was a fissure so at least I would have an answer and could treat it but I’ve no idea what’s causing it and the hospital appointment will be a long wait. Is it possible something I’m eating is causing the pain? I’m at the stage I’m almost in tears at the thought of going to the toilet because it hurts so much. The pain only lasts 5-10 seconds but its horrific and I feel like I’m being torn or ripped and I end up crying with the pain. I was sure it was a fissure because it felt like that but it’s not

I’m clueless about what it could be but I just want it to stop

Often meds can cause it, speak to pharmacist, then gp

It does sound like a fissure, how was the GP sure it wasn't? Maybe they missed one

I’d say a fissure too.
I think I was given GTN cream for mine.

Yes it does sound like a fissure or tear caused by hard poo. Have you tried taking stool softeners to see if it helps? Dulcolax or movicol?

Codeine often causes issues.

I would guess it's an anal fissure. It causes a deep burning pain up the bum according to my mother in law

You could try contacting Bladder & Bowel UK for advice too.

Please go back to your GP so they can have another look. For me the fissure wasn't a burning pain it was like pooping broken glass. My first experience with severe pain passing stools was a perianal abscess.

Thanks everyone. I did wonder about taking a stool softener but I was worried it would worsen my ibs. I don’t ever get constipated or pass very hard stools- it’s either normal or very soft or diarrhoea. I know it’s not a fissure as I had a physical check at the GPs. I don’t have any piles or haemorrhoids either.

It seriously feels like a fissure though, although I haven’t ever had one before so I don’t have any personal experience but this is what I presume it is like! Its the most awful burning pain and it feels like I’m passing broken glass. I wish I had an answer so I could make it stop

@Itsbackagain

Please go back to your GP so they can have another look. For me the fissure wasn't a burning pain it was like pooping broken glass. My first experience with severe pain passing stools was a perianal abscess.

Snap, that’s exactly what it’s like! Is a perianal abscess found on a physical exam? I was checked by the GP already and they didn’t find any answers

@Starsupinthesky go back and ask to see a different GP to get a second opinion. You could ask for a referral to a consultant (gastroenterologist?).

Also try the bowel charity mentioned up thread.

[quote Twirldream]@Starsupinthesky go back and ask to see a different GP to get a second opinion. You could ask for a referral to a consultant (gastroenterologist?).

Also try the bowel charity mentioned up thread.[/quote]
Yeah I’ve been referred, I’ve been advised the waiting time is very long though. I’ll try the charity website in case they have any advice x

If you have internal piles or an internal fissure your Gp won’t necessarily have been able to tell. I they need to prescribe some strong steroid / anaesthetic suppositories and see if that helps. Obviously you do need a proper appointment at the hospital to make sure that is what it is.

Following. I've had the same issue on and off for years. I've always assumed it was a fissure. Sounds exactly like that- like glass is coming out! After I've been it's sore for a bit but can forget about it until I next go!

Oh I hadn’t realised it could be an internal pile or fissure. Is there anything I could get from the pharmacy to treat that or would I need to wait for the hospital appointment for it to be diagnosed and treated? I’m just worried with how long a wait it will be and the pain is awful, it’s like passing broken glass

@Trinacham

Following. I've had the same issue on and off for years. I've always assumed it was a fissure. Sounds exactly like that- like glass is coming out! After I've been it's sore for a bit but can forget about it until I next go!

Sorry you’ve got the same problem, it’s horrible isn’t it! Hope we get it fixed soon!

Blood in your poo in combination with excruciating rectal pain should always be investigated OP. Go back to your GP and insist for further tests. Try stool softener and if it persists then you must go back.

How have you been diagnosed with IBS? GPs cannot diagnose this

Could it be bowel endometriosis? I have endometriosis in my bowels and rectum and pooing can be horrendous as it irritates it. Sometimes causes bleeding too.

Also endometriosis in your bowel would only be confirmed via diagnostic surgery so it’d explain why the doctor hasn’t found the cause yet? Especially since they have ruled out fissures etc.

‘Patients with endometriosis experiencing irregular bowel movements often describe their pain as sharp, like “cuts with razor blades.” ‘

www.endofound.org/gastrointestinal-distress

I have internal haemorrhoids. They are awful and hurt on and off. Not constipated either. No much you can do other than haemorrhoid cream!

Diverticulosis? That can cause the type of pain you're describing. Have a look on the nhs page see if you can see any similarities?