Pain in the backside - literally.

[HexBramble]

This has happened 3 times before, but never this severe. I was woken by the pain in the early hours, a real cramping, tightening pain in my anus, possibly my rectum too. After 10 minutes or so, it didnt ease, I made my way to the bathroom. At this point, I was taking baby steps because the pain was intense.

I managed to have a bowel movement (no constipation) but the pain was the worst it's ever been. All lights were off and my eyes were closed, but colours were flashing intensly like fireworks behind my eyes. It was a massive effort to wipe (sorry TMI). At one point, I thought I was going to collapse. After a while, I managed to shuffle back to bed, hanging onto furniture. I couldn't think straight at all for the pain and the feeling of impending collapse.

After another 20 mins or so, the pain ebbed away, then stopped completely. That area this morning is absolutely fine, but I have no strength in me now. I'm as weak as a kitten. I never call in sick (I teach) but be it not for half term right now, I would be totally unable to teach today.

I was so scared, I thought (fleetingly) at one point that I was going to die. . What happened to me?

Sounds like a very intense spasm. Do you have IBS?

Thank you for reading and replying very emotional after last night

I don't have IBS, but would say that my bowel motions are not consistent. they range from too loose to constipated rather regularly. I have abused my body over the years with bulimia.

Op -sorry to hear of your scary morning. It sounds similar to something a friend of mine has - Proctalgia Fugax - and yes, sometimes the slightest movement sets it off when suffering a bout.
Have a look at the link below.

Hope you're ok now.

Proctalgia Fugax and Anal Pain Information | Patient.co.uk
www.patient.co.uk › Professional Reference

ArtyBat, thank you. I'll have a good read shortly.
How often does your friend have attacks?

It depends on what she eats. She has difficulties with many types of food, but if she avoids them, she's ok. If she doesn't, and binges on the 'forbidden' stuff for a couple of days or longer, then the Proctalgia kicks in.

She's found that probiotics and things like peppermint tea help calm an attack down, though it can take a few days for everything to settle.

I've seen her when suffering a bout and it's awful, so you have my utmost sympathy. Take care, and I hope you feel better very soon.

Thank you, both, for answering.

I just had a real fright - it's never been that painful before. Reading the information on the hyperlink helped - it really does seem to be that. I get comfort knowing that it isn't that frequent, but the intensity if last nights does worry me.

I am currently trying to really look carefully at my diet because I'm not very healthy, so an overhaul may do me good.

Thanks again.

Don't get totally hung up on diet- it may not be that at all. It can be anxiety and stress, clenching your pelvic floor muscles sub consciously and things like that. I get it about 3 times a year- it IS agony, but I find walking around helps although you do have to grit your teeth.

I have had this on & off since I was a child but it only ever lasts for a minute at the most. lt is very very painful indeed but once the pain has gone I feel totally fine.

Think you should probably see a Dr to be on the safe side of you still feel unwell.

I don't think that's the same if it last only for a minute- the average is about 30 mins- have a look at the link

www.patient.co.uk

Now the link is a PITA!!

www.patient.co.uk/doctor/proctalgia-fugax-and-anal-pain

pinkfrocks I did look at the link this is what it said...

'Last from seconds to minutes and resolve completely.'

I was referring to proctalgia fugax

I've had similar with periods. Could it be related to that?

Any blood when you have a bowel movement?

I had a fissure - -and it was the worst ever pain. I would be laying in bed at night with the sensation of a goblin wearing pointed shoes kicking me repeatedly up the backside.

Yours doesn't sound quite the same, but worth considering.

Hope you can get it sorted out.

iwantgin (great name btw - and after a few hours in IKEA today, I feel the same!)

I actually have/had a fissure. Hurt like hell and there was blood, but I think it's ok now.

Also have a pile - one horrid, nasty little pile that flares up now and again.

my arse is in a bit of a state, isn't it,

Oh well, I hope it'll be some time before another attack comes on.

Hex, I get this pain too. It usually happens at night these days, not sure if it always did. I think I've had it for about 12 years. It seems to happen between 4 and 6 times a year I guess. Sometimes it doesn't last longer than a few minutes, but sometimes it lasts over half an hour. I try to breathe as I was taught to for labour, I also take painkillers, I know they don't work quickly enough, but I think in my mind I at least feel I'm doing something. I also have a heated pad (microwavable) I use.

I have IBS too, but I think this is a different sort of pain, IBS pain is in the abdomen. This feels like a spasm, a deep ache that grows in intensity right in the anus. I also have a fissure, but that is a sharp pain, different again.

As far as I'm aware, from what I've read online, there is no cure.

nowitsenough, thank you for posting. This is such a strange condition .
I wondered about pain control during the last attack, but was in so much pain, I could barely move. DH had rectal paracetamol in the bathroom cabinet - I wonder would that help? Although the thought of anything rectal at the time of an attack fillets me with dread.

a hit of morphine would be nice

Morphine wouldn't be nice, Hex, it would add constipation to your problems, so be careful what you take.

Thanks EmNetta. Something that more or less has an instant effect would be perfect in this scenario.

The morphine comment was grasping at straws

Morning Hex , how're you today? I hope things have calmed down, and you're feeling somewhat better.

Hi Arty' I'm ok thank you for asking. Yourself?
No such return of the pain, which after reading your link, is predictable. I'm glad it has a name, this secret agony of mine. I may see my GP about it....maybe.

Hex, if you do see your doctor about it, please let us know how you get on.

I mentioned it once to my gp, she had a look and said it was probably from the fissure or ibs, but I know it isn't, it's very different pain.

I guess the best medication would be something that kills the pain locally, so maybe numbing cream?

I'm doing ok thanks Hex. Glad to hear that things are settling down for you.

My dad says he got it in middle age, in the middle of the night. Now I get it too, usually after running. Try sitting on a tennis ball. Also salbutamol (asthma inhaler) is supposed to help. Yes, sounds like proctalgia fugax. Dad doesn't get it any more - you may grow out of it too!