Pelvic floor physio for IBS/bowel/rectal issues, has anyone had this?

[TheWholeShackShimmies]

I have suffered from IBS and loose stools for the last 26 years.

It had been kind of manageable until I hit perimenopause around 6 years, then all hell broke loose. I have daily gut issues and the morning rush of needing the loo several times within a few hours which is most annoying.

I have seen several gastroenterologists over these last 6 years, had every test and procedure and each time I am told it's just a functional gut issue. I have also suffered decades of gynae issues and was only diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomoyosis last year (not sure if this is connected although the gynae says not). I have tried everything to control my loose stools but very little helps.

One of my issues is that I have a lot of rectal discomfort and what I can only describe as tenesmus(?), I often feel all day long there is something there, when I need to go I need to go, I can not hold on even when my stools are well formed. I also feel uncomfortable when I pass gas. I have had rectal examinations, 2 colonoscopies and a pill camera endoscopy and nothing was noted yet I always feel very uncomfortable in this area (burning, discomfort and as though something is there etc). When my dc was born 16 years ago I ended up with a fissure which healed but I don't think it has ever gone away 100%, I can also get a flare up of haemorrhoids every few months even though I hardly ever get constipation. Again, I think there is a weakness there and it doesn't take much to flare this area, even the ointment from the GP doesn't help much with this issues.

Anyhow, long story short, I was talking with a friend who has had pelvic floor physio since suffering from a birth injury many years ago and she has suggested that I try this. I don't have a lot of money to throw at this but would definitely try if I though it would help.

Has anyone tried this?

Can the GP or gastro not refer you. Could you ask GP for a referral to colorectal if it’s a functional issue?
I had a different issue, but similar in part with the constant feeling of something there then urgency. Colorectal referred to physio, it was done over the telephone during covid with just two calls, but I still do the exercises regularly and it has helped somewhat, although not cured it.

I'm still under the gastro team, my gastroenterologist referred me about 2 years ago but warned me that it was more than likely to be rejected as it's not seen as an urgent case, sure enough after a year or was rejected.

I’d ask to see the colorectal team. They have been great with me as I have a birth injury but it was their tests which diagnosed it.

I went on to have a device called a sacral nerve stimulator to help me control my bowels a bit better. I also take loperamide daily as recommended and prescribed by them but a lot of my problems are managed with my diet.