Digestive and Bowel Disorders Forum - Extreme Pain In the Rectum. Randomly Appears.


Extreme Pain In the Rectum. Randomly Appears.

Medical Questions-> Health Forums -> Digestive and Bowel Disorders -> Extreme Pain In the Rectum. Randomly Appears.

Medical Questions

Author

Message

Just a Guy

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 04 Dec 2004
Posts: 1

Extreme Pain In the Rectum. Randomly Appears. Posted: 12-04-04 17:36pm


This is probably going to be a bit wordy, so please bear with me here. The first time I noticed the symptoms i'm about to describe was when I was in the fourth grade. I am now 30. It is a very severe pain in the rectum/anus that sometimes only lasts for a few minutes. The longest it has ever lasted has been several hours. It usually brings the urge to deficate, though many times, I don't even have to go. The pain is usually centered on one localized area (usually one side of the wall on the inside of my anus), though the area that it affects seems to be random. Sometimes, the pain results in a non-sexual erection, and when I was younger, masturbation sometimes ended the pain. Since i've gotten older, masturbation sometimes (more often than not) makes it worse. The pain comes more often in the night, usually in my sleep. It is so severe, it will wake me up out of a dead sleep. It is also almost guaranteed to show up if I stay up for a very long time, or if I only get a few hours of sleep. About 75% of the time that I drink coffee or energy drinks, the pain comes back. Sometimes, I will go a couple of months without ever feeling the pain. Other times, I will have the pain several times in one week. Sometimes, I can get rid of the pain by simply taking my mind off of it (read something that truly grabs my interest... Or think of anything at all that takes my mind away from the pain). The farthest up this pain will reach is my tailbone, and stressful situations always make it worse. I've had broken bones that didn't hurt as bad as this does. I did some research and found something that sounds exactly like what I have, but I don't like to jump to conclusions, being vastly uneducated in the medical field. It's called "proctalgia fugax" and this how the medical site describes it: definition: proctalgia fugax refers to pain (sometimes severe) in the rectum. It can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and often occurs spontaneously during the night. Pain sometimes accompanies orgasm and there may be an urge to defecate. The pain is sharp and gripping but remains localized. Relief is spontaneous but some people find also relief from warm baths, or ice cubes (anything to disrupt the spasms). Medications, such as diazepam, may be prescribed in cases that are very regular and/or severe. There is no known cause for the condition but it is not thought to be psychological in origin. There is no specific treatment, simply relief measures. Proctalgia fugux is associated more with people with irritable bowel syndrome and there may be some association with caffeine, artificial sweeteners or food additives. My question is, is this something that i'll have for the rest of my life, if indeed this is what I have? And the description above mentioned diazepam and/or other medications. I am not one to take medication... Ever. But this is so severe and so regular that i'm considering asking about it with my doctor. Does anyone have any more information on this disease/condition or the medications associated with easing the pain? I appreciate any feedback, or even your own symptoms and means of relief. Thanks in advance.

PattyV

Extremely EHEALTHy

Joined: 01 May 2004
Posts: 1103
Location: Chicago area

Posted: 12-04-04 23:11pm


See your doctor.Patty

michaeld

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 03 Jul 2007
Posts: 1
Location: ,

Re: Extreme Pain In the Rectum. Randomly Appears.
Posted: 07-03-07 17:18pm

Just a Guy wrote:

This is probably going to be a bit wordy, so please bear with me here.
I appreciate any feedback, or even your own symptoms and means of relief. Thanks in advance.

Hi, I am 63 and have suffered, more or less, exactly as you describe. It has been happening for many years, perhaps ten. The pain, or severe ache, is sometimes almost impossible to bare, I take Ibuprofen to try to lessen the pain, usually 400g, capsules. This, if taken early at the signs of coming pain, can work, but not always.

I have tried walking around which can give mild relief but the only way is to let it run it's course, finally falling asleep as it subsides. Mornings after can leave an uncomfortable feeling around the anus area, but not always.

Overall it is very difficult to define or explain exactly where the pain emanates. I am reassured, though, that it must not be a serious condition as there do not appear to be long term problems i.e. it does not occur on a fixed regular time interval.

best wishes

Michael

A kiwi male

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 26 Aug 2007
Posts: 4
Location: , New Zealand

Proctalgia Fugux Posted: 08-26-07 18:15pm


My dad & I both suffer this same ailment, so it may be hereditary. Ask your father or sons if they suffer from it. Usually triggered by orgasm, but not always, so is somehow linked to the function of the prostate gland. Not known to be linked to cancer though. The easiest treatment is an asthma inhaler, as the anal cramping is caused by a trigger, similar to an asthma attack. This does not work on severe cases, which require a cold water enema. Whenever I travel I always carry my enema bum pump with me. The cold water shocks the prostate and usually eases the cramps within a few minutes. Really severe cases require two or even three such treatments. Just sit on the throne and read a readers digest or time magazine.

A kiwi male

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 26 Aug 2007
Posts: 4
Location: , New Zealand

Proctalgia Fugux - a Pain In the Arse Posted: 08-27-07 22:59pm


A REAL PAIN IN THE ARSE Published New Zealand GP Weekly 19 February, 1997. First described late last century but identified as a particular malady by T E Thansen in 1935, Proctalgia Fugax remains somewhat of an enigma today. Incurable and benign it is of consequence only to those who suffer its most acute symptoms. Thansen, in describing it as 'a fleeting pain in the rectum' had obviously never suffered from the affliction. The pain, colloquially known as 'anal cramp', can persist for as long as an hour with some victims experiencing nausea and cold sweats - fainting attacks have been recorded. The cessation of pain brings a feeling of well-being akin to the removal of an abscessed tooth. D M Nidorf and E R Jamison in the December, 1995 edition of the American Family Physician describe Proctalgia Fugax as 'a fairly common but little known cause of rectal pain. It is a benign condition that has no known etiology'. They go on to say that 'Several treatments have been tried and found anecdotally to be effective, although reassurance is the most useful therapeutic option'. This latter observation is surprising given that the same authors describe the ailment as 'Doctor's Disease - the disease of the perfectionist male physician'. One would have expected at least one of the varied treatments tried by these suffering doctors to have been accepted as a standard remedy. Fugax 2 Research by Nidorf and Jamison using random sampling showed that about 15% of the population have experienced symptoms but few seek medical help due to its transitory and embarrassing nature. The embarrassment comes from attacks often being associated with orgasm. Gastroenterologist, W G Thompson, reported that of 2000 patients only 6 visited because of Proctalgia Frugax. Apparently men and women are equally affected. A H Douthwaite [British Medical Journal, July 1962] records that he had no spontaneous complaints from women but attributes that to women accepting it as a pain associated with the reproductive process and a normal part of life's difficulties. In men the attacks are usually at night but in women day-time attacks are more prevalent. Douthwaite's conclusion is that 'Proctalgia Fugax is a pain which does not arise in the rectum but is occasioned by segmental cramp of the pubococcygeus muscle. It is harmless, unpleasant and incurable'. Douthwaite records that coitus is not a provocative in females. However J A Mountfield [Canadian Medical Association Journal, 1986] in an article questioning the benign status of Proctalgia Fugax, reports a case of a woman who experienced attacks after every orgasm. His prescription of valium as a possible preventative was refused and her marriage, and presumably all sexual activity, ceased. Fugax 3 Many causes have been postulated ranging from chronic constipation, hypertension and stress to neuroticism and anal fixation. The few random studies however show that these conditions are equally present in non-sufferers. Prescribed treatments are just as varied. Anelgesics do not work fast enough to be of any value. Amyl nitrate, quinine, chloroform, phenobarbital, nifedipine, valium, ropantheline, oral clonidine and diltiazem have been tried without wide acceptance. Self anal-dilation has been used successfully by some doctors but is impracticable for most sufferers. Dr Eckert conducted a double-blind, cross-over trial in Germany [American Journal of Gastroenterology] with sixteen patients. He found that 'two puffs of Salbutamol [.2 mg aerosol] shortened the duration of severe pain, particularly in patients having prolonged attacks' but cautions that his trial group was small and more research is needed. I was 28 when I first sought help. At this time attacks were months apart and invariably followed orgasm. The diagnosis from my GP was a prostate problem which probably required surgery and I decided to suffer. It was correctly diagnosed 6 years later when attacks were more frequent. By this time I had developed quite severe haemorrhoids as my only remedy had been a minimal defacation after much straining. My new GP could offer little advice except that pressure applied to the anal area could give some relief. Fugax 4 Some 5 years later a fellow hotel guest disappeared before dawn and arrived back late for breakfast. It transpired that he had been stricken with Proctalgia Fugax and had driven to a doctor acquaintance to be administered a 'cold water enema'. From that day my pain problem was solved. A bulb enema is more important than a toothbrush in my toilet bag. On being awakened with anal cramp I adjourn to the bathroom and toilet and can be asleep again within 15 minutes. Little or no faeces is passed so I can only assume the passage of water activates the cramped muscles. Relief is instantaneous and is accompanied by a small flow of urine. My haemorrhoid problem is now manageable and I have peace of mind at night. I recently met a man who had suffered similarly for 15 years and he has now successfully adopted the same practice. One swallow does not make a summer and three success stories do not herald a medical breakthrough. R W Penney [Practitioner, 1970] rejects the enema solution along with many others but gives no supporting research data or alternative treatments. GPs are in the best position to research this line of treatment. If Proctalgia Fugax is as common and unreported as research suggests, it should not be difficult for any practitioner to build a small database of patients. Douthwaite built up his trial group of 21 male and 27 female sufferers by asking leading questions of all patients, irrespective of their other health problems. None had previously mentioned the problem to him. Regrettably, he could offer little more than reassurance to his group. Fugax 5 Reassurance that the condition is benign and will cease at death or age seventy, whichever comes first, should surely be accompanied by a treatment which can or may alleviate the extremely painful symptoms. A cold water enema [100mls] or Salbutamol are treatments any GP can offer with some hope of success. Assistance from the staff of the medical libraries at Christchurch and Palmerston North Hospitals is gratefully acknowledged. Published New Zealand GP Weekly 19 February, 1997. ADDENDUM Since this was written I have trialled salbutamol [Ventinol] with mixed success. In mild attacks the pain gradually eased before disappearing 10-15 minutes later. With severe attacks the pain eased but returned. A second dose 10 minutes later was successful on some occasions but on others I resorted to my proven remedy, the cold water enema. In practice now if I awake to mild pain, I use the inhaler. If it is severe I use the enema and am back to sleep in 15 minutes. Obviously the inhaler is the simpler approach as to many the idea of an enema is repugnant but patients should be told that it is a viable option and in my case at least the most reliable. B W Judkins Phone 07-362-0015 R39 State Highway 30 Lake Rotoma email – brianjudkinsesq@slingshot.co.nz RD 4 Rotorua New Zealand 13 October 1998

A kiwi male

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 26 Aug 2007
Posts: 4
Location: , New Zealand

Pain In the Arse Remedy - Proctalgia Fugax Posted: 11-30-07 23:39pm


I have found the perfect treatment for this. Take 1 x 25 mg tablet of Voltaren 25 (Diclofenac Sodium 25mg - an anti inflammatory) at the onset of this pain. The pain disappears in less than 20 minutes - what a godsend. Beware if you have a stomach ulcer or similar, as this drug can aggravate the stomach lining.

3wonders

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 1

Proctalgia Fugax Posted: 12-08-07 17:21pm


Gidday, The only thing that I found relieves it is sit on the edge of your bathtab on on something hard that presses that painful sprot. It does work for me. Cheers.

ringostore

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 12 Jul 2008
Posts: 1

my best tactic Posted: 07-12-08 11:58am


Oh I know this Fugax thing! Cool name for a twisted condition. I have had bouts with this from time to time. Not often, but once every few months. It is like a slow build up cramp in the butt. My brother says he gets it too. Very aggravating. The first time I got it a few years back, I was like what is this? You can get it coming on if YOU FORCE A BOWEL MOVEMENT when you do not feel like going. So don't do that. Just let nature take its course. Anyways, The best way to deal with it..........3wonders is partially right. Sit on the edge of tub or if no tub and your in a airport bathroom is to get your finger wet and put it up your butt. If your on the tub keep running warm water and rinse finger and do it several times, go as far as you can but make sure you lube the finger well. You might pick out some small feces but thats good! Just keep doing that, it will either want to make you feel like a bowel movement or just instant relief. It will go away quickly. Putting your finger in will feel like a stool and straighten things out. Try it guys, you will be ok.

andrea84

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 15 Jul 2008
Posts: 1

Wow Posted: 07-15-08 16:02pm


I am 24 years old and i have been going through the same thing since i was about 9. i always thought it was something stupid and brushed it off but i think maybe i should probably get treatment for it. its very painful! it helps to know im not alone. Andrea