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IBS and possible hemorrhoids

Posted , 3 users are following.

Abstract36
Abstract36

Hi I need some advice on how to solve the issues I have been facing.

Some history, early this year I started to notice rectal bleeding, went to see the doctor who dismissed it as hemorrhoids after performing DRE and gave me laxatives. The laxatives didnt help much however the bleeding stopped after few days. Few months down, I suffered from very stressful time including sinus operation and other issues. Post operation, I started to have bleeding again and after much convincing and after several GP visits, was sent in for sigmoidscopy (during this whole time I was very concerned and continuously worried). The investigation was all clear and nothing was found. I continued to have symptoms like some rectal bleeding, gas, occasional abdominal pain, right rib cage lower pain, rectal pressure. I was still under stress and after having more bleeding was sent to see a gastroenterologist who didn't perform colonoscopy but diagnosed me with IBS-C and detected internal hemorrhoids (proctoscopy) . I had been straining but did have BM every day for several months prior to this. Till that points I had to go several times but never felt fully empty after BM and had all symptoms. I was reassured that i have ibs-c and nothing else. However with continued worry about not having the colonoscopy, I went in to see the GP several times more to convince them to get me further investigation as I still had symptoms. Finally the GP agreed and I had the colonoscopy.

The colonoscopy came back all clear. Colon, rectum and anus was checked and all was clear. 

Post colonoscopy (as it was clear, i became relaxed) however now I started to have worst BM (in terms of very hard stools). Although I had been going almost daily, it seems the constipation got worse (again in terms of hard stool and not being able to fully empty). Few weeks after the colonoscopy I went in to see the GP again who did DRE and felt big internal hemorrhoids/lump on one side, that is the side I feel pain on when wiping after BM and that was the main reason I went to see the GP. It is a specific point on one side that hurts but I do not feel any lump or mass but the GP while DRE could feel big lump further inside. The problem now is that although the investigations are clear, I am not sure why i feel the pain at a point on one side on anus opening. Can it be due to nerves that get touched on wiping (eventually) linked to the hemorrhoids? The doctor has told me it will takes weeks for hemorrhoids to settle down but hasnt given me any cream or ointment to use.

The question I have is firstly related to IBS, how can I sort it out. it seems that is no exact answer. i have been taking fibre and eating more healthy stuff and drinking more water but symptoms still persist, although my stress levels are way down now. I do understand that IBS might take long to sort itself out.

Secondly if the pain I feel in the anal reason is due to hemorrhoids, how can I get rid of them or why they keep coming back. I will confess that I had to strain and have had really hard stools (post colonoscopy). I have also seen small red flakes for last few months as well, that seem local from the anal region and maybe related to the hemorrhoids but I guess i still have some worry about the anal region, if that pain is due to something else. I do not want to annoy the doctors as I have had the clear colonoscopy and clear sigmoidscopy.

 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Tim038219
    Tim038219 Abstract36

    Posted

    Hi, Abstract,

    I've been back and forth to Drs for a while now with similar symptoms to yours. I've been loosely diagnosed with IBS-C and have had colonoscopy, etc, etc. 

    I saw a specialist as I, too, feel like I cannot empty myself fully. He explained that I need to retrain my feedback loop in my body - basically I need to not try to force anything out and when as much as the stool has come out as needed, I need to clean up and carry on with my day. Even if there is more to come out.

    This will gradually retrain my digestive system and feedback loops. He also mentioned spending too long on the toilet straining and trying to 'help' stool come out could develop Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome. 

    I've been doing it for the last month or so and I'm beginning to see small changes. 

    As for controlling the IBS I can't pin out triggers. I eat a plant based diet, do a fair amount of running and walking and still I seem to have no control over my flare ups (although they are small). 

    I also have a pain on the left side on the inside of my anus - it's a burning pain that I have after going to the toilet. I'll be going to the Dr's (again) to get it checked out. 

    It could be a fissure, inflammation (as the specialist said part of my lining inside was inflamed) or an old (5 months old) haemorrhoidectomy wound that's reopened - I'm not sure. 

    • Abstract36
      Abstract36 Tim038219

      Posted

      Hi Tim,

      I understand about the feedback loop however sometimes i have to strain because of abdominal pain to let it all out. I have recently developed tailbone pain as well and seems it is ibs related or due to straining.  I will have to give it some time and see if things get better however i am not sure what foods to try. I wont say i eat healthy all the time but do try even then i havent been able to pin point what makes things worst. I used to jave alot of undigested food as well but that has gone better. Sometime rectal pain makes it difficult to even sit and work and makes everday difficult. Not sure but i read somewhere that bacteria overgrowth or parasites can cause ibs as well. Not sure if my doctor will check for these .

    • Tim038219
      Tim038219 Abstract36

      Posted

      SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) has some of the symptoms associated with pains you're having I think. 

      My advice would be to write down all the items you want to discuss with your doctor and bring them up with them one at a time. Otherwise you'll forget to mention certain things. 

      As for the food, I'd try keeping a food diary. This is one of those pieces of advice that is always mentioned but often overlooked. I kept one to identify any triggers and it helped me notice a few. The FODMAP is another one often touted, but as we're all individual and respond to food differently, I think a food diary is perhaps better. 

  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 Abstract36

    Posted

    Accept your diagnosis of IBS because all your tests were clear and haemorrhoids were found which can cause bleeding.  Straining will cause this,. Clear tests are good news for you. Try fruit or a stool softener.  Try ointment from your chemist for haemorrhoids and use ice to shrink them. Haemorrhoids can and do come back  But above all, do not worry.  Haemorrhoids are a complication of IBS.  IBS can be constant  or can come and go especially if you are anxious.  There is no cure.  All you can do is to manage your symptoms with antispasmodics which you can get over the counter or from your doctor.  I take Buscopan which helps me.  Try a food diary or the Low Fodmap diet. Everyonre hss different symptoms.  There is no exact answer.
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