I have recently been diagnosed with rectovaginal endometriosis via laparoscopy. Although I have several other symptoms, my bowel symptoms are what affects me daily. I suffer with constipation (in terms of difficulty going not frequency) and what can only be described as excruciating rectal pain daily, every time I open my bowels. I’ve searched high and low since before my diagnosis but have never found much information about it or other people’s experiences of it as the information is usually quite vague or a one-liner.
I can’t seem to find any triggers as it’s chronic . I eat well with lots of fibre in my diet, I’m post-op at the moment but I usually exercise multiple times per week and am a very active person. I’ve had a colonoscopy and stool tests which have not raised any concerns other than blood in my stool. I’ve been treated multiple times for fissures and haemorrhoids. I sit in the ‘poo position’ to make it ‘easier’ to go. Nothing seems to provide me any relief other than laxatives.
I feel at a bit of a loss - I’ve been round and round in circles at my GP over the past year, but I’m holding out hope that my excision surgery will improve my symptoms. My surgeon did say that she thinks my bowel symptoms were caused by my extensive endometriosis. My excision surgery was almost two weeks ago and she removed it from my bowel as best she could. I know it can take months to see the benefit and relief of symptoms - from any of your experiences, is this in relation to rectal pain as well? I’m still experiencing the same symptoms since my surgery but I am staying positive/hopeful as I presume it will take time to heal/feel the benefit. However, ultimately I’m also struggling with the daily pain in the interim.
I would be interested to hear if anyone shares the same pain experience if you’re willing to share - Does anyone else experience excruciating rectal pain as a symptom and have you found anything that gives you any relief?
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Lilac_10
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I used to suffer from painful bowel movements. I have also had fissures and hemorrhoids. I would be in pain for hours after any movement as well. The only thing that helped me was an anti-inflammatory diet, in particular removing gluten and dairy from my diet. It took months to see the full benefits. I would still occasionally get haemorrhoids, I think I just have a weakness there. But some germoloid and wet wipes seem to help with that. Too much fibre can cause constipation as well as too little. It’s a bit of a minefield! I really hope you get some relief soon.
Hey I had surgery May last year and they only found a few bits of endo and removed them but since the surgery I’ve been experiencing sharp pain in my bum and sometimes lower stomach/pelvic area when I’m doing the toilet especially on my period it’s even worse then or sometimes just walking about it’s really bad and it hurts to try sit sometimes nothing helps it really I take some paracetamol and just have to wait until it goes away😕
yup - not uncommon. You mention fibre and diet but don’t mention fluid intake. Really important to drink sufficient water . I was recommended 4 litres daily and struggle at that but do manage 3. At 2 litres the constipation is just okay but defo more common. Some hormone levels will affect your bowel too. Poor Thyriod and suppression of oestrogen will contribute. Lastly ensure you look to your pelvic floor health. @corerecoverypt has lots of guidance with deep understanding of the endo problem. Using a squatty potty step being part of that.
I have rectal Endo. Dropping meat from my diet and eating as many plants as possible has transformed going to the toilet for me. Constipation is rare now.
I stopped eating grains which stopped the constipation. Drinking loads of water helps and 1000mg of vitamin C. I have 2 cups of coffee and then I go. I haven't had a solid poo for 15 years though. Some days I get very loose stools but it all comes back to diet. Put some blue food colouring in your food and track how long it takes to go through your system. Then eat lots of plants x the more variety the better xxx
Excruciating rectal pain is very common with endometriosis and I certainly recognise all your symptoms! I've had this symptom off and on for years in a cyclical pattern. I've had extensive excision for endometriosis on several occasions, had a lot of endometriosis on the bowel. I find a wheatbag comforting plus strong pain relief. It is totally agonising when I get it and it even wakes me from sleep at times.
You have inflammation in the bowel. You may have a less flexible bowel due to Endo scars. There's fibre and then there's soluble fibre which for me works better.
Any foods difficult to digest. Cut out foods that are high in Estrogens like Soya, Avocado, melon, dried prunes etc. Perhaps cut out gluten for a month to see if that reduces the inflammation.
Set aside a regular time to poo. Up your water intake, cut out fizzy drinks and coffee.
Take Belladonna for cramps, Fennel Tea too.
Perhaps take Antihaistmes for to reduce inflammation and anti inflammatory painkiller.
Eat cooked plain veg. Green, beans, smashed potatoes and carrots. Not onions or spices or sweetcorn! Eat smaller meals 6 times a day so the bowel can deal with the through put.
Do simple walking, floor excerise don't be static in lifestyle.
Do pulling up and relax excerise to increase blood flow in the rectum.
Thank you all for your replies and suggestions, and I’m sorry to hear some of you suffer with it too! Perhaps I’ll see if it helps to remove some items from my diet, as suggested. Positively, I have since received a letter to say that the team who did my recent colonoscopy have given me open access for 3 months to a follow up appointment if needed, and have advised I contact them 6-8 weeks after my laparoscopy if there’s no improvement in my symptoms.
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