In March 2014, I underwent IRC for internal hemorrhoids. I was symptom free for about 3 months, when I went back - at the time, my doctor told me that I had some more small hemorrhoids, but that they should not be causing any pain. Over the next 3-4 months, I had pain 3-5 days each week - always after a BM. Sometimes I would have a little pain during BM, but always would have itching to burning pain afterwards. Finally, in September I underwent IRC again. At the time, I asked the doctor about anal fissure, and he dismissed it, saying that they only cause pain during BM not afterwards. For the first week after IRC, I had minor itching and pain, but it seemed to be getting better. But, about 10 days afterwards, I started to get intense pain - much worse than I ever had, during and after BM. I called doctor after two weeks and went in. The doctor saw one small hemorrhoid and believed that what I had was a spasm, as the area around the hemorrhoid was very inflamed. In all of these visual inspections, the doctors have never seen a fissure, which is of concern. I just want the pain to go away, but cannot figure out what is causing it, and the doctor seems to be of little help. I scheduled an appointment with a second gastro doctor, but he cannot see me until January. So, I have been searching the Internet when I found this board. I was hoping someone here could help me to narrow down what I may have.
The symptoms - minor to sharp pain during BM (depends on softness of BM), burning pain about 15-45 minutes afterwards (sometimes very painful, sometimes not so much), pain when sitting on hard seats (my butt is on fire after 5 minutes driving my car), walking and/or laying down helps. If I walk on the treadmill, I will start to get some pain about 20-30 minutes in, which eventually turns into intense pain (I stopped doing this, but is not helping with my waistline). I do not have any bleeding (never did with hemorrhoids either), and all pain (burning) is isolated in the butt region. Although not officially diagnosed, I believe that I have IBS too, which is definitely not helping with the situation. Frequent diarrhea, bloating, and lots of gas may be a factor in irritating the region.
So, does this sound like an AF? It does to me based on my research, but because doctors never found one, I am wondering if it might be something else? In terms of trying to treat it, I am using Witch Hazel after each BM. I bought some organic AF oil, which I apply 2-3 a day (for about a week now), and am trying to increase fiber and just started taking stool softeners. I was researching to see if I could find a good suppository for the burning pain, as nothing else seems to help with this, and this is what is most creating havoc in my life. Luckily I work from home, but I cannot keep taking 1-2 lay downs each day when I have a flare up.
Thanks in advance for any help/advice.