I've dealt with hemorrhoids for many years. I've had flare-ups with typical associated pain that would come and go. For whatever reason, about two weeks ago something changed. The pain and swelling that I experienced was unlike any time before. When I have a BM.... Holy cow!!! It is by far the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. I've been maintaining relaxation as much as possible during BM and haven't had trouble other than the excruciating pain while passing. But the pain has gotten worse with each BM. I have an appt next week with another doc. I'm in the military and for the past two weeks I have been unable to remain at work due to the pain. I hope to get some answers at my next appt. I'm 28 years old, male, no other health problems.

Hi Doom,
I have had hems for 20 years and trust me you can tell the difference with a fissure...the pain from a fissure is more and lasts longer. Don't let the doc just brush you of by saying its hems I did that and the cream he gave me made my situation worse.
If you can try and see a CRS, I appreciate that might not be easy seeing as your in the military so here's hoping you get a good doctor.
There is lots of useful advice on here for things to try while you wait...I like coconut oil or zinc and castor oil to help soothe the burning...nothing stops the spasms apart from hot baths.
Trust me we can all empathise with your pain...I have had kidney stones, dislocated knees and given birth with no pain meds and none of these hold a candle to the agony of the spasms.
Fingers crossed for you

My appt is with CRS. When I went to my primary care provider I told him that this pain was WAY different than any pain I've had with hemorrhoids or anything in my life. He gave me tramadol and some suppositories and sent me on my way. I called his office every day telling them I need another appt bc this pain just isn't allowing me to do anything.

I am so glad you are seeing the CRS specialist, that is really the beginning.
I had the same symptoms you are having Everytime I was diagnosed with a fissure. I am going through an acute spell right now.

Most fissures if that's what you have are self limited. But it's good to diagnose early as topical creams like calcium channel blockers called nifedipine and diltiazem and another one nitroglycerin help heal faster. Also once you have a diagnosis if it is a fissure then hydration and diet are a big part of caring for the ailment.

In the meanwhile there is no harm in trying to make your stools soft. Also try sitting in bath tub for 20 minutes two or three times a day,
Soluble fiber helps keep the stool soft. Try google for good sources of soluble fiber of you don't have any other GI problems. I use cooked Brussels sprouts , black beans, lentil soups and also acacia fiber to help me. Feel free to check out my other posts for details.

It's hard to believe it when we are suffering but there will be an end. My motto is patience perseverance and positivity . This site helps me with all the 3 ps. I am new here but already feel the friendship and comeraderie .

I know many can understand this... I can't believe just how crippling the pain is. I DREAD using the bathroom but I know it's better out that to let it build up, I suppose!?

Yes absolutely. First take a few breaths before every BM, take an Advil or Tylenol is you are allowed to use those about 30 minutes before , do not strain, and remember you have many fellow sufferers. Keep a bath ready if you have access that's warm. Do not wipe with toilet paper - I use a jet of water to clean, there are others who have posted many ideas on this website . Try to prepone appointment if you can. Most of all remember if this is a fissure it is not dangerous - painful yes, but fissures are not life threatening. I have made it to 40 years of age and I have lived with fissures on and off for 30 years. Have faith. Try yoga to calm anxiety. You ( we) will get through this. Body has an immense capacity to heal. We must keep believing.
Advil through the day if needed.
Take control of your diet. Read a lot about soluble fiber sources. I turned mostly vegan and it helps keep my recurrences decades apart.
This pain will end. It's different lengths of time for different people though. See how many people come and go on this forum - that is proof. Stay strong my friend.

Your words are very encouraging. It's nice to talk about this and gain advice... This is my first dealing with this... And though I'd never wish this upon anyone, it is comforting to hear others speak from experience. I was discussing with my wife about diet change.

Good. Attitude and discipline is everything in this battle. I use colace a stool softener three times a day ( 100 mg is recommended ) I am also using miralax currently also an osmotic laxative for making stool soft. These two help me a lot. However I know my diagnosis and I guess for you the first step is meeting the CRS. Take care

Hope you are feeling better. Take care