Hi
I am from the UK.
I have had my problems since tuesday. I seem to have a really swollen and painful sentinel pile that seems to be wider at the top than the base and seems to go down the whole of one side of my anus. Is this normal? Also I feel 'full of poo' but can't seem to have a bm and am terrified of straining.
I have been lurking for a couple of days so I have done many of the suggestions on here. Epsom salt sitz baths, aloe vera gel, stool softeners, pain relief etc.
I am absolutely terrified - I am back at work on monday (secondary school teacher) and very worried that that I won't be able to cope.
Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated
alikg x

Alison, we're all struggling and can truly sympathize with your pain. Anal problems are the worst -- they throw a person's world completely upside down.
It seems that your problem is relatively new . . . ? - I mean, that you've been suffering with it for a few days . . . ? Often, these problems take awhile to calm down. My AF has been torturing me (physically AND mentally), since mid-October - and there are days I just cry and think I don't want to go on like this.
One of the best things you can do is to change your diet. I'm still trying to work out what is best for my system, but I've completely cut out dairy, all meat (I wasn't much of a meat eater, anyhow), sugar, most carbs -- and I'm intaking more fiber, fruits, vegetables, and vitamins.
You have to figure out the best diet (intake of the above) to keep your BMs soft, small, and regular. Too much fiber will bulk up your stool - and not enough is not good, either.
Anyhow, changing one's diet (for the better) surely would do a person more good, than harm, I should think -- even if the anal problems takes awhile to calm down.
Hang in there! That's what I'm trying to do, though I know it's not easy.

What ever you have a hot bath or tub to sit in always seems to help. It increases blood flow to the area and helps it heal. For me it helped the pain and I could relax for awhile. I do 20 minutes in the morning and evening and sometimes if I am having it rough I do one in the middle of the day when I go home for lunch. Hope you find out what is going on.

Hi
Does anyone know if you can get Movicol off prescription in the UK?
Sorry to be graphic but I feel so 'backed up with poo' that it is uncomfortable and terrified of straining
Thanks in advance
Alikg

hi there, u feel backed up is because of your fear and the tension of your anal muscles as they are hurt.
If you have a sentinal pile, it only means you have a chronic fissure.
i would suggest that you get a proper examination from a CRS. yes, CRS, not a GP or any other doctors. CRS are specialised in such, he/she wld be able to advice you the appropriate action to take based on ur severity.
if you like to know how to heal conservatively (yes, there's still a small chance), take a look at the thread "my success story"

Just to answer Alisonkg's question...
Moviol is not a prescription item in the UK and it can be bought over the counter. However you won't see it on the shelves or behind the counter, you just need to ask for it at the counter next to prescriptions