Hey everyone, I'm newly registered to the forum, but have been reading posts for a month. I was wondering if anyone else has had similar symptoms to mine.
I'm fairly certain I have a fissure from constipation from dehydration 2 months ago. I don't have that much pain during BMs, it just feels like the opening is too small and refuses to stretch. Stools are usually broken down to smaller pieces and then im finished. It's uncomfortable, but not as intense as the pain I feel later.
Everything is fine for the next hour and then all HELL breaks loose. It's usually when I arrive at work (after an hour commute), take a seat, and then 10 minutes later get the worst pain in my life. It's a combination of burning and sitting on razor blades. This pain lasts for 1-3 hours. I haven't found any way to stop the pain once it starts. The skin "feels" raw and sometimes wet, even though it's 100% dry to the touch.
The pain is only triggered an hour after the BM. On days without a BM in the morning, work is great, no pain at all. I'm not sure if this is a spasm, or what this could be. I'm hoping someone else here recognizes it and knows what it is.

Yes, these are the exact same symptoms I have (i.e., no pain during a BM, a tight sphincter, delayed pain, etc.), except my pain lasts for several hours. I don't have the time right now to go into all of the sordid details, but I will post a more detailed reply later this evening.

Hey Turn,
You are correct, this is in fact the internal sphincter muscle spasming. I know how you feel as I went through this for months. The pain would be so intense I didnt know what to do with myself. There are a couple of things I've done over time that help a little.
1.) i apply calmoseptine cream on my anus right after a BM. You can buy this over the counter at a Walgreens.
2.) I sit on a heating pad when the pain starts to begin. I got this tip from someone here and that works wonders.
I hope this helps you. Sorry you have to deal with this. :(

Yes, that how the spasms feel - horrible! I read that when the BM passes, some of it gets in the fissure making the sphincter react. I started irrigating the fissure with salt water right after and that seemed to help some. Then the heating pad is my greatest comfort.

This is based on my experience: a fissure may or may not be causing your pain, which is why it is VERY important to see a colorectal surgeon for an accurate diagnosis. In my opinion, I wouldn't go to your family doctor. You want a specialist that deals with anal issues all day long. The bottom line is this: you won't know how to treat your symptoms unless you know EXACTLY what you are dealing with.
Your symptoms are very similar to mine (i.e., no pain during a BM, a tight sphincter, delayed pain, etc.). I never had any bleeding. Bleeding, along with pain upon defecation, is a classic sign of a fissure. I never had either of these symptoms.
My symptoms started about 5 months ago. I became dehydrated after a long run and had a hard bowel movement, followed by recurring pain after each bowel movement. I assumed it was a fissure or a hemorrhoid. However, the pain didn't go away with the standard over-the-counter treatment, so I finally went to a colorectal surgeon. After a thorough digital and scope exam, I was diagnosed with Levator Ani Syndrome. Levator Ani Syndrome is severe rectal pain that is caused by a spasm of the levator ani muscle. Basically, when you have a bowel movement (especially when you have to strain to have a bowel movement) it causes the levator ani muscle to spasm, which can cause extreme pain. Speaking from personal experience, it can be seriously debilitating.
The treatment for a fissure is completely different than the treatment for Levator Ani Syndrome.
Unfortunately, in my case, the straining required to have a bowel movement due to the tight sphincter muscles (Levator Ani Syndrome) caused me to also have a fissure, so now I am dealing with both issues.
My advice: go to a CRS as soon as possible. You may have a fissure. However, if they rule out a fissure, fistula, hemorrhoid, etc., ask about Levator Ani Syndrome. It is treated differently than a fissure, and the earlier you get an accurate diagnosis the better.
Good luck!

Follow the post directly above and take care of your diet.You'll probably want to keep away from red meat for a while. Back to what worked for you in the past.
Good luck in the days to come. Big hugs!
Rob