Just FYI...diagnosed with IBS, PCOS and possibly endometriosis (haven't had a lap yet).

Just before a bowel movement, I start to feel very heavy in my lower abdomen/pelvic region. Then I have one and my whole lower abdomen burns and aches for a while after. It hurts all the way across my lower abdomen and also in my upper right quadrant (no gallbladder). Also, my groin aches, my upper legs feel weak, and I still feel heavy in my lower abdomen until things seem to calm down...usually after one or two hours. I dread bowel movements because they make me feel terrible.

I just seem to feel better when I have food in my system.

I can't seem to find anyone else who has pain after a bowel movement. Can anyone relate to this?

I DO! It's not every time, but depending on the amount of gas and turbulence in my colon, sometimes moving "stuff" out creates even more room for gas pockets and spasm. I really think they need to add this symptom to the criteria for dx because it's pretty common. I guess that is what they mean by "incomplete evacuations". The only time I feel somewhat pain free is after a severe bout with natural (not laxative induced) D. I LOVE those days!

I do. I know I've read that a characteristic of IBS is relief after having a bowel, but usually for like 15 minutes after having a bowel, my stomach hurts.

I would check to see if you have an anal fissure. It caused me that pressure before the BM and then the pain in my groin/buttocks/thighs. It has been 5 months since I got mine and has trouble healing. I would go back to your GI and aske him/her to check for it.

I do. I know I've read that a characteristic of IBS is relief after having a bowel, but usually for like 15 minutes after having a bowel, my stomach hurts.
Fissures are usually accompanied by excessive bleeding. I also have a fissure but no pain at all unless I've had a run with D for days on end. The kind of pain the OP was referring to sounds like abdominal pain, not rectal pain. That was my impression!

Yes, I have pain after a bowel movement, not in the rectum where a fissue
would be but overall in the intestinal area. Sometimes gas & spasms up under
my ribs and around the back, sometimes pain and spasms in left or right
lower quadrants. Actually feel better on days I don't make a bowel movement!! My thought is when the colon is packed there's no way for it
to go into spasm. I try to take my metamucil right after a BM to fill up the
space!! Sometimes helps, sometimes doesn't. Gastro told me colon is like
a hose, if it's not packed, there's room for the hose to kink (spasm) that's
why the metamucil 3 x a day and for the constipation or diarrhea which ever
the case. In my case, it's stress that makes my colon spasm, just like a
direct line from my brain to my colon!!
Jodianne

I guess I'm a bit late replying...but I just wanted to say thank you for the responses.

To the pp regarding the fissure, it's definitely not in the anal area. All of my pain is in my lower abdomen, although I do feel kind of achy all over after a bowel movement as well (what on earth could cause such an odd symptom??)

I hate this pain so much! :(

It's good to talk to others who understand...

I know the feeling well....I've had IBS for at least 15 years...