I've been having spells of anal irritation, burning after a BM, some itching, and some soreness. I went to the GI doctor and after an examination, he said I have anusitis (inflamation of the anal tissues). Now, I do have one hemorrhoid, but he said the tissues were inflamed all around and up a bit in the anus. This was only a visual and digital exam. He was not worried and gave me a hydrocortison cream to use for 10 days. Now, I get this off and on all year long. I read some articles that said diet and stress had something to do with anusitis. Could it be that I have been eating alot of oatmeal cookies, coconut and more raw fruits. I used to eat everything steamed or baked. Maybe the foods are causing some sort of toxin in my stools that irritated the anus. Also I have had a lot of antibiotics in the last year. Anyone else have/had this problem and were you put on a low residue diet? Your suggestions will be appreciated.
I don't think there is anything wrong with your diet. When they say bad diet, they mean things like caffeine, alcohol and smoking generally. What might be happening is that you are getting some part of your feces onto the outer skin which causes a rash and the like which can spread. Try avoid using toilet paper and showering for a while instead and see if that helps. If showering is not practical, try using either wet tissues (which you can buy eg to wipe babies' bottoms) or very soft tissues and be careful. If it does not cure the problem, it can only help.
TaniaF, I was told I have anusitis after having a sigmoidoscopy & anoscopy, it was'nt as bad as the extreme pain I had been having for over 5 mths. The kneeling chair/table thing helped alot, course the 1st visit hurt due to the chronic pain I was already in, after medication ie: supp's, the 2nd visit was much easier. The rhoids don't cause anusitis, diet & or stress does. Coffee, colas, beer, garlic, onions, spices/spicy sauces, pizza etc.maybe even chocolate.
Are you sure you have Rhoids? maybe just the anusitis, it is frequently mis-diagnosed as it happens just inside the anal canal and if scope is not done slowly upon withdrawal won't be seen. When you had the visual, what was used? you see I was convinced I too had bad hemmorhoids, but was assured I did not, only anusitis, which is still trying to heal after over 1 month of prescribed suppositories & much care in what I eat now. Anurex also has been recommended & I do try to use it, I cheat sometimes & sit on a frozen ice pack, the kind used for coolers, with the blue liquid inside.
Hi Bibigirl,
Thanks for your post--I thought I was the only person with this problem. I only had visual inspection by Gastro with his eyes--no anuscope. He said anusitis but didn't discuss why this happens. I am a very high strung person (stress) and I try to eat healthy, but I guess I need to watch certain foods. Sometimes my stomach gets upset and other times I can eat all the spicy things without a problem. It's ironic, as the same time I have been having the anusitis problem I also have had problems in the vaginal track too. My GYN is wondering if it is vulvodynia or if bacteria or yeast if causing trouble in both areas. Would you know about this? I have been using Anusol regular ointment and baby creams like A & D or Balmex. Are sitz baths good. My pain is not extreme just very annoying and the area looks red. I had one small "rhoid" that was seen at the anal exterior. Is anusitis serious and does it need to be inspected further? Did your dr take any biopsies? Thanks for your help. Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Tania
Hi Tania,
My Doc did take a biopsy, it was negative, actually he said "biopsy revealed healing" that statement I don't understand, but he was not concerned.I also did a stool sample for parisites, which was negative. I never heard of vulvodynia, but looked it up on google, theres lots to read on it. Sitz baths w/epsom salts are good, won't hurt you, but I'm finding Anurex cold therapy is better for me at least. I myself had a pap smear Aug.7 & yesterday went back for the Gyn to tell me it showed a slight abnormality, mild cervical dysplasia & would need a 2nd pap in 6 months, but nothing to worry about now. I had mentioned to the colerectal Dr. that I had a painfull examination with the Gyn & asked him if my rectal problems could be related to this, he told me he seriously doubted that.
I've made a Doctors app't Fri. with my family Doc, not that he's much good, but I generally feel I'm not getting a whole lot better, sometimes my stomach seems quite bloated & feels kinda sick. I also want him to refer me to another Gyn as I don't like the one I have now, nor do I like his exam.rooms etc. Of course I bet that many of my woes are related to smoking, or at least don't help them. In the meantime, I always search the internet for more possibilites that I could mention to these Doctors. Oh, I did have one "rhoid" banded back in July '99. Take care, I'll check back after Fri.
BibiGirl
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