Hygene problem. Help.

Sorry for being graphic but here's my problem. My anus is so raw from frequent wiping that I am having a blood/pus mixture soiling my pants. It soaks through my underpants and it seems there is nothing I can do to stop the bleeding. The more I wipe, the worse it gets. Needless to say it is embarrassing and humiliating. I am really at my wits end with this disease. As if the persistent abdomen pain and frequent diarrhea have not limited me enough, now this.
I am 43 years old and would really hate to have to wear depends but I do not know what other option I have at this point. This latest development is about to push me over the edge. If anyone has had similar symptoms please share your solutions with me. Also, any help on how you have mentally dealt with this this disease would be helpful. I have reached a point where the only time I am not miserable is when I am sleeping and thats no way to exist. I do not know what the solution is as there is nothing I can do to change the physical things that have robbed me of my drive.
End of rant.

I use feminine pads that are thin and designed for overnight as they are longer. I carry a supply with me and in really bad times I can go through as many as 10 a day and in good times I change it once or twice a day for hygene measures. I have found it gives me a sense of security and I have saved many a pair of underwear.

I understand the emotional toll this is taking and for me I guess I just went through some things so many times that I just kinda got a think skin about it. I know on my first accidents it just killed me and tore me up inside. What I can say is that because of what I have been through with this that even if I was "cured" tomorrow I will never be the person I was and I don't know that I would want to be. But I cannot undo the experiences I have had because of this and I cannot forget. I can get a thick skin and deal with it, but I cannot change what it has done to me on the inside.

I don't know is this will help you or not, but there is my 2 cents.

I use 4x4 gauze sponges that I buy at a local medical supply store. They are way cheaper than buying them at Wal-Mart or some place like that. I get 200 of them for around $6. They aren't sponges in the sense that you would think of a sponge that you clean with....it is a medical term. I fold one or two (if it is after a bm) in half and then just tuck in between my butt cheeks. They stay in place no problem. It keeps the drainage from dripping on your skin and causing irritation like it would if you use a feminine pad.

I would ask your dr. about trying flagyl. It works realy well for my rectal issues.

Tastro-

There are a couple of other options as well. There are surgical sponges that some people put in between their cheeks...they claim they stay in place and are really absorbent. I would think that would depend on individual body structure. Also, there is a men's incontinence pad called Serenity that I think would be more... ahem...fitting for you. Alot of people here like Tucks pads to keep things clean after a BM and help soothe and heal the skin. There's always Preparation H, which is actually for hemis...but soothes just the same. These products work nicely to keep things under control but your irritation sounds like it may need alot more help. Call your GI's nurse and explain the problem. They may be able to call you in a suppository to the pharmacy or some other Rx strength cream. Once under control again some maintenance with the Tucks/Preparation H should do it. There's no need for you to suffer when the Dr. is only a phone call away! Meanwhile, while you have them on the phone, ask him about a sitz bath too. Good Luck!

Are you sure you haven't developed an anal fistula/fissure?  I've never had either but from the description you have given maybe someone here could kick in some further advice?

Tastroman - I can completely sympathize with you.  I have had crohn's for about 17 years now and the whole rectal issue has got to be the worst thing to deal with.  I recommend the pantyliner approach but along with that you really have to treat the problem.  If you are already taking rectal meds (enemas or suppositories) and are just waiting for them to really work, I would use Desitin Creamy (diaper rash cream) on your raw area.  I saw it here in another post and I tried it and it started working overnight.  But speaking from experience you need to talk to your doc and get taking something to treat the actual issue.  You will be so glad you did.

MB

BTW - are you sure it isn't a fistula - with the puss & all?

You know I did not mention that the other thing I use is Charmin with lotion. It keeps me from getting really raw. It is a bit on the pricey side, but to save my behind I do not mind.

Thats why I came here 1st. My GP is a female and I am way to embarrassed to let her do an examination of the area. This is why message boards are such a good resource. Things I can only mention to my wife, I can throw out here without hesitation and low and behold, many other have been or are dealing with the same unfortunate problems.
I do not post much here as I tend to be a little negative about this whole thing but be assured I spend a lot of time reading this board and it has helped prop me up many times.

tastro, its interesting to hear that ur embarrassed b/c of ur female doc, as i thought i was the only person who experiecnced that and i'm female ( all my docs are males). Even after having this disease for 10years im still embarrassed to be examined. I swear more doctors have seen my bum out of bloomers than men!
Either way tho, like u see, there arent only females with this problem but men, and why dont you go to a GI, theyr used to seeing EVERYTHING when it comes to our bums! I just think u need to get it checked out, b/c i was in danger of loosing my rectum. If something is really going on down there u could be effecting your rectal muscles and rectal shape, which could lead to incontinence. I didnt know this at the time, which is why i opted for my temp ileostomy to give my body a rest, because my fistulas, and abcesses, and hemmrhoids (sp?) and everything else were taking its toll.

I totally understand ur comfortability with posting here as well. I would never have this conversation with a male in real life! lol