Rectal/Colon pain... part of a flare?

Hi everyone,

Just joined the forum. figured it was about time since I've been diagnosed with UC for about 5 years now. Never suffered from it too much aside from some bloody stools but the last 2 years it's been acting up a bit more. Problem I want to address is the issue of the pain I get. The last few flares I've had (or what I think must be flares?) are sessions that start with a normal bowel movement and then turn into an endless, painful bowel movement. No diarrhea but just feels like my insides are trying to get rid of EVERYTHING in my body. The result that comes from that is a throbbing constant ache is what literally feels like my colon. like right inside the rectum. I call it butt pain because that's what it feels like. I know that that is where my colitis is the most inflamed so it's not unusual I guess but what I want to figure out is whether thats a sign for a flare up? Or is that just an unfortunate side effect of having inflammation? Can any one relate and share some knowledge? Also on how to deal with it. When I get this pain it lasts for HOURS and makes it difficult to sit, move, and get on with the day. Today it started at about 9:30am and it's now 1:30pm and I'm still in pain.

Would really appreciate any help!

Thank you!

It's possible it's not being treated the best. I won't deny it's always been a struggle for me to stick to a certain diet and take pills. The original diagnosis was 'unspecified colitis' then I was told it was just general IBD and then after my 3rd colonoscopy they finally said its UC. I was on Asacol years ago and now I'm on Lialda. supposed to take 2 doses one morning and one in the evening. I'm good with the morning dose but the evening one not so much. I often forget since I work at night (server). Hope this helps. I know I need to take better control of it but would also just like to know how best to treat the symptom since it seems to be my primary one. Thanks for helping!

The term is called TENESMUS. e.g. Continual involuntary urge to move the bowels, that is painful. It can occur even if the bowels are empty. Basically the colon version of the 'dry heaves' in vomiting.

It is a sign that the rectum is very inflamed.

I'd really recommend Salofalk Enemas. And possibly the hydrocortisone suppositories called Anusol HC.

Thanks so much everyone. I suppose I should try looking into the enemas though the idea really makes me feel weird. I've done a few and it's just uncomfortable. I was in Canasa at one point and it helped but unfortunately, I have not been able to afford Canasa pretty much ever. There shouldn't be a price on your health but $200 a month for supps does not really fit my budget. My GI suggested doing Humira... I'm also weary of that. Anyone done it and can tell me their opinion? Or if anyone has more natural solutions I would love to hear those. Injecting myself with medicine sounds like the opposite of what I would like to do to my body.

"Why choose between them?"

quite a few reasons actually -

simple economics being one = for some, even the most costly meds are covered by insurance - but changing ones diet, especially if it includes eating food grown organically, can be expensive -

most supplements are not covered by insurance - many are beneficial but not cheap -

time also being a factor - pop a pill or 3 is easy - finding time to prepare meals tailored to ones specific needs, while also taking care of the rest of the family can be time consuming -

same with getting more sleep - life demands often don't allow for it -

i consider all the above to be "natural" treatments -