Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
I am glad the post was helpful and am sorry for the delay in replying. Please consult a gastroenterologist for this. However if you need a referral, you may need to go through your PCP. Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
i too have been having the same problems! you're post was very helpful. My only question is, what doctor should i go see? a primary care, or a gastreologist?
thanks!
Michelle
Hi
Thanks for the post.
There are several possibilities to your problems. In case your symptoms are relieved to some extent by passing stool, then, most probably you are suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. “Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances.” Please refer to : http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/
Since you also complain of itchiness, I feel it could be due to worms and parasites in your colon area, which can be diagnosed by stool test. There is a possibility of fungal infection, which is common in diabetics. So if you are not a known diabetic, it would make sense to get your blood sugar level tested.
There are other causes too. “A common cause is excessive cleaning of the anal area. Moisture around the anus, from excessive sweating or from moist, sticky stools, is another possible cause. In some people, a loose and/or irritating stool may be caused by a high intake of liquids.
In addition, drinking certain beverages, including some alcoholic beverages - especially beer - milk, citrus fruit juices and drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola, may be aggravating for some people. Similarly, some foods that may be a problem include chocolate, fruits, tomatoes, nuts and popcorn. Other rare causes of pruritus ani may include pinworms, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal infections and allergies.” Please refer to: http://www.med.nyu.edu/crs/info/anorectal9.html
However it is difficult to diagnose without examining. You may also need to take some blood tests to rule out diabetes, X-rays and stool tests to reach a diagnosis. So please consult your doctor. Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else.
i also have been experiencing this constant colon burning for months now, and the specialists cannot diagnose it. have you found out what it is yet? The pain, as you say is unbearable.
thank you for your response.