I hope someone can help me. I recently started using leg weights in order to strengthen my legs. After a day or so, I felt a strange internal lump where my rectum used to be. There is nothing on the outside, but I feel it when I sit down or walk. I had a CAT scan done, and the doctor found nothing. I had an internal exam done, and the gynecologist found nothing out of the ordinary. I'm pretty much at my wits' end as I don't know who to see now. My operation was 5 years ago, and this is my first snafu. Has anyone had this experience before? Any help is appreciated.
Pharmgirl
Nov 01, 2020 5:15 pm
Bill
Nov 01, 2020 6:46 pm
Hello Pharmgirl.
If you have had internal examinations and nothing was found, then the diagnosis become a bit of guesswork.
What you describe does not seem that different to what I experienced prior to my stoma operation so, I will share my experience with you.
Basically, I had a prolapsed anus which was entirely on the inside and was like a big painful lump, which also obstructed the passage of faeces. When doctors examined me they found nothing and I was about at my wits end trying to fathom what it was. After insisting that there 'must' be 'something' wrong, I was examined by a very young doctor ( mind you - they all seem to look younger nowadays!) who asked me if I wouldn't mind standing/balancing on the toilet to be examined. In no time at all he diagnosed a 'blind/internal anal prolapse' and suggested I have surgery to put it right. (apparently the prolapse happens via gravity, so when I was lying down to be examined, it did not show up).
The first surgery meant stitching the walls of the anus to the spine; that didn't work and they tried a few more things which also did not work. Eventually they suggested that the only permanent solution would be a colostomy. That worked very well for years, but recently the same sensation and pain has periodically returned. I now presume it is the result of the anal stump prolapsing again because it happens when there is an excess of mucus inside. The only permanent solution to this would be a 'barbie-butt' and the surgeon explained that this is a major operation, which he did not recommend unless it is as a last resort. So far I have managed with the aid of anal irrigation and pain management techniques.
I have no idea whether this information might be helpful to you but I thought I would share it anyway.
Best wishes
Bill
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Posted by: Primeboy
Hi Mike and all. I am not sure how panoramic my perspective really is as my peripheral vision shrinks with each passing year. I can tell you that when I came to this website six years ago I was truly ;impressed by the positive attitudes of so many members, especially the younger folks who refused to let their ostomies define who they were or what they would become. I also came to appreciate that having an ostomy is not the same thing as having a disease. Pardon ;my pun now, but ostomies and cancer don't belong in the same bag. One is a solution, the other is a problem. Celebrating National Ostomy Day ;is also well outside my comfort zone. That's like celebrating National Wheel Chair Day. Come on!
I think there is a ;need for improved ;public awareness of ostomies, but I am not sure how that's best done. There ;remains ;some social stigma attached to our situation, and it's acutely felt among our young. We need to get out of the dark ages on this issue, but not by going 'in your face' to everyone else. I think Bill and NDY are 'spot-on' when it comes to telegraphing the right message to friends and family. People will know how to react when they ;see ;how we accept the cards we were dealt. I also appreciate the contribution some people here are making to this effort through their publications.
On a personal note, my son has been suffering from ulcerative colitis for years just like I did. I am very concerned because people with UC are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Years ago my GI told me to get annual colonoscopies to be on the safe side. I am glad I did because he eventually found pre-cancerous cells which led to several surgeries and my becoming an ostomate. Since then I have always ;conveyed a positive attitude to ;my son about wearing a bag because it has kept me alive to enjoy many more years with my loved ones. I think he got the message. We both go to the same gastroenterologist in NYC and get scoped on the same day. Father and Son moments!
Someone once wrote that our children are the letters we write to the future.
PB
w30bob
Nov 01, 2020 8:10 pm
Hi Pharmgirl,
Never had a similar experience, but if your doc is saying there's nothing there..........you need to find another doc! It always pisses me off when a doc dismisses a patient's complaint or issue. Bill may have hit it on the head when he mentioned the condition was position dependent. What you need is a CT/MRI scan done while you are in one of the positions that you feel the lump. I don't know if there's a teaching hospital near you, but those are the folks you want to be seen by. If you're already going to a teaching hospital......ask to speak to the department head and tell him he needs to figure out what's going on with you. Sorry I can't be of more help.......but don't take "no" for an answer..........that always leads to much bigger problems down the road.
Regards,
Bob
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Mark1070
Nov 02, 2020 12:31 am
I'm wondering if it's possible to get a small hernia at that location?
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kmedup
Nov 02, 2020 12:45 am
This is a really interesting post (Bill's especially) so I will keep watching it to see what transpires. Just K.
lovely
Nov 02, 2020 12:58 am
So sorry you are having such problems. Please stay on top of this and don't let it go too long. Ask your Dr for references if he can't find the problem. Keep us informed of your progress as it may help someone in the future. I can add my prayers to Cplumber's. Best wishes and stay safe.
ron in mich
Nov 02, 2020 1:33 pm
Hi Pharmgirl, sorry to hear you're having problems and no answers. I've found that when I lift something a little too heavy, I will have a sore back, but I've never had swelling or a lump. I agree with others that maybe a second opinion is in order. Good luck.
Lily17
Nov 02, 2020 5:16 pm
Hi, Pharmgirl
I totally agree with Bob: find another medical professional. And if they don't give you a satisfactory answer - perhaps paired with an MRI and/or other diagnostics - see another doctor! I like Bob's idea of going to a teaching hospital: newer tech, more open minds.
You have a legitimate concern and know how your body feels better than anyone else. Pay attention to your inner voice saying that something is off/wrong. Continue to be your own advocate and be persistent! Many of us know that some issues will not improve without medical intervention. Don't wait.
Lily17
Pharmgirl
Nov 05, 2020 3:07 am
Hello everyone,
Thank you all for the helpful comments and suggestions. I am seeing another doctor next week, a colorectal surgeon. I will keep you updated. It actually is starting to feel a little bit better which makes me wonder if it is in fact a pulled muscle. Just another reminder that when we think we have this whole thing figured out, sometimes unexpected things happen! Glad to have this forum and the feedback of so many helpful people.
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w30bob
Nov 06, 2020 2:54 am
Hey Pharmgirl,
Glad you're seeing another doc. I did a little digging after posting my reply and didn't find much regarding what you are talking about. Your glute muscles can certainly get sore, but that usually manifests as pressure on your sciatic nerve, which would feel as pain in your lower back or side that can travel down your leg as far as your knee.....not as a lump. Rectal cancer or any tumor in that area should be easily detectable......so you don't have that. I'm curious to hear what the surgeon says. Thanks for the update.
Regards,
Bob