Rectal exam

Body: 

Hello friends,

I have enjoyed a period of health as regards my rectocele, barely noticing it. However recently it has become very uncomfortable again. I think this is due to an internal rectal exam I was given last week where the doctor was checking my back passage to see if I had problems other than the hemorrhoids I knew I had. Anyway, thankfully the exam did not turn up anything, but as I say, it has left me very uncomfortable. Do any other ladies have experience of this and any clues as to how long it might take to settle down? Truth to tell I'm a bit alarmed by this and somewhat scared and upset by the reappearance of my symptoms. It's the middle of the night here in the UK and I can't sleep for worrying!

Best wishes to you all.

Hi Octaviel

I don't have experience with rectal examination, but I know that several women have posted about worsening of symptoms after colonoscopy, which is probably much more drastic than a rectal exam. Hopefully it will settle down in a few days.

Hi ocatviel,
Your story resonated with me: I had a mammogram last week - and it really hurt at the time, more than ever before, and my right boob is still tender and sore a week later. I've been given the all clear, but half wonder if I've caused any other damage! I guess it'll gradually recover though. Some of these examinations can come with side-effects that's for sure.

I think it seems quite possible there may be alink between an increase in symptoms and the rectal examination. After all, this usually entails a medic inserting their finger into the anus and feeling for any disorders, sometimes also requesting the person to squeeze the finger in order to assess/guess muscle tone. It's not difficult to imagine this could be uncomfortable & possibly painful if you have haemorrhoids &/or prolapse symptoms (past/present). It seems entirely pausible this examination may have exacerbated your symptoms. However:

For many/most women who've had/have prolapse symptoms, there are times when something triggers an increase/return of symptoms. There may be an identifiable trigger or simply a reminder that actually they haven't been as careful with their posture/diet/alcohol intake/clothing/exercise.... recently as they need to. It's usually one or the other.

The good news is that as time goes by, women learn to live with and manage their prolapses... With the WW approach, we have the knowledge and resources to make things better. We know there are things we can do to make things worse. And there are things we can do to improve things. So we reduce/stop the former and increase/start the latter! Simples! It is absolutely fantastic that we have this self help approach available to us.

I also sometimes I have a prolapse relapse - and it can be depressing. But it's hey ho, I think I know why that might be - and off we go. Back to the WW work - which includes WW posture, exercises, care re lifting, loose clothing, good diet, careful elimination, (no straining, lean fwd; see 'Saving the WW'), reduce/stop alcohol/stress/lack of sleep, increase levels of joy/happiness/awareness/adequate rest, loose clothing, no high heels... Same old stuff - all good stuff.

Rest assured - with the WW treatment you'll more than likely return to normal.
xwholewomanuk

I'm grateful for your replies and feel much encouraged. Little by little it is improving and as you say WholewomanUK, it is a good reminder to take the WW work seriously and not become complacent. Fear is a terrible thing and you have helped it to recede so thank you. I always know I will find comfort and support on this wonderful forum :-)