Hello,

I had my take down in 1984. for the most part, my health has been pretty good since then.

The last year or so, I have been in constant pain in the anus / rectum area. Everything I eat irritates me there. It is not puchitis (I was on Cipro for an extended period) nor does Cipro provide relief.

My stool burns and does so to the point that I bleed.

Does anyone else have this problem? I no longer know what to eat much less how to resolve this problem.

Would this fall into the category of "butt burn"?

By the way, going to the washroom temporarily relives the pain. The pain is also enough to wake me up during the night. It is like a constant burning.

Any advice on how to deal with this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Solomin

So, Solomin, your pain is external? That sounds like butt burn to me, although I have not experienced it personally YET (ask me on Friday after my takedown). I'm reading about great ways to soothe the skin down there, esp. stuff with zinc. Anything to really coat it and it would make sense to slather it on at night when you're still. I know my stool really does a number on the skin around my stoma if I've eaten something particularly spicy and my seal isn't perfect so I guess that's happening to you in a different place. I'm sure others have much better advice than I, and I hope you find relief soon.

I just had my stoma take down last month (aug '10) and am going through some serious butt burn. Calmoseptine is an OTC barrier cream that I have had some success with. It is available at most drug stores. When going through a serious butt burn episode, apply the ointment liberally making sure to cover the inner most area around the anus. Hope this helps!

Thank you for your reply.

I live on the Calmoseptine cream and use it as a barrier. Without this cream, the pain would be unbearable.

I also use Nefedine solution, which is mixed with vaseline. This solution is supposed to stop "spasms" in this area. I find this solution helps without any side effects.

That being said, using these creams and solutions are just band aid solutions. I am hoping to find something that can possibly reduce the severity of butt burn.

My latest episode is a result of eating salad. I tried for a week straight salad variations, but the pain and discomfort is unbearable.

I have put on weight (40 LBS!) over the last 5 years and I want to modify my diet by eating healthier. I don't want to be a bread, meat and potatoes person the rest of my life. I am hoping there can be some way to eat different and healthier foods.

Best,

Solomin

Solomin

I'm following your post with interest. I just completed my first year with the pouch and have had "butt burn" since last Saturday. I have always just used vaseline and up until now it has completely solved the problem. Last night I saw my doctor as I have an ear infection and cold and thought it a good idea at the time to get some cortisone cream to supplement the vaseline if this problem continues. I found the cortisone seemed to burn. My wife said it was likely the healing process. I sure didn't care for the fire!

I too have put on 40 lbs over the last few years which doesn't exactly please my surgeon even though my surgeries (I hope) are complete.

I am a bread, meat and potatoes guy and damned if I'll give them up without a long fight but I do need to lose the weight.

I have never tried the calmoseptine but have heard many others speak pf it so maybe I would be wise to try some. I'm not ready yet to completely change my eatingf habits but I'll be avoiding any tomatoe sauces for the foreseeable future.

Good luck in dealing with this - hope it settles down soon.

Lew

My understanding of Calmospetine is that it is a strong barrier cream. The Nefedepine solution is excellent in reducing discomfort. Some doctors prescribe a Nitro based solution, but the side effects in my case are bad (I get a head ache, apparently quite common).

Solomin

The times I experience the "discomfort" you are experiencing, I have found it is directly related to something I've eaten. When that culprit food (or drink) has completely left my body, it is like instant peace (down there). Calmoseptine (used religously) helps at those times but I am frequently lazy because I don't want to deal with "the mess" of applying it...even though I use coits....the finger-thingy. There have been times when stress causes the same burning and pain described by you....but, mostly it is something I've eaten. I don't like to restrict what I eat or drink. The logical thing to do would be to be pro-active and apply Calmoseptine before I eat/drink any possible culprit. Guess I'd rather suffer!