Ongoing Discomfort: Seeking Answers to Persistent Symptoms
Profile: 25-year-old male, weighing 195 pounds, not on any medications, occasional social drinker, and non-smoker. For quite some time now, I have been suffering from an unyielding discomfort localized around my rectal and buttocks region. This sensation is akin to a persistent obstruction, leading to significant issues with both gas and bowel movements. It feels as though there is a barrier impeding their normal passage, resulting in continuous bouts of constipation and an uncomfortable build-up of gas that seems to exacerbate throughout the day. Typically, the gas only finds an outlet early in the morning once I wake and allow some time to pass. I liken this experience to being a balloon, gradually inflating without the relief of release. Engaging in volleyball twice weekly further intensifies this pressure, particularly after physical exertion. The pain I feel in the buttocks appears to vary in location — at times it’s centered, while on other occasions it shifts more to the sides. The sensations in the rectal region are challenging to articulate but are undeniably abnormal and persistent. Despite undergoing a colonoscopy, a CT scan, and an MRI, all of which returned normal results, I am left puzzled. What might be the underlying cause of these troubling symptoms, and what steps can I take to address this situation effectively?
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 12:20:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing persistent discomfort and pressure in your rectal and buttock area, accompanied by gas and constipation. Given that you've had thorough medical evaluations like a colonoscopy, CT scan, and MRI with normal results, there are several potential non-structural causes to explore.
Explanation
The symptoms you're describing might be related to gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic floor dysfunction, or even dietary factors. IBS is characterized by discomfort and changes in bowel habits without any identifiable structural abnormalities. Pelvic floor dysfunction can also lead to the sensation of obstruction and difficulty with bowel movements.
Next Steps
-
Dietary Modifications:
- Increase Fiber: Gradually add fiber to your diet through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Aim for 25-30 grams per day to help with bowel movements.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water (at least 8 cups a day) to assist in digestion and prevent constipation.
- Monitor Your Intake: Keep a food diary to identify any foods that may exacerbate your symptoms, such as dairy, gluten, or high-fat foods.
-
Regular Physical Activity:
- Although you're already active with volleyball, consider adding more consistent physical activity that promotes digestion, like walking or yoga, which may help relieve symptoms.
-
Pelvic Floor Exercises:
- Consider pelvic floor exercises or relaxation techniques that can strengthen and improve coordination of pelvic muscles. You can find guided exercises online or through fitness apps focusing on pelvic health.
-
Stress Management:
- Stress can significantly impact bowel function. Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises may improve your symptoms.
-
Consult a Specialist:
- If symptoms persist, consider seeking the opinion of a gastroenterologist who specializes in functional GI disorders or pelvic floor issues.
-
Symptom Diary:
- Keep a daily log of your symptoms, including the timing of discomfort, bowel movements, and any related activities or foods. This may help you and any healthcare provider identify patterns and triggers related to your discomfort.
Remember, changes may take time to show results, so be patient with yourself as you try these steps. If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, monitor these closely. Seeking further evaluation from a specialist may offer additional insights tailored to your unique case.
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!