Anal sphincter malfunction/tests

[JudyCoppernob]

I saw a gastroenterologist today, investigating me for constipation.  As well as a colonoscopy, he wants me to have an anal sphincter test.  It seems my anal/rectal muscles are PUNY!  Does anyone have experience of this?  Either the condition or the test? I understand the test involves inserting a balloon up my rear end that is then inflated (with liquid I think) and that I have to try to expel, while they measure the pressure being applied.  Or not, as the case may be, and probably is in mine!

I have a feeling that the underlying problem is neurological.  That there are no nervous impulses going to my muscles so they've essentially atrophied, given up the ghost.  And this could have been induced or at least exacerbated by having taken iron for a year.  I've stopped that now.  But it took about a year of taking iron before I bunged up and it's only been 3-4 months since I stopped taking iron, so maybe it'll take a while longer for the nerves to recover.  Any thoughts on that one, anyone?

Thanks, JudyCoppernob

[Chickpea]

Hi Judy

I think your feeling that this is neurological is probably correct.  Although I haven't had the symptoms you describe, I have had episodes of gastroparesis - frozen gastric system - which are definitely due to cns issues. 

Maybe the side effects of iron tablets haven't helped but I doubt they would have caused it.  Do you still need iron?  If so, maybe you should consider iron infusions?  I've had a series of them (8 over a month) twice in the past 6 months and they helped a lot.

I'm sure others with more direct experience will be along soon to share their stories.  (Katybarstool:  where are you?!)

Take care - Chickpea

[Carolina]

Oh, dear Judy,

I think I have this, but I'm in total denial about it.  TOTAL.

So I'm not gonna think about it.

ACK

I have a feeling there's nothing to do about it anyway.

Now I'm thinking about it again!

We need a VERY private place for this discussion......

sigh

Not-wanting-to-think-about-it

Kisses

Carolina

[jaygee]

I have been struggling with constipation for 8 or so months.  I found out I had a small rectocele and was prescribed a stool softener.  Previously, with IBS, I always had the opposite problem (5 visits to the loo per day were normal)  - so don't know why this happened???   Anyhow, I try to take at least 5 or 6 servings of fruit and vegetables per day and that does help a little.  However, the meds I am on usually cause diarrhoea, so I don't know why this change occurred.  Like others, I have not pursued this further, as quite frankly I don't want to know (yet).....

Hope your tests go ok.   xx

[Carolina]

ACK

Of course I'm STILL thinking about this.

Against my better judgement and state of DENIAL

Here's what I found about the causes:

Medical etiological factors include psychiatric conditions, chronic constipation, malabsorption syndromes, laxative overuse, diabetes, thyroid disease, gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions, neuropathies and spinal cord disease.

http://www.pelviperineology.org/pelvis/treatment_anal_incontinence.html

I highlighted neuropathies because of course that's my latest gift from Sjogren's.

Sjogren's the gift that just keeps on giving.  EVEN when you want it to f.....g STOP already.

Big sigh, and slipping right back into denial.


Sigh

Carolina