What is Proctalgia Fugax?

I am glad to hear that I am not alone! I've had those attacks for years, any time, day or night. The first time I almost called an ambulance. Difficult to work with that condition. I found that squatting is helping to reduce the pain. Sometimes the whole thing ends with a bowel movement. I will try magnesium. I am 55 years old and fear the time when, older, I won't be able to squat anymore!

I am a 46 year old male who has dealt with this condition for 15 or so years. The pain is remarkable! I once passed out and chipped a tooth. I didn't know what was going on for many years and wasn't interested in talking about it.

The frequency was once maybe twice a year for a number of years, yet has become more frequent during the past three or four. It typically occurs when I am asleep and it wakes me up. Although the time it resulted in a chipped tooth actually started while I was awake. I associate it with stress primarily, followed by poor sleep plus dehydration.

I found a very effective solution about three or four years ago. My uncle was experiencing severe cramping possibly related to his condition of Alzheimer's. Someone recommended to him a supplement named Trace Minerals. He told me about it and I later purchased a bottle to see if it helped with this condition. The largest component of this liquid is magnesium.

Last night, for example, I went to bed very tired. I woke up about an hour later well into this cramp and was already in quite a bit of pain. I was worried. I placed about eight drops if this liquid under my tongue. It worked fast and the cramp began to dissipate within a minute or so. This stuff tastes awful so if I have time, I mix it with grapefruit juice. I am not promoting this stuff, yet I don't travel without it.

I have thought about searching for a liquid magnesium supplement and try that. It may be less expensive. The key is to take it sublingually if the cramping has begun.

Two things help me. Mentally I try to separate myself from the pain (difficult to achieve when the pain is equal to the pain of passing a kidney stone) and secondly I jog on the spot. I realize this is easy at home and ridiculous in the middle of the supermarket. Thankfully most attacks occur when I have some privacy. malcolm

I also go through this pain! It happens after having sex. My wife and I have both consulted doctors about this and found that quickest way to relieve the pain and discomfort that I go through is stretching the anus by either squatting with my knees spread apart or using a small plug with a generous amount of lubrication. My doctor recently told me to try a desensitizing cream with the plug.

I have experienced this pain sporadically now for a few years (as did my mother) until all of a sudden the pain became constant, intense and just did not let up at all. This has only presented itself in the last two weeks. I have since been admitted to hospital and undergone sigmoidoscopy/proctoscopy which revealed nothing sinister. I am in constant rectal pain and have today started a month's supply of Gabapentin 300mg, which hopefully will take care of the constant pain. Any further advice as to how to control pain would be appreciated.

I have suffered from this condition for years, as do my mother and daughter. The pain can last between 15 minutes, and up to two hours, mostly at night, but on occasion through the day.

I found that taking Panadeine or Panadol, and, sitting on a heat pack worked, after a while. I saw a physio regarding a woman's problem a few weeks ago. She recommended M.P.65 (Magnesium Phosphate 65mg), and now the pain lasts only about 5-10 minutes. The recommended dose is two tablets, then another two in five minutes, and another two in five minutes if necessary.

It certainly is a relief to know that I can get almost immediate relief now with these tablets. I hope this helps, as the pain is excruciating.

I would get the spasms after an orgasm -- talk about bad timing. I use the tub also and I saw a gynecologist also that sent me to a physical therapist. I also see a chiropractor and massage therapist that is a big help.

I had one recently at work and I realize why. I pushed my mom in a wheel chair all day and went to work that night. Just too much that day.

I am so glad I did this search and found this article. I can get spasms that are close to unbearable, and can last 15 minutes or more. nothing helps. I just practice breath control until it passes. Thankfully, these are not what I would term frequent episodes.

Two colonoscopies showed no fissuring or ulceration. I feel relieved to have found a name for this. The docs just didn't seem to get it. Most times i experience a rapid fluttering of the sphincter, and then it hits, like a charlie horse type of cramp. It happens most times while I am sleeping, and I wake up to the cramp setting in, and the fluttering starting to subside. I get up and walk.

I get this pain but when it started about seven years ago, it was only a few times. Now when I get it, it can last for days. I have seen a gyn/urologist that sent me to a special physical therapist. I have special exercises to do that do help, but you can't stop it or it does come back.