To whom it may concern,
I have been given a diagnosis of Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome (SRUS), which although rare, is a defined medical diagnosis. It is defined as a complex of symptoms that cause inflammation of the rectum with or without ulcers and causes frequent bowel movements with cramping and difficulty emptying the rectum along with excessive mucus and sometimes bleeding. It’s not well understood but is thought to be due to a combination of pathological changes (inflammation) and mechanical factors (twisting of the rectum, internal prolapse or telescoping of the rectum, perhaps rectocele, and even neurological misfiring of the autonomic nervous system. Factors that decrease blood flow to the rectum may also be involved.
So overall, it creates some pretty miserable episodes of severe cramping and the problems emptying your rectum/colon. Treatment is symptomatic. Antispasmodics, antidiarrheal meds and pain management. There are surgical treatments, none of which have a very good track record. I’ve been scoped twice with biopsies, an MRI and extensively cultured with no identifying pathogens. I am wondering if anyone else in this group has been diagnosed with this or with similar symptoms and a different diagnosis and what if anything they have found helpful in dealing with the problem. I appreciate any insight or advice anyone may have.

Thank you
R. White