[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

Oooh how I hate having the squits. Interminable time sat on the bog hoping something will happen and then, when it eventually does, oh the relief.

But every time I get the squits I get a really vicious tummy ache, a very intense, sharp pain that doubles me up at times.

What is it about the squits that causes such a nasty tummy ache?

[Don_1]

Indeed it can be most irritating, to say the least, at times.

Puts me in mind of the nurse who asked of a doctor "Why have you got an enema behind your ear?" "Enema!" Exclaimed the doctor as he felt behind his ear. "Bugger! Some bum's got my pencil!"

[Bored chemist]

That joke works better with a rectal thermometer.

[glovesforfoxes]

Hmm.. I was thinking about it. Isn't it because your intestinal tract muscles are going under peristalsis but not moving anything? That's my guess, based on it hurting when I try to swallow nothing repeatedly. There is nothing for the muscles in the throat or intestine to push on, and that hurts.

Or perhaps it's because they're contracting and there's no lubrication. If you swallow repeatedly it hurts even more - similar to how it develops in the squits I think? It gets worse and worse and worse, then gets better []

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

glovesforfoxes - it could be; but it's such a sharp, intense pain. It's the same with trapped wind. The pain I had the other day was worse than the pain I get from my cancer & my painkillers didn't work on it at all.

[Karen W.]

That happens bto me too.. Very painful and miserable feeling... sorry Doc... I wish I understood it too!

[RD]

... Interminable time sat on the bog hoping something will happen and then, when it eventually does, oh the relief.

... it's such a sharp, intense pain. It's the same with trapped wind. The pain I had the other day was worse than the pain I get from my cancer & my painkillers didn't work on it at all.

Perversely your painkillers could be responsible for your abdominal pain if they are opiates, (e.g. morphine), as they can cause world-class constipation ...

Common side-effects [of morphine] … Constipation … Try to eat a well balanced diet containing fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a laxative.

http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/Morphine.htm

Metamucil is a bulk-producing laxative and fiber supplement manufactured by Procter & Gamble. The Metamucil brand has existed since 1934, and was owned by G.D. Searle & Company until 1985 when P&G acquired the brand. The active ingredient is psyllium seed husks. It is often used to treat constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. It may also reduce cholesterol when taken daily.[1] Metamucil is sold in powdered drink mixes, capsules, and wafers. Metamucil is available in several flavors, including Orange, Berry, and Pink Lemonade. A sugar-free version is also available.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metamucil