Hi! Yes, finding this group has been a blessing! I'm into sharing information and general help for the benefit of others. I had an anorectal abscess (abscess in the anus). However, on the onset, I thought it was a hemorroid. So of course I tried Prep H, thinking it would relieve the pain. The next day, I ended up in the ER and when the doc did a rectal exam, the abscess burst. Until then, I NEVER heard of anyone having an abscess there... My point in all this is please go to the doctor and have your pain checked out. It could be something, then again I get soreness pain in my left hip from sitting so much on the john due to IBS. Nevertheless, don't play guessing games when it comes to pain. Pain is the body's way of telling you something is wrong. As far as painkillers, Vicodin ES(not plain Vicodin) helps me with pain greatly but does not make me lethargic. I guess it also depends on how big or small you are in girth and stature? That should be something you should point out to your doctor when s/he's medicating you.Blessings,John