Just found this forum. M/55. I have been dealing with an anal rash/pruritis since January. Went to see a dermatologist finally, and he prescribed tacrolimus ointment for it and antibiotics. Thought I'd try the ointment first, but it was a nightmare. It causes a sensation of heat and an urge to defecate that lasted for a few days, but then it went away. However, I continued to have loose stools. 5-6 days later, I started having generalized abdominal pains, but mainly lower abdomen/pelvis. I stopped the ointment, as I thought it had something to do with the pains b/c it messed up my digestive system. However, the pains did not subside, and my GP ordered a CT. Like many of you, the only thing it showed was a mildly hazy central mesentery, no tumors or enlarged nodes. The differential diagnosis was MP. I didn't even know there was such a thing. I'm still having pains and have an appointment with my gastro but not for another 3 weeks. I have no idea if my anal issues and this are related, but it all seems like a bit much for a coincidence. I don't know what this portends, but I'm getting increasingly anxious about it. Anyway, that's my story; hope there's an end to this b/c the pains, while not horrible, are not fun.