Because of a history of constipation problems over the years I have been flushing my rectum with a flow of warm water to dislodge the feces. A couple of times in the past I've had to deal with Diverticular Disease and last year I was hospitalized (4/19 to 4/22) for four days. This onset was because I could not pass my fecal. At that time I had a lower left abdomen pain causing the hospital confinement due to an infection.

My current problem is a burning sensation at the anus. This started a few days ago when the stream of water was too strong or too hot. There is no bleeding. Somewhere I got the idea that this could result in a bacterial problem so I'm worried on that score too. Is flushing unwise? So far (for two days) I've just applied Vaseline but that isn't solving the problem. Is a electrolyte test called for?