Anal Pain/Fullness - Bowel Disorders Message Board

CdATony · 05-03-2005, 09:26 AM

At the beginning of February this year I had a bowel movement that felt like it was ripping my anus apart. Ever since then, my anus has not been the same. I figured I have a fissure and have had hemmoroids in the past. But can a fissure last three months? I have a bump on the outside of my anus that varies in size, but never goes away. I always seem to have a full, "I have to go" feeling. It feels like it is inside my anus, near the opening. Some days it is not so bad, others it hurts and is uncomortable to sit. I have tried both the creams and suppositories, with varying results... sometimes it helps, sometimes not. I feel like it is never going to get better. I have only had some blood a couple of times. I have changed my diet to softer foods, and that has helped, but I still find myself straining when I go (I know I am not supposed to, but that full feeling makes me feel like there is more that needs to pass).

Now I read about anal cancer. Could that be what this is? Has anyone else experienced months of anal discomfort? I know I should see a physician, but am without insurance and if it IS just a fissure, with proper diet, exercise and OTC medication, won't it eventually heal? Thanks in advance for any insight provided!

Tony

kdoss3 · 05-04-2005, 09:24 AM

Tony... I put up with the pain for nearly two year before I finally had to have surgery to correct my acute fissure. It got to the point that every time I had to go to the bathroom, the pain of straining and passing of the bowel wold be to much to handle. I had the surgery in early January. It took nearly four to six weeks before I felt like myself again but it was well worth it. My reccomendation is that you scrape togather the money to se a doctor and do not hesitate. This is your life we are talking about. Get to the doctor.

smithn · 05-04-2005, 05:29 PM

That has to be so painful for you! Yes, anal fissures can last for several weeks and can (and usually do) recurr. You really need to see your doctor. This other poster is right - once your current fissure heals, you can have an anal sphincterotomy performed and this can help a great deal. Payment plans can be set up for you and even if you think you might have a difficult time affording a certain monthly amount, they can't "come after you" as long as you are making a payment of some type - even 10.00 a month. Also, you can check with your local Health Department and ask them about options for people like yourself who don't have insurance. Chances are, they can help you.

CdATony · 05-05-2005, 09:28 AM

Thank you for your replies! I went to a doctor yesterday and got checked out. He said I had a fissure and a hemmorhoid and that it was creating a "restricted opening". He gave me a prescription of nitroglycerine in petroleum jelly and I have applied that, and it has helped. The reduction in stress about worrying about it has helped as well!

He said surgery is usually the last option so keep eating foods that will produce soft stool and don't strain too much if possible.

Thanks for your replies. I appreciate everyone on this board. It is nice to have a place to come to "talk" about such personal issues.