Surgery Recommended

small_flower · 01-10-2007, 04:58 PM

Hello all, this is my first post.

I have been dealing with an anal fissure for years, and finally saw a specialist a couple of months ago, who recommended high fiber diet, fiber supplements, soaks and stool softeners, all of which I did and have been doing. Unfortunately, my fissure has not healed. I went back to this same specialist again, who...during our first appointment said that there were other things we could try if the diet didn't heal the fissue...and he said that he thinks I should do the surgery.

This scares me a lot....the possibility of incontinence, for someone who is in her early 20's, is absolutely terrifying. I know the chance is small, but it really bothered me that he recommended surgery so quickly.

Ive noted that surgeons seem to have no bedside manner whatsoever, and it really bothers me. This guy is very to the point, very factual, and not very emotional at all. I asked about other options, (nifedipine, botox, nitroglycerine) and he said that they were all more trouble than they were worth.

I am getting a second opinion from another doctor at a different practice, but what if I DO end up having the surgery???? I am scared out of my mind, but i am getting SO tired of having to deal with this day in and day out.

I need to make a decision soon, because my insurance runs out in april and then I'll have to get crappy insurance through my university. I am hoping that this second opinion is going to help, but I cant help but be scared. Surgery itself is terrifying enough, but then you think about having someone cut down there...and realize the possible consequences, and its almost enough to make you opt out of the surgery...

Does anyone have any advice, or could you tell me about your experiences with different treatment options???

Thanks

Flower

Jenny1207 · 01-10-2007, 06:51 PM

Don't be scared!

I too am young, 23 in fact. I developed an anal fissure after having a baby this past August. When your doctor tells you that the other options are trouble (nitro, etc.), I believe he is right. I went 4 months on medications that did nothing for me. I finally had a sphincterotomy on December 13, 2006, and I am honestly doing 100% better!! No more pain, no more blood. I was terrified to get the surgery done, and wanted a second opinion. But was at the point where I just couldn't take it anymore. My doctor sounds a little like yours, as far as being straight to the point. But believe me, everyday I thank God for him. Having the surgery done is a scary decision, but I believe I made the right choice. I think you should consider having it done, especially since you've been dealing with it for years. If it makes you feel any better... I feel like I did before having my daughter, I feel so much better. And there is zero incontinence, too. That was my main concern. I hope everything works out for you. Take care and keep us posted!

Jen

purpleladyfish · 01-11-2007, 05:38 PM

small_flower

I understand your fear of having the surgery to fix the fissure. There is alot of irony to be found in having an anal fissure. You have to get cut to heal a cut, go figure. Anyway, I developed one this time last year and lived with it until I finally agreed to have a lateral sphincterotomy on Aug. 18, 2006. I could not take living like that anymore. I tried everything; medications, stool softeners, diet, fiber supplements and sitz baths and my fissure would begin to heal then reopen. After several months of this I had had it and wanted my life back. I was tired of living in a tub and more tired of being scared to death to sit on the toilet because I knew it was going to hurt. After having the surgery, I wondered why I was so afraid and waited so long. The recovery was nothing compared to what you live with everyday when you have the fissure. My first BM after surgery was two days later and guess what, NO PAIN! I have been pain free since and have my life back. I'm 62 pounds lighter since I practically had stopped eating when I had the fissure, and I have managed to maintain the weight loss and eat a high fiber diet everyday. I still take a fiber supplement and stool softener at night. I drink plenty of fluids daily and life is great. I hope you will not agonize too long over deciding whether to have the surgery or not especially if your insurance is going to run out in a couple of months. Just make sure that you have a surgeon who is good. I did a lot of research when I chose mine and he had 22 years experience doing this and had never rendered anyone incontinent. I don't have problems with incontinence. At first, a little gas might get by but never any more than that. I took 4 days off of work and was rght back to work on the 5th day, part time for two weeks only because sitting for long periods of time can be uncomfortable at first and I work at a desk on a computer everyday. Don't be afraid. You will have your life back and it will be great. I will keep you in my prayers.

shygrl2 · 01-12-2007, 12:03 AM

Hello, I too had the surgery done (LIS). I was so scared!...I put it off for 2 years.
I kept using the Nito and high fiber diet hoping it would work, and then 2 years later my Doctor said to me you have no other choice.

I was so scared, But I could not take the pain anymore. Now I'm so glad I had it done! I feel 100% Better! I don't know why I waited so long. I forgot what it felt like to feel normal again. The pain just became a way of life for me.

I say go for it! You will feel so much better. I felt better the very next day.
But make sure you have the surgery done by a colonrectal surgeon only.
This is want they deal with all the time.

I really hope things work out for you...I know what you are going through.

I hope this was uplifting for you.
Take care!

ericollin · 01-12-2007, 01:50 AM

I have been suffering from a fissure for about two months. I have been told that if it is not healed by the end of this month that I will need to have the surgery. I am petrified of the surgery. My biggest fear is the incontinence. I know that none of you have had problems with it but did you ask your surgeon if it will change your bowels habits later in life when you are in your 60's, 70's or 80's? Basically what I am saying is, will it cause you more of a chance to be incontinent later in life???