Anal fissure

[gearpig]

I never thought I would be spending this much attention on this part of me. In September 07 I was diagnosed with a fissure. The doc gave me diltiazem ointment for it, but never explained how or how much to apply. I was in so much pain that I did not think to ask those questions, and he is not easy to get answers from later. Late in Novemebr I had a colonoscopy, with an all clear. A week later I went back to the CRS, who then wrote scripts for hydrocortesone creme and lidocaine for the pain.

This thing is not healing, and I am interested in hearing from others about how long it takes. I am afraid of the surgery, and extremely tired of the pain. Please tell me your story/advice/suggestions. Thanks.

[purpleladyfish]

gearpig,

I had an anal fissure not too long ago. I had mine for 8 months before I finally made the decision to have the surgery. How long have you had your fissure? The longer you have it without healing the more likely it is you are not going to heal it or if you do it will probably come back again someday. They are usually considered chronic if more than 4-6 weeks has passed and it is still there. I tried the medications, creams, suppositories and even considered botox injections. I upped my fiber, changed my diet and began drinking tons of water daily and took many sitz baths a day. It would start to heal then tear back open. This process repeated itself for months. Finally after having no life left because like you said, you spend all your time worrying and talking about your bottom. Worrying about that next bowel movement, etc., I decided to do my research and I had the LIS surgery. Best thing I ever did. No more pain, got my life back and am happy again. I do not suffer from flatulence or incontinence. Luckily I had an experienced surgeon rate at the top in his profession do my surgery. Small incisiion, 1 stitch, few days of discomfort, not pain, even when and after having a bowel movement. It was and still is heaven on earth. One would think that our entire central nervous system is located in the anal region given all the pain these monsters cause and how much they affect and take over your life. I'm sure your doctor has told you to increase your fiber intake, eat healthier, exercise and drink plenty of water daily? All of these keep your intestines moving regularly as well as keep your stool soft, well formed and able to pass without straining. I hope things get better for you. You will know when it is time to make a serious decision about furthering your treatment. Your body and mind will let you know when enough is enough. I hung in for 8 long months before I caved. Take care and keep us posted.

[gearpig]

Thanks for your reply. I've had this since September of '07. I was scheduled for a colonoscopy because of my magic birthday, not because of anything else. The Dr. doing the scope doesn't do that work, so his office referred me to a CRS, who turned out to be a real waste of money, time and pain. He offered no information other than a high-fiber diet, and surgery. He prescribed Diltiazem .2 %. The pharmacy that filled it charged $40.

The colonoscopy showed all clear. But the fissure hurt more and more. Finally I went to my regular doc, and got squared away on dealing with the pain and found a new CRS. The new doc is so much better than the first. He prescribed 2% Diltiazem and told me exactly how to apply it. I seem to better after a few days.

My biggest fears with the surgery are the incontinence and dealing with the first week of healing. Do they use stitches when they cut the muscle? Do they give you meds to make sure you don't tear yourself when you have the first BM? I am really worried about tearing something after getting sewn up. The surgery itself doesn't worry me. I can certainly handle being sedated. How was the first few days of healing?
Thanks for replying.