I am a 41 year old female who is anxious to get back to living.
I've suffered with a fissure for well over a year. The past 2 months the pain was horrific; to the point I could barely move. I just now realized that I don't really have to describe this to any of you as I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. I tried the medicines, diet changes, creams, you name it...without success.
I had my fissurectomy and LIS done on Monday and thought I was doing pretty well. Until this morning when everything caught up with me...including the first BM. I was terrified. I'm in pain but it's a different pain. My whole backside feels like I've been beat. Not to mention just being worn out from constantly fighting the pain.
Now to find the balance in my diet and with supplements that will keep me going, but not too much. I take Amitiza for chronic constipation and have been taking the stool softeners. My diet post-op has been fairly bland...oatmeal, pudding, jello, some fresh fruit, cooked veggies, etc. I know that no two people are alike so I'll just have to play with it and see what works for me.
I hate that anyone else has gone through this but it's comforting to know I'm not alone.

Hi Jenn, I had LIS and Fissurectomy 15 months ago so I know how you feel with the pain, don't expect any relief for a while yet, if you look at your bum after about a week you will notice some really bad bruising, mine was black and blue literally, take plenty of soothing baths which will help immensely with the swelling and stick to a strict diet with plenty of water, as I say, don't expect too much yet it can be a very long and winding road to recovery.
Good Luck and keep us posted

Hey Jen,
Really hope your recovery is fast I have yet to have LIS myself so do please keep us posted on your situation. Every story adds a little insight.

Well, I'm now at Day 5 post-op and doing well. At the recommendation of my dr I started Miralax and while bm's aren't something I look forward to they aren't anywhere near as bad as they were before surgery. As hard as this issue is physically, it's just as hard psychologically. The chronic excruciating pain wears on you after awhile.
I have a whopper of a bruise...one I could be proud of were it an area I could snap a pic and share.
I'm still resting a good bit. It's such a good feeling to not be in pain. I can handle uncomfortable; which is what I would call this now. Anything is better than the pain from a fissure.

Jenn, pleased to hear that you are doing well! I'm also 5 days post-op. I didn't have first BM till last night, and it was a frightening experience. Now that first step is out of the way, I feel much better!
I don't have any bruising, yet. I don't know if it is related to the surgical position that the CRS chooses. My surgery was done in stirrups; my CRS claims it is easier on the patient vs prone jackknife (at least it sounds more pleasant).
I think you said it best, uncomfortable! Are you still taking pain meds?
I wish you a continued and smooth recovery!

Oh my on the no BM until last night....I had mine Wednesday and was freaking out. Like you, once it was over I felt much better.
I go back for my follow-up on Tuesday and am going to ask just what he did to me...other than the obvious.
I am not taking anything for pain. I took one of the Percocet Monday after I came home but was terrified of constipation so I didn't take anything else until Wednesday after my BM. Then I took a hydrocodone and an ativan (both prescribed by my surgeon for the pain prior to surgery). That's been it. Ibuprofen is what pushed me over the edge this time so I try to stay away from everything else. I went for almost 6 weeks with absolutely nothing for pain so I can handle this.
Continued healing and recovery for you as well.

Congrats on your surgery and getting back to a normal life!!! Sounds like you are doing well with no pain meds, you must be so relieved. I too, live in Maryland and just wondering who did your surgery??? If I am reading correctly, did the Ibuprofen constipate you? also how much Miralax are you taking and is it making you go too much? I hope you continue to have less pain everyday and heal quickly!!

I live in Western Maryland and have an excellent general surgeon who did my fissurectomy & LIS. Yes, you read correctly...the Ibuprofen constipated me. I've always been sensitive to medicines and I should have known better. However, slamming your hand in the van door creates enough pain that you need something. :)
Right now I'm taking the one dose of Miralax in the morning. I am still taking stool softeners and I'm going twice a day.
I'm on month 3 of laying around and my back and hips are starting to scream at me so yesterday I sat a good bit which was probably a mistake. I hadn't had any blood for 2 days but had some today. However, no 'drainage' today...it's odd how there's no rhyme or reason. I have my one week follow-up tomorrow and will be asking some questions as to what to expect from here on out. I was in so much pain before that the pain from recovery is a piece of cake. I need to be careful that I don't over-do it.

Wow!! Miralax and stool softeners, I would be on the toilet all day...LOL My system is very sensitive to the laxatives. I am trying to find a happy medium before my surgery on 1/9/12, right now a little less than a tablespoon of MOM does it for me, but I want to switch to the Miralax, so will be trying a teaspoon to start with in prune juice...I have been dealing with this for 3 years and ready to reclaim my life. I am scared to death of the surgery, but I figure the pain and recovery can't be worse than the pain I have been fighting for so long. I am only having LIS so, hoping recovery is quick. Dr. said I could go back to work in a few days, but I am taking 2 weeks off, just to be safe. I walk all day at work and don't think I will be upto that in a few days.. Thanks for your info, and I hope you continue to heal and get the relief we all seek