Hi all,
I haven't posted for some time as I have just been trying to cope but I'm not sure I can take much more. I have had this AF for over 5 years now maybe even 6 it's been so long I cant even remember. From my last very bad episode in 2010 I managed to get rid of it but with numerous mini flare ups which were fine to deal with for a few days. Until 3 months ago where I couldn't heal it and it has got considerably worse again. I have now managed to get my hands on 2% diltiazem cream which I believe helped me last time although it never really got rid of it completely just healed it to scar tissue, so pain free but very suspect to tearing.
Do I hang in there again and try this route or finally bite the bullet and go for LIS?
This thing has my life.
Thanks as always

Wow. Im 7 month in, and are currently healing with the help of botox. If my fissure gets bad again, Im going for LIS. Personally, Im not going to waste more life than I have to. But we are all different, so its really a personal decision. Good luck with whatever you choose :-)

Hi, I understand how you feel. I suffered with mine for over 5 years, mostly because of fear of surgery. What happens over time is that the fissure becomes chronic and fibrotic, even when it heals it doesn't stay healed because the scar tissue built up around it can't stretch like normal tissue and so it tends to retear. Find a good CRS and get an evaluation and treatment plan. I waited but finally had surgery, my pathology report after surgery came back anal stenosis with chronic ulcer and imflammation with fibrotic tissue . I would have never healed this thing on my own. I hope you find yourself on the road to recovery soon. Suzy

I'm so sorry you've been suffering for so long skip44. If the cream works for you great! I've had two mini flare ups of my fissure before this last one that lasted for 7 months. I had LIS when nothing else worked. It was the best decision I made. Not only am I healed but the area isn't as tight anymore so my bowel movements are much better than they have ever been!
If you haven't, I would talk to a CRS to find out what your options are. I agree with JHH that it's ultimately up to you in what you decide.
Best of luck to you both JHH and skip44! :)

Hi skip44,
Wow... That's a long old time to be dealing with a fissure!! I thought my 2 1/2 years was way too long!!
I would say go with your gut feeling. If you really have had enough, go and speak to a good CRS and get all the info and re assurance you need... Then take your time and see how you feel. I think ultimately though, after so long, medical intervention would be a sensible option.
OMB xx

Hi there skip44,
5+ years is a LONG time to be dealing with this. If it were me, I would definitely opt for surgery. I've only had mine less than a year (got mine in December last year), but if I can't get it healed by the end of this year, I will be considering surgery. LIS scares me so much (especially the recovery period), but I can't waste more of my time and life on this after this year is up.
Ultimately, though, it is up to you. You just get to a point where enough is enough. It's a horrible roller coaster ride and we can all understand what you're going through.
Best of luck on making your decision.

I am also sorry for your long suffering! I understand, though, how you just keep going. Thinking eventually it will be over. I'm on month 8, much of it in terrible pain....and I've promised myself I would go in for botox or surgery if I have a significant set-back. Make an agreement with yourself about when you will wave the white flag, and then go in at least for a surgery consult (or two).

Thank you all for the support as always. I have now booked an appointment with the specialist in 2 weeks time with I think my mindset leaning towards surgery. Although I never wanted this route (I guess nobody does) i think I've had enough as its not just the pain, it's the whole mental and physical perpetration to get through a day which has become exhausting. X

I'm a 4 year AF sufferer. Tried all the creams. No luck. Went for the surgery (fissurectomy & Botox) 3 months ago and now Im waiting for my follow up appointment in 3 weeks to get the "all clear".
Surgery AAAAALL the way of say. Sooner the better. People should never wait!
Good luck x
Welsh x