Hi Everyone;
I am so glad to have found you all! I've spent hours reading the forum today, the day after my official diagnosis of an AF. I can't believe the amazing amount of support and information here, and have already learned so much!
Three years ago I was referred to a specialist for ligation of internal hemorrhoids after an extended period of discomfort. This was not fun, but seemed to relieve my symptoms for a couple of years. Twelve weeks ago, around New Year's, I developed a terrible case of bronchitis, leading to an antibiotic prescription, leading to an upset stomach, leading ultimately to an evening of tears and trauma on the toilet. I don't think I've ever been in that much pain or been so frightened as when I saw all that blood. I saw two different doctors, received a prescription for hydro cortisone suppositories, and a promise for a referral to a specialist (my CRS died just a week before this - worst of luck.) Four weeks later, I was feeling better and then...

Another terrible day, 8 hours in the emergency room and ultimately a diagnosis of an AF.
Reading your stories has awakened me to what I never knew were symptoms. I've probably been dealing with sphincter spasms for a few years now, and have always written it off as being a one-time thing. The biggest problem, I now realize, is that nobody talks about this - so how do we know what is normal? It took an incredible amount of pain for me to even ask for help, and it is only now that the medication is taking effect that I realize how uncomfortable I really was.
I really hope that this is a short mess with you all here (no offense) but I am grateful already for your presence and wisdom.
Thanks!

Hi AdoreDance - welcome! I'm new here too (I just posted for the first time a few hours ago). I'm so sorry you are suffering. I know how you feel! You mentioned that you are on medication. What kind of meds did the doc give you?
I'm the meds are working for you!

I've got an ointment of nifedipine (anti spasms), xylocaine (anaesthetic) and sucralfate (helps the mucus cover the painful spots so they can heal.) The trickiest bit about this ointment is actually applying it...I couldn't help but laugh when they gave me the little tub of it with instructions to apply, but no tools! There was some great info on the forum that helped me, but I actually ended up using the applicator that comes with HemoClin and filling it with a child's dosing syringe. This seems to have relieved the spasms, though a trip to the toilet still frightens me.
Your story sounds frustrating - especially the wait time. I'm in Winnipeg and the one CRS here that I know of died just over a month ago. When I went to my doc for a new referral, he was unavailable, so I went to the walk -in. I've been waiting over a month for a referral from them!
I can also relate to the whole idea of surgery sounding like a good option right from the beginning. Part of me wonders, why wait? Especially when so many suffer for so long without resolution. What do you think?

hi AdoreDance - nice to meet a fellow Canadian, eh? thanks so much for all the information. I will ask my CRS about the meds you're on. And I'll try to remember to ask him if he can show me how to apply it!
Thanks also for answering my question about the spasms (I saw your other post) - that's very helpful. And it's so kind of you to offer to ask about spasms=no surgery too! I'm so glad that the meds are helping you with the pain. I do think that this means that the BMs will be less painful. At least that's what many folks on this forum have said. I hope that's the case for you.
Your adventures getting a referral sound very frustrating! Do you have any idea when you will get the referral? I can sympathize. Getting my issues dealt with took me two months - mostly because my GP's office was/is a total mess (I'm switching doctors). My GP initially referred me to a general surgeon, who wouldn't be able to see me for 6 months to a year(!) And I got that information two months after I asked to be referred to a specialist! I finally had enough and got a referral to the Rudd Clinic in Toronto. They can usually see you within two weeks of a referral and they specialize in this kind of problem (you can find their info on google - and getting a hotel nearby is very easy and I can help you with arrangements for that if this clinic is an option you want to explore). No real bedside manner, and they do tend to rush you - but they seem to know what they are doing and can see you quickly.
There is a big part of me that hopes that my case is clear-cut - that the CRS says 'you need surgery' and then just be done with all this. Most of the folks on this site seem to regret not getting an LIS sooner; but, they also say to try conservative methods first. A few have succeeded with creams and botox, so it's so hard to know. Part of me is also thinking that you and I might have caught our problem early enough that the conservative methods might work. Many on this forum have suffered for years.
Oh! What to do?
Either way, I will keep you updated about what the CRS says to me.
best
Hope