After 7 months of pure hell and agony, I finally decided to do it.
Quick summary of my journey: After an extremely stressful time in my life last year, I developed an AF in Sept 2015. Went through about 5 different gastros & CRS. Misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids at first, then finally treated with Nifedipine and Miralax, which helped but didn't cure fully bc the sharp, splitting, stinging pain came back. Suffered with it for another month before thinking enough is ENOUGH. I did a lot of research for a new CRS and found a reputable board certified chief of colorectal surgery. I made an appointment to see him on 3/29. He did a quick visual exam as I was in too much pain and could see the fissure right away. He said that I am so tight and he can see I'm in pain and he wouldn't have made me go through two treatments of Nifedipine bc it's clearly not working and would've opted for surgery as he could see I was clearly shaking and in agony. He asked when I would like to do the surgery. I said as soon as possible. He called his receptionist and asked her to fit me in as an emergency surgery for the next day. He said he doesn't do this often, but could see I'm in pain so he wanted to relieve it right away. Can't believe how fast it happened.
Surgery prep was just no eating or drinking after midnight the night before. No fleet enema. My surgery was two days ago on Wednesday 3/30. Arrived at the hospital at 7am to fill out registration forms, was gowned, and answered a bunch of pre-op questions with the nurse and anesthesiologist. By 9am, I was off to the operating room. I had the laryngeal mask anesthesia and once the IV was in, I don't remember a thing. I woke up in the recovery room. Was given a codeine pill, biscuits, crackers, juice and water. Was told that I could leave once I was able to urinate. Went and used the bathroom, and saw they put mesh underwear on me and a lot of gauze but no packing. There was blood, but nothing to worry about as this was soon after surgery. I was able to dress myself and walk to the parking lot with my husband afterwards with minor discomfort.
I was prescribed two painkillers - Ketorolac (generic for Toradol) and Hydrocodon-Acetaminophen (generic for vicodin). I was taking this at regular intervals even though my pain wasn't too intense bc I was scared that I would be in a lot of pain if I didn't take it. The first night, all this medication made me super nauseous. Every time I took it, I fell asleep. I ate some dinner, but ended puking it all up due the nausea. Took some miralax and drank tons of water to avoid constipation in fear of first BM.
Day two (3/31): Pain level is not too bad. Managed to go to target in the morning to pick up Colace, apple sauce, fruit cups, and some other things with my husband. He drove, of course and I managed to wobble slowly. Came home and ate some saltine crackers for breakfast. My stomach was still feeling a little off after the night before. Overall, my pain is still the same as the first day. Just some minor discomfort and awareness of the surgery spot but no extreme pain. It's hard to sit and I always have to be on my side. Seems to be easier when I'm standing up. Only really hurts when I sneeze. I stopped taking the hydrocodon and am only taking the Ketorolac 3x a day. Also taking a full dose of Miralax and 3 colace as to not get constipated. Worried all day about my first BM, but it never came. Just a bit gassy. Ate more than the first day.
Day three (today 4/1): Woke up this morning and finally had my first BM. Surprisingly, NO PAIN! I was thinking it might be very painful...bc it still feels somewhat tight down there. There wasn't much that came out, maybe because I haven't been eating much. It did require a little push, but was trying super hard not to strain....I had no stinging pain from the left side where I use to feel the fissure. Patted down with some Tucks pads and then cleaned off with the showerhead with warm water and then took a hot bath. Right now, I don't feel much pain, just some discomfort, and random stinging off and on from the left side where the fissure is, which does scare me a bit.
Currently off work for two weeks! Doctor said I should be able to go back to work on Monday. Um..not sure about that!
I do have a question though for those who have had skin tag removal with LIS. It seems that he cut off the skin tag but there is a huge lump/ball type thing that is bleeding where the skin tag used to be. Is this normal? I thought with the skin tag excision, it would be gone, but there is a swollen, bleeding ball/lump thing where it used to be. Does this mean it's not gone or will this go down in size over time?


It's still early on and I am hopeful but still a little scared. I know the road to recovery has a lot of ups and downs. I am willing to endure it all as long as it permanently fixes it. I really hope this worked bc I don't know what I'd do if it didn't. I just want some peace. This is such a horrible, crippling thing and I pray to God that everyone who suffers from this will be fully cured one day. It stopped my life and I just want it back more than anything. I will continue to update my progress in hopes that this can help people considering surgery. No one deserves this pain. Please feel free to ask me any questions. Praying for you all.
Also, I just want to say thank you to everyone on this forum, but in particular CanadaBum, who has been so kind and supportive. Whenever I am most down, I reread everyone's advices and kind words and it has helped me through this more than words can ever say! THANK YOU. <3