Hi all,
I just joined this group. I've been suffering from recurring fissures probably for a few years now. Constipation has been the culprit for me. All it takes is one bout and I can then suffer from the fissure(s) for quite a while.
Most recently I had a recurrence and it's been the worst one yet. I had been feeling quite hopeless, because each time the condition has seemed to heal ok, but this time it has been excruciatingly painful and though I tried the Dr. Wheatgrass crime and a very high fiber diet, I wasn't healing.
The following is going to sound like a commercial but I feel so encouraged, I wanted to join the group and share this because after just one day it is helping me and I hope it can help others. I was in a drug store buying hemrrhoid pain relieving cream hoping it might help. It numbed me temporarily which took away some pain for a few hours. While in the store, I saw Blistex on the shelf. I remembered reading online how anal fissures are often compared to a split lip. Well, I've used Blistex most of my adult life to heal chapped and cracked lips and it works amazingly. So I thought, gee, maybe if it works on lips, it might work on anal fissures?
So yesterday afternoon I found a small tube I have and applied it about four times and it made a difference! I'm not 100% healed but I'd say I'm at least 20% improved, if not more. I went to the bathroom this morning and my usual excruciating pain was less and the immense throbbing and aching I typically have for hours after so far is milder.
I'm going to keep applying it for today and will report back.
I've been scouring the web trying to find anything that might help, so if this helps me, I hope it'll help others.
I bought about 4-5 different creams in the last week. I've added about three amino acid supplements to my diet. I've been taking Tylenol daily (which is not so healthy). I've quadrupled my normal fiber intake. I've been the queen of prune juice. Everything helped very slightly, but nothing was working to HEAL the fissures or alleviate my pain. So if this heals, I'll be so beyond grateful.

Pained,

So you applied Blistex ointment directly to the fissure? I would have thought that the Blistex would have resulted in a burning sensation, so this is surprising.

I'm doing the Turmeric thing now with some positive results. I've had the one fissure for about a year now.

Well, the Blistex feels like it's tingling but it doesn't feel like burning. It's not uncomfortable.

That said, I fell off the Blistex wagon for a few days as I got some other creams in the mail. I wanted to try them... I used the Blistex again this evening and I think it's worth trying more/longer, so I'm going to keep at it.

I am going to go see a colorectal specialist because my fissure(s) has been recurring and in the past it healed on its own in say a week or so, but this time it's worse and scaring me.

Pained,

OK, got it.

I've had one fissure for about a year. Tried many things - aloe vera, Nifedipine (using now), Lidocaine, Dr. Wheatgrass Superbalm, Emuaid, Bag Balm, raw coconut oil, ozonated olive oil, Epsom salt baths and I don't remember anymore.

I've been to my family doctor many times, colorectal surgeon several times and a gastroenterologist and all of them suggest either Botox or surgery. Alyssa, (on another topic here) leans toward Botox, but I'm hoping that I can heal on my own. The surgery comes with complications, Botox can have side effects as well as temporary improvement, so I'm leary. I don't feel all that trusting when it's me.

Will I heal? I'm either an optimist or just an idiot. I do know that I've gone from L7-8 pain for a half day to L3-4 a couple times a day. Not much, but something.

I probably won't heal will take Alyssa'a advice on Botox. Good luck to you.

I am just as wary of doctors, plus I'm currently unemployed due to a layoff and without health insurance. I'd like to heal on my own, too. It's an awful condition to have to endure.

What has improved your condition? You mentioned tumeric?

Yes, I am interested in what you do with the turmeric too.

Pained,

Sorry to hear about your work situation. Hopefully, you can get that worked out and be better off than before.

Pained/OMB,

I'm using the Turmeric capsules -- 500mg twice a day with applesauce and pepper and also coconut oil softgels. Evidently, it helps your body to absorb (and utilize) the Turmeric. Google 'Benefits of Turmeric' and you'll get a lot of info. Also, CFPerez on the 'Maybe This Can Help You' posting under 'Success Stories'. He provides some really great info.

Basically, the Turmeric is a wonderful healing compound and it seems to be helping me, so I'm going to keep using it.

Check out the other posting site. Best of luck.

Thanks lee.... I'll check it out.

Pained,

Wow. Never thought about using this but it makes sense.. I hope that it heals you..or at least make it less painful.

Lee,

A physical therapist also mentioned that tumeric works wonders; do you think it helps with muscles and nerves?

Alyssa,

I restarted using it yesterday and I'm applying the Blistex again today. I don't know if it's going to help heal me, but it seems to be helping a bit. That said, time will tell! We all are so desperate for something to heal us, that's for sure!