Wow, I'm suprised they never offerred surgery to you. How long have you had it? I am going to try to get a second opinion, but the truth is- I know the surgery will hurt badly, but it would be worth it to feel normal again. I could even deal with some incontinence if it meant no irriration and pain. I used to be so active but now all i do is sit or lay all day- I'm afraid to do anything.

Hi,
I've had it since August, and I had it last June but it healed in two weeks that time. I think I have had them before that too over the last couple years, but thought it was hemorrhoids. Even a couple doctors agreed with me that it was hemorrhoids! :roll:
You don't want incontinence. I've read posts by people on other forums who got LIS back when they didn't do it laterally, and the incontinence leads to rashes and constant irritation. But the odds of incontinence are pretty low.
The CRSs I've seen seemed to think it wouldn't help and/or I have too mild an AF (as in not constantly crying in pain) to go to that extreme.
I am seeing a TCM doctor, and if that doesn't work, I will go back to self dilation but take it to a larger size.
Glad you are going to get a second opinion!
Can you walk at all? I find walking to be therapeutic both mentally and for getting more blood flowing down there.
-Tanya

Yes I can walk now. For a while, when it first started it hurt all day long, even laying down hurt. Now, as long as my BM's are supersoft, it just feels like some light irritation. I don't know what to do. I hate that weird feeling of the slight cutting and irritation throughout the day. If it was jsut for an hour or so after a BM I would live with it. I wonder what it would feel like to have a normal BM again. My bm's have been so soft it's like pudding. some light activity- well sometimes i think it helps and sometimes i think it makes it worse. No, i don't want to be incontinent, but do I want to live wondering too if it could be better?

Interesting. The best thing for fissures is a high fiber diet. Metamucil, high fiber (fiber 1) cereals have really helped for me in the past as well ad currently. Stay clear of spices and spicy sauces. I have one right now and these things have helped me immensely. For some reason NSAIDS (ibuprofin, advil etc) or other anti-inflammatory's have a differing effect. Meaning they can either manage your pain or induce pain. I've experienced both and would advice not to take too much anti-inflammatory medication.
Nettle Tea works great, it's relaxing and helps with the healing process, drink 1 to 2 a day you can find it in the tea section of any grocery store, and stay away from white sugar as it takes away the B vitamins necessary in the functioning of your BM
All things that will help manage your pain and aid in the healing process...
That being said, my fissure also didn't have much spasm and no healing. My specialist told me that the spasm can be a good thing, meaning blood is flowing to that area and trying to heal, he also said that no spasm/no heal could mean that it is too tight, and the surgery is what correct that by making the anus 5% weaker, apparently it work 95% of the time however. Even still, I'm just as reluctant as you are to have the surgery and still live day by day hoping for relief and to heal.
Also, most doctors and online forums will say that there is no limit to the exercise you can do, BUT it's very important to know your limitations, sometimes exercising, moving, stretching and sweating can be worse for your condition and you should decide what's best for you! Good luck!

Cjazzy,
Have you ever considered self dilation?
I was having luck with it before a small setback got me onto chinese medicine, hoping it would work faster.
Jury is still out on the TCM, I have another week.
But if it doesn't work, I plan to go back to self dilation.
From what I've read, I would say the same thing about sphincter being too tight as the problem if there is an absence of spasms. It can loosen on it's own if things start to heal and you relax. But easier said than done!
I just bought some nettle tea, but haven't tried it yet. I bought it because I am perimenopausal and read that it can help (susun weed). I didn't know it was good for relaxing as well.
I shall have to try a cup tonight. I was putting it off because I don't like to try too many new things at the same time, because if something works or doesn't work, I don't know which thing it was! lol :D
RMB,
how are you doing, Just hanging in there til you see the second opinion crs? Any improvement?
I am in the midst of another period from hell. So not feeling any improvement for a few days, and even feel a bit worse. But once the mentruating is over, things will get better again. -sigh-
-Tanya