Hey POM,
Did you get Botox with or without a fissurectomy?
I totally understand your frusteration as I had a really slow recovery after my 1st botox (with fissurectomy) injection last january. However, I understood that my significant pain was due to the fissurectomy and she sewed the fissure up - which retore anyway my 2nd week post-op. At that time, I took a full 2 weeks off work and still really struggled (basket case, crying) when I tried to return to work half days bcz it would take at least 4 hours every morning to get thru my routine. This was further aggravated by the fact that everytime I went back to my CRS because of the continued pain, inflammation, etc (at 1week, 2weeks, 3 weeks, 2 months, 3 months) she really didn't help me. At 3 weeks post op when I saw her (that was a terrible visit - major pain and she couldn't help me), I saw my primary care doctor and she urged me to seek a 2nd opinion. Moral of the story is that it can be very confusing and frusterating to know what to expect, what is normal, and how long it should really take to feel better after these procedures. And it only made matters worse that my CRS was not very responsive to my needs (I just thought I was being a baby or that for some reason my body wasn't cooperating). But since I've changed to another CRS, it's been a completely different experience. I had a 2nd botox injection done by him less than 2 weeks ago and am experiencing relief I haven't known for over 6 months. The effects revealed themselves 5 days post-op. What I really appreciated about him was that he is willing to move to the next step (another botox or LIS) whenever the patient asks (as soon as 2 weeks after the prior procedure, if the patient is not feeling relief, he doesn't believe in "waiting it out" if someone is truly desperate and suffering) - whereas my last CRS made me suffer for 3 months "to see if the procedure works/if the fissure heals". And even then she wanted me to come back after another month, bcz I still hadn't healed. Now, after having my 2nd botox and knowing what it feels like when it's "successful" - it feels like the 1st botox never happened, or just plain failed - who knows. Discomfort for the 1st week is definitely to be expected - especially if you weren't feeling that with daily BM's. Lots of hot sitz baths and a small step-stool to prop your feet on helps BM's go smoother and the use of vicodin PRN - and as long as the stool is super soft and you're taking lots of fiber, water and keeping meats, cheeses, bad foods to a minimum, you're doing everything you can. Aside from that, do not hesitate to "pester" your doctor if you are still feeling bad or dealing with a lot of pain. If he is responsive to it great. If he is not, then I strongly urge you to seek another CRS that will respond to your needs, complaints, pain. Good luck and hang in there! There's loads of great, supportive people on this forum to help you thru the dark days so you will not be alone and you will get through this!