I have officially been fissure free for 5 months now! Thank the Lord!! And I swore that if ever found a way to move past the pain and suffering I would come back and write a testimonial and try to help others. I think part of the problem with forums and that we only get an opportunity to read the worst case scenarios because the people who heal themselves are too busy moving on with life after being down and out for so long!
The most important thing I can say is to take it one day at a time and find a supportive doctor. Looking too far into the future will turn you into an immobile, depressed mess (at least I was). It was largely due starting my journey seeing a specialist who was so aggressive during examinations that he made me cry; all the while discussing how people can suffer from fissures for 20 years and sometimes commit suicide (one of his patients did). Can you believe it?! I left his office and promptly began to have a panic attack! From that point on I went on the hunt for encouraging and understanding professionals to help me through this time. And I had to hunt! I don’t want to get too long winded with my post so I’m going to list in point form the steps that helped me. (I had both a fissure and prolapsed internal hemorrhoid) I hope these tips can help you too!
-I applied both nifedipine and Dr. Wheatgrass throughout the day. (Usually 2 times for each. Nifedipine right after a movement)
-I squatted on the toilet to go #2. This one was a game changer! I simply squat right on the actual toilet seat but you can also buy Squatty Potties if you don’t feel up for that. I also lubed up with coconut oil before going.
-I didn’t use toilet paper for #2’s. I filled the bath up with a little bit of warm water and gently cleansed the area. (Cheaper than getting a basin)
-I researched fiber like my life depended on it and made sure that I was getting both enough soluble and insoluble fiber. Think plant foods! Beans and rice, salads, fruits. CHEW!! Lots.
-No processed anything! Also no alcohol, coffee, chocolate, vitamin C packets or tablet, spicy food or popcorn! (These can either dehydrate you, tighten your muscle, irate the tear or scratch you)
-Exercise. Do what you can; long walks, yoga. This gets the blood flowing to heal the area and helps avoid constipation.
-Drink 2-3 liter’s of water a day. A must! If you eat all that fiber you need the water to move it though.
-NEVER strain. This is the key. You don’t want to become constipated. If you feel that you are, stop, and take a stool softener. I was on them for a few weeks as a precaution until I moved past the intense pain.
-Lastly I read books like Mind Over Medicine and practiced meditation and visualization. This may seem trivial but I promise you, it works! When we are stressed we affect all of our bodily functions (our sphincter muscle tightens, we get clogged up, etc) Never underestimate the mind/body connection. And on that note…don’t read these forums too much; they can be a lifesaver or a leave you feeling completely overwhelmed and hopeless. Take the tips and leave the rest!
Sending healing energy to you all!!