Thought I would start my LIS surgery diary. Surgery is two days away.

This nightmare started in Oct 2018 when I got my first fissure. I had previously had hemorrhoids off and on before this but nothing that bothered me much and they went away after a few days. One I got my fissure I went to the doc who referred me to a GI doc who did a colonoscopy (finally) in Jan. He said he saw a few internal hemorrhoids and maybe a healing anal fissure. Fast forward to the first week of May 2019. I knew I had an external hemorrhoid but I thought it would go away after a few days. The big mistake I made was I continued to run and walk a lot (I’m a runner). That only made things horribly worse. After many doctor visits it was diagnosed as thrombosed external hem. I’ve used proctofoam, NIFED/lido, and suppositories. I could tell I probably had a fissure too but I wasn’t sure. The suppositories actually helped the inflammation of the extern hem but I think they cause another fissure or two for a total of 3 I think.

I went to a surgeon who could not do a good digital exam because of how tight I was. He said based on my symptoms and the bleeding I had during the exam I probably had fissures. I am scheduled for LIS on Jun 18th. He said he might try to band hemorrhoids. The nurse said he might cut them if they are too big to band.

This condition has stolen my life away from me, as you fellow sufferers know. I eat very conservatively, high fiber. I use miralax and stool softeners. I take 3-4 baths a day. I’ve definitely had my meltdowns because this has ruled my life. And it’s a lonely life. I do have a fabulous support system in my family and friends and they’ve been great but this has of course been extremely difficult to talk about. I really, really, really would love to have my life back. I will forever watch my fiber and probably use stool softeners for a long time. But I’d love for my fear of food and the toilet to go away, even if it is slowly.

I am terrified of the surgery. I’m scared they are going to find something else wrong. I’m scared of the recovery. I’m a firm believer in prayer and I’ve prayed so many, many times that God gives me the strength to get through all of this. I am hopeful. I will continue to post. updates.

Two more sleeps and one more day to get through, then surgery. I’m absolutely terrified. I’ve been praying they don’t find anything horribly wrong (other than the fissures ugh). I’m praying I have the strength to deal with the pain. Soooo nervous.

You will get your life back, no question about it. Stay on healthy foods for good and use some softeners for a while and you will be fine. Just think about the surgery as a necessary step to acheive what you desire, it will pass more easily. Don;t think about finding something horribly wrong, those things manifest in different ways and your symptoms are typical of fissures.
Good luck!

Thank you Abu for your kind and encouraging words. That means a lot to me. I am very hopeful and eager to start recovery.

Good luck with the surgery xx

Today is the day, let us know how it went. Wish you a speedy recovery!

Thank you all very much! We are headed to the surgery clinic now. I’m scared but ready to get on the road to recovery.

I didn’t eat or drink anything after midnight. Took a bath and shower this morning with antibacterial soap. All of this requested by doc. I’m hungry and thirsty and no pain meds yet today. Surgery is at 12:00, check in at 10:15.

Good luck with the surgery! You're going to be fine!

Good luck with the surgery!

Hope that it all went well!