I developed an anal fissure in May 2013. I tried Miralax, lots of water, nifedipine, etc. Finally, a year later in May 2014, I had an LIS. While the procedure was uncomfortable afterwards, it definitely worked. I was discouraged for a while afterwards, growing impatient and thinking that it had not worked.
Everything is different for everyone, but I found the key to be FIBER intake. I scratched the Miralax (it caused burning and diarrhea) and started taking up to 8 fiber pills a day (make sure to work up to that first) and increasing water intake. I tried to make sure that my fiber intake was about 35 grams a day. I trie to use the bathroom first thing in the morning, and not strain (it is better to go in the morning) and immediately use a sitz bath for at least 10 minutes. I learned the hard way that some hemorrhoid wipes only worsen the pain and cause pruritus, so I tried to use sitz bath and soft toilet tissue or baby wipes only. This was the key to the final success and healing. It took about 3 months, but I am finally healed! I get pruritus (itchy bum) every once in a while, but a little vaseline solves that everytime. If you are desperate and considering an LIS or still recovering from one, I hope this helps.
I will never miss my daily fiber intake again. I guess some of us learn the hard way how important fiber is. :)
Good luck!

Thanks for telling us your story, delta.
It's such a hard decision whether or not to have LIS, that it's really useful to hear how it actually went for the people who have had it.

Hi delta. I am so happy to hear another success story. You give the rest of us hope

Thanks for the much-needed hope! I'm currently healing and considering LIS if I have another retear. I'm curious about your total fiber intake. Is your 35g/day from food only or does it include the amount you get from fiber pills?

mmklinemm wrote:Thanks for the much-needed hope! I'm currently healing and considering LIS if I have another retear. I'm curious about your total fiber intake. Is your 35g/day from food only or does it include the amount you get from fiber pills?

Kline - That amount included the pill supplements, I don't eat very healthy unfortunately but I did try to increase beans/greens. They are just generic fiber pills from the pharmacy, 3g per pill. I started with about 5 a day and moved up to even 8 to 10. I continue to take them just to be safe. :)

Hi DCS,
This was a great read.... It's given me hope, I'm heading for LIS in 3 weeks. Thanksxxx