Hard tip disappeared after taking Fiber 3 times per day in smaller amounts and continuing drinking a lot of liquids (mostly water and herbal teas without sugar or honey). Finally got referral to specialist, so all day long I am googling doctors with specialisation in anal fissures.
Though, something new happened, which worries me a lot Close to my skin tag, new 2 mm little hard ball appeared. It is not big, but it hurts as if someone is sticking a hot needle in my nerve, and the sharp pain (that lasts only couple of seconds) goes all the way towards my neck. Hemmheroid, abscess, fistula... Who knows. I am desperate, tomorrow I am calling doctors from the list I made and begging them to give me appointment asap.

Update: Total frustration

I went yesterday to CRS. As a good and overly obsessed with butt patient (Who wouldn't be?), I wrote everything down chronologically, with list of supplements and changes on my butt since anal fissure appeared. CRS first asked me if Im working in Medicinal branch (which answer is no), and secondly and most disturbingly he said: "well, you know more about fissure then most of the doctors do". That made me feel really desperate and sad, because which patient would be feeling alright knowing that he might be knowing more then an average doctor.

Anyhow, he examined me while I was laying on my side. That is so unlogical- how he can see anything in that position?! Doctor in Germany examined me in the chair similar to when we girls go to OBGY.
He ignored completely the new thingie that appeared close to my sentinel pile (which usually covers it, so he probably didn't even see it), diagnosed me new fissure on 3oclock (which Ive seen that it appeared yesterday morning), proscribed me Diltiazem gel and scheduled sigmoidoscopy for October 22nd.

I felt horrible after appointment. I wrote, I said and still been ignored - what and where it bothers the most. I asked, apart from Diltiazem, what should I use to lube it when going to have BM. He said- don't use anything!!!! How in the hell not to lube up if it helps?! What should I use?!
As I ve red, Diltiazem gel shouldn't be using patients with low blood pressure. I have low blood pressure, it runs in the family.

I am gonna try this gel this night.
And I am gonna beg my GP for new referall so I can get another opinion.

I am fed up from doctors.

I've had lots of experience with doctors who either don't care, don't listen or both. I'm sorry your CRS appears to be one. I think getting another opinion is a good idea. So many specialists sum you up the minute you walk in the door and dismiss you right away. They really don't like it when we read and know things about our own bodies because then we are educated enough to question them.

Good luck with the 2nd opinion. I hope you find someone more sympathetic who listens to you.

Hi Vanja,

I agree that you should get a second opinion. The creams and gels that we use on our bottom will sometimes give us relief from the pain, but can interfere with the healing of the fissure. Many doctors after LIS surgery do not want any creams or gels used, so the body can use its natural ability to heal the fissure. Your doctor may be taking the same approach, so that your fissure has the best chance to heal without using a lube at BM time. Often doctors give us directions and do not explain their reasons. I understand your concerns about the pain at BM time.

You should call your doctor about your history of low blood pressure before using Diltiazem.

Thank you people, its nice hearing from people who actually know what pain I am going through.
I started using Diltiazem 2 days ago and until now I didn't noticed anything - no headache or such, only burning feeling on my fissure because of putting that gel on open wound.

I have an appointment with my GP in an hour and I will ask him for refferal for 2nd opinion and schedule it sometimes in October.
I am seriously thinking of using weather Vaseline, whether Coconut oil during my BM. I would go without that, but right now my fissure its in Active phase and my logic works: lets give it opportunity to calm down a bit and then start doing BM without any lube.

When my fissure was really active (hours of awful pain after BM) I used Diltiazem, but it was made without lidocaine and Vaseline. Did not sting (well, at first it didn't until I had used it for about eight weeks). To cut a long story short: I did not have surgery; used pediatric dilators for a few months, gradually increasing in size; Sitz baths a few times a day. I can live with things now but have to watch everything I eat and still have pressure sensation. Dilation helped.

By the way, A fissure at 3o'clock position is not the norm. This maysuggest IBD or Crohn's disease (which is probably the reason for the sig - I had one). A sigmoidoscopy is much less invasive than a colonoscopy, so be happy for that. I had it done with Conscious (now called Moderate) Sedation. It was a little uncomfortable but not too bad. The "pre" was the worst, but I used a very mild enema solution I bought on line with as natural products as you can get. Was told I was the best for clarity theY had ever seen!

Just another thought, my doctor also said do not use Vaseline. Use organic olive oil or coconut oil, neither of which agreed with me. I used nothing in the end. I only ever use Vaseline on the outside. And it helps for that. Diltiazem takes time to work, six weeks to get some benefit, and if no benefit by then, no point in continuing. I also used Nifedipine; nitro scared me off with the thought of splitting headaches on top of everything else.

Thank you Savaici,

this post really helped. Do you maybe remember what was the name of enema that you used?
I am actually really scared of enema, because my vicious circle with Fissures started after an operation year ago and an enema. It seemed like my intestines never recovered. As for fissures: I am pretty sure I have it on 12 o clock, 6 o clock and my doc said 3 o'clock, but I don't feel that one.

I used Fleet Naturals, Vanja. You can get them fro Amazon. I found that it was fine for my sigmoidoscopy but I also stuck to the rules and did not eat the evening before, except for clear soup. I did the enemas in the morning for my procedure in the afternoon. It was no fun, but better - much - than those very strong yucky things they sometimes want you to use. This has aloe in it, among other things. Also, a good idea to eat small meals the week before. I had no trouble afterwards. I had to fly to see a specialist, by the way. Three hours!

12 and 6 are normal, but 3 might have some underlying reason.

I love it when doctors think we are a bunch of idiots who cannot look things up for ourselves. It's quite true what he said about the average doctor too. They know nothing about fissures. I had to diagnose mine for myself and tell the general practioner. The CRS knew though...

Unfortunately, Fleet Naturals are not available to order... (( Talked to dietician, 2 days before sigmoidoscopy clear soup, some dried bread and tea without sugar and such. So scared of that procedure, I am small person and everything is small, so not looking forward to reopen the wounds.

Lately started a diet without gluten, I must say- I feel pretty much better, not bloated and in pain like before
It feels so good talking to a doctor in your native language!!! (did that now In Croatia, felt so relieved being able to explain every discomfort I feel).

It didn't reopen anything for me, V, and I am also small. You could stress that to them as the do have what is used on children. I was very worried as I stopped breathing under Conscious Sedation (now referred to as Moderate Sedation). But they did not give me too much and I was awake and they were very gentle. I did feel a very slight discomfort when they turned a corner in my colon (?) but the only other thing I felt was groggy and a litte nauseous afterwards.

Sorry, you can't get the Naturals. Not even on Amazon? Was very gentle.

Good idea to eat light for a few days. And glad that gluten free is working out for you.

I know what you mean about explaining things in a foreign language. It took me quite a few years to become fluent in Danish!