Fifteen years ago I had my first AF. And what a hell it was. At the moment I’m experiencing a small relapse so I searched and found this site.
I read other people stories and recognise their pain, their despair and their exhausture.
Fifteen years ago I started with Isosorbidedinitrate cream (the formula used in NL).
Then 4 times Botox followed by a LIS. After 2,5 years without a life or any joy I finally recovered.
The LISS in combination with Magnesiumhydroxide tablets (osmotic laxative) put me on the road to recovery. No regrets about the LIS, operation should have happened earlier.
However, AF remains for ever dealing with a weak spot and after ignoring the first symptoms I now have a relapse. Busy at work, I now pay the price.
My advice to others. There is NO miracle cure. However I find that relaxing the anal sfincter and soft stools is what it is all about.
I take 5-6 times a day a hot sitzbath. That is if I can. Always after a BM. It really helps with the pain and restores the bloodflow to the effected erea. Lack of blood due to cramping of sfincter, no good healing of fissure. This plastic bidet might be a good practicle tool.
https://www.amazon.com/Home-X-SH845-Por ... B01M6XE7HL
Don’t take to long for your BM. With the breath in (hollow back) and breath out (round back) technique to start a BM without straining to much. I also bought a Squatty Potty (height 7”).
https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Or ... otty&psc=1
Medication wise, I use:
Nitrate cream, it contributes with the healing process. For the first 5 days you might have headaches. Best start using it before a weekend off. Apply deep, also on the sfincter area.
Zinkoxide ointment. For lubracating and it helps protecting the area.
Magnesiumhydroxide as a laxative. I’m a trained Pharmacy Technician. It is save to use, dosage may vary upon your situation. Osmotic laxative is what you are after. Lactulose gave me gasses to no end. So not my thing.
Painkiller. I use Ibuprofen. Nothing takes away the horrible sharp pain. But the pain after a BM is slighty less with a good painkiller. Pain causes cramping of sfincter, this is not what you want.
Finally, go and see a specialist. Fifteen years ago I had to make do with general surgeons. Not ideal. One told me it was a difficult affliction for them to cure.
Also, being 5 times in hospital, I met so many others with AF. This site also proves your not alone. I wish you all the best and hope you find your way to recovery soon.