First of all, I would like to say how much this forum has helped me through this terrible experience. I stumbled upon it during a desperate search, and am so thankful that I did.
I am a 27 year old woman living in Canada and have never experienced anything like this before. My story started the last few days of December. I got food poisining and was running to the washroom for about 3 days with violent diarrhea. Needless to say, my bottom was a little sore. I have had hemmorhoids in the past, and I normally apply a bit of Anusol, and they resolve themselves in a day or two. Well, when I woke up on Jan. 1, I was in excruciating pain. My husband and I went to a couple different Emergency Departments and surgeons over that week, and I was misdiagnosed or not given an answer until 6 days later when I was told by a surgeon that it was an infected anal fissure. He suggested that I try healing naturally and consider surgery as a last resort.
Over the past two weeks, I have been taking all the neccessary steps: rest, soft diet, increased fibre and water, stool softners, sitz bath, heat therapy, advil, diltiazam and lidocaine ointment. And except for the rare times when there is blood in the stool, the pain seems to be decreasing (Or I could just be getting used to it!! ).
My question is this: I have had this problem for just over 2 weeks now, and it seems to be healing, but I have two nast sentinel piles! They are not painful, just a bit uncomfortable thats all. I know these are normally a sign of a chronic fissure, but I've only had it for 2 weeks. I have also read that inthe case of a chronic fissure, natural healing is unlikely. So I cannot figure out if it is healing (pain has decreased, but occasional instance of blood - about twice a week). I have an appt with a CRS this month, and would like to avoid surgery if I can.

ANY THOUGHTS? Could it be healing even though there is blood and sentinel piles or should I consider surgery?
I know how difficult this expereince has been for me (pain, scared to eat, fear of the toilet, mental breakdowns) and i have only been struggling for a couple weeks. To all those who have dealt with this for extended periods of time, you have no idea how tough you all are. :D

Hi, Aneem -
I don't feel so tough today. My pain level is up - and I know that my AF is in the "chronic" category now. That's not something I wanted -- I wanted it to heal, like it did the first time around, but that isn't happening.
It takes a long while for an AF to heal. You might want to give yourself more time - but do keep your appt. with the crs, because your situation (with the piles) might require treatment.
Yes - the mental stuff is nasty. I've gone up and down the whole spectrum of the depression, anxiety, etc. - and I'm at the point where I just want this to be done and over.
All I can say is that we have to face this mess, like it or not - and I keep hoping and praying that there is light at the end of this dark tunnel.

Hi Aneem,
If it feels like you are healing, you probably are. I've read that sentinel tags can shrink after a fissure is healed. You shouldn't consider yourself chronic after such a short time (albeit an awful time).
Sending you healing thoughts!
Sweet, so sorry you are having a bad day!
There is light at the end of the tunnel, it is just such a long tunnel sometimes...
-woi

woi - gosh darn, I sure hope so.
I've just about had it with this stuff. My life has been on hold for 3 months now. I'm really so, sooooo tired of all of this. So tired of the pain, the burning - and I want it to be healed!
Also, I have an appt. with my crs this Thursday, and I know I'll be a wreck. I just hope my visit goes well.

Aneem - only by the grace of God - we are enduring n with the great help n advice from the wonderful members here. Never in my life - I'm 57 - had I ever heard of an AF :( until just last month!
Hang in there sweetie - read posts here n u will understand it better n great tips also :)
God bless u and may HE heal us all soon

granny - God bless you, too - and I do pray for all of us, for God's healing.
I've had you on my mind today - I know you're by yourself and going through alot, so I hope you're doing okay.

Hi Aneem and welcome!! Sorry you are having such a rough time!! You are so early in dealing with your fissure. I would definately try to heal it myself first. Keep the appt with the CRS and see what he/she says. Sounds like you are doing the right things. Are you getting enough fiber 20-25 grams per day, plust lots of water and 20 min soaks in a warm tub. Also, miralax is a great softener. Many of us on here swear by it!! I hope you get this under control!!!

Thanks so much for all the advice and words of encouragement --- very appreciated!
Hoping and praying that everyone has better health in this new year!

Sweet Bugaboo wrote:granny - God bless you, too - and I do pray for all of us, for God's healing.
I've had you on my mind today - I know you're by yourself and going through alot, so I hope you're doing okay.

ahh thank u sweetie. God bless u. Amen! We will keep praying for all

Aneem wrote:Thanks so much for all the advice and words of encouragement --- very appreciated!
Hoping and praying that everyone has better health in this new year!

amen! We will keep praying sweetie. God bless u n heal us all