After a long respite from symptoms, the pain is back with a vengeance. I recently had 2 surgeries ( not for fissure) and I believe the combination of painkillers, antibiotics and post surgery constipation have re- awakened the evil.

I am in terrible pain today, the sphincter even spasms when urinating. I am at the end of my rope I am sorry for the rant I feel completely defeated.

Massive hugs I’ve had a big relapse this morning with the worst scratchy pain during my BM and stung for an hour after. Feeling very sorry for myself but thank goodness for this forum. Sat on a hot bottle now with a cup of tea.

Don’t think there’s an answer for me but that’s how I always feel during a relapse

Oh no guys, I know how bad it feels for the fissures to rear their ugly heads again, lots of sitz baths and back on the GTN religiously is what helps me.
Hope this is just a blip for you both

I am hoping my family doc can prescribe me the GTN ointment. The CRS I saw only prescribes Nifedipine and I didn't find it helpful.

Anyone have opinions on the different ointments, which is the best? Diltiazem, Nifedipine or GTN ( nitro ) ?

I found diltiazem better than GTN. Just gone 2 weeks pain free using it (fourth week on It, every week was better than the previous one). Had a minor set back 2 days ago after only taking 1 stool softener a day instead of 2. I'm back at the DR in 2 hours for a follow up. I was hoping to tell him it had fully healed. I was fed up after the set back. I have to remind myself that it was only minor & I'm 99% healed. Good luck.

I found that Diltiazem gave me a rash. GTN, or nitro, didn't do that, and in general I've found it okay, though whether it has actually healed anything in me I don't really know. Nifedipine isn't available here, so I have no experience of that. I still have rather a lot of discomfort, and am seeing a CRS in about three weeks' time.

Sorry that you've been having pain, and hope you feel better soon.

I had a pretty bad allergic reaction to Diltiazem but GTN took the severity of the spasms down from the first time I used it. Never been offered Nifedipine

Thanks for the input. I have Nifedipine ointment, it was compounded in July. The sticker says not to use it after October 2017.... Is it stil good to use?

It should be fine to use. The expiry date doesn't make it dangerous, it just means that the potency might reduce. I personally found that GTN caused a burning sensation when applied and nifedipine didn't, and I felt the anti spasm properties were similar.