Finally healed after a year! It didn't matter how much water I drank. I'm a 66 yr. old female and pretty active. I was told I needed surgery, but being allergic to antibiotics I prayed for another way. The Dr. cream that I could only use for 2 weeks helped some. I tried Pranicura5 and many others. Sitz baths helped, but not having time to do 3 times a day I put those neck heating pads in my pants to heat the area for longer periods of time. I got Dr. Butler's hemorrhoid & fissure ointment and Boiron Calendula ointment and used these together. I think the best help was the Calendula. Along with this I took Enzymedica Kiwi reularity 2 pills per day to soften stools, as well as Magnesium oxide at night. Mg also helps people sleep so its a win-win. You will have to adjust these as needed. Feeling thankful to be rid of this problem! Hoping this helps someone.