LIS and tag removal done and dusted! It was a pleasant experience at the hospital with very cheerful doctors and nurses. No pain yet, just on some Panadol for the moment. Questions I forgot to ask at the hospital: - Should I still lube with vaseline before my first BM or is it best to not touch the area? - I currently have a cotton gauze or tissue in my butt. Should I change it regularly or just leave it be until tomorrow? - Should I keep the wound dry or apply something neutral like vaseline etc after a BM? I will call the doc tomorrow morning but any advice is welcome! Cannot believe it is done!!

I would NOT touch the area, would not disturb the gauze unless the doctor instructed you to, and I was told to soak in a sitz bath four times a day and after every BM. I was then told to gently pat the area dry or use a hair dryer on gentle setting to blow it dry. Congrats on being on the other side now!

Yay, thanks!! I am waiting for the first BM. No pain at all yet and only taking panadol. Nothing even feels weird or sore... I am wondering how much I should do in order to get the first BM. I don't want to overdo the softeners and get explosive diarrhoea... So am trying to stay calm and chill but am veryyyy much on edge waiting haha.

Tightbutt5678 how you feeling now? How was the first bm?

Hey missy moo, thanks for asking!

It was all good! It was gigantic but only pain level 1-2 so I was really content with that. I'm now on day 19 post-op and things and going really well. Almost every day has been completely pain-free and I feel more and more normal every day. Still too early for celebration but so far, so good

Thats great to hear I've had Botox twice an my fissure came back yesterday so only 7 weeks since my most recent botox so I'm considering lis. Where did you have lis done? What country? I'm in NZ and don't know any good surgeons to see about it

Oh sorry to hear your fissure came back! I had mine done in Adelaide, Australia. My CRS is Dr Rieger and I am very happy with him! His bedside manner is amazing, great sense of humour and he is very clear and to the point with his explanations. He has loads of experience and is especially conservative when doing LIS with women. He hasn't ever seen permanent incontinence with any of his patients after LIS. I felt very safe and confident with him so if you'd be willing to travel, it might be a nice option!

http://www.adelaidecolorectal.com.au/

Thanks for the info. What did the surgeon say about women who have had children or want to have more? Do you have children or will you be having any? I have two and want more.

He said that for women in general, he is very conservative with the cut. He said he makes a 2mm cut which is less than the norm. For this reason, his success rate is 90% rather than something like 95% because he prefers to play it safe. The more you cut, the more likely the fissure will heal but the risk also increases with extra cutting regarding incontinence.

He said that it shouldn't be an issue for women wanting to have children or who've already had some. I asked about C sections and he said that it's not necessary but of course can be requested.

I don't have kids and am unsure of whether I will have any or not so I haven't investigated this side of it at all. But I do feel confident with his experience and conservative approach so I think you'd be in good hands if you do decide to go through with LIS.

Thanks I really need to find a good surgeon in nz, if I'm willing to pay I can get access to some fantastic surgeons just got to come up with the money which I think I'll just have ti do if I go with lis.