I joined this forum several weeks ago after learning I had a fissure. For the first 5-6 weeks it was quite sore, but then it got REALLY bad. I was in so much pain, I couldn't sit, go swimming, drive, and the only time I could get comfortable was laying very still with a hot water bottle. I even stopped taking sitz baths because of the pain. I thought this was normal, after reading the experiences of others on this forum.

But I knew something else was wrong. I constantly felt like I had the flu, except I didn't. I noticed that the inside of one butt cheek was very red and hot. I kept telling my boyfriend that I thought I had an infection, but I couldn't bear the thought of going to the hospital (we live in Canada, have free health care, so patients often wait 5 or more hours to see a doctor in the hospital and I couldn't sit in a waiting room, physically.) Finally, I went to the hospital because I couldn't handle the pain any more. I was immediately booked for emergency surgery the following day, which was Dec. 2nd.

After surgery, I was told that I had a fistula and very large abscess which needed to be drained (under general anesthetic). I was in the hospital for 2 days and was told not to return to work until January. I am a music teacher; my surgery happened 2 days before my huge Christmas concert, which had to be cancelled, and while recovering from my surgery for the last 2 weeks, my life has literally been on hold.

What I learned from this experience is the signs of a serious infection, which I had never had before: chills, fever, and the skin is red, hot, and sort of looked shiny. Unfortunately, every doctor I've seen is quite sure I have Crohns, so this is probably the tip of the iceberg for me.

Today is the best day I've had since my surgery, and probably the best I've felt in weeks. I'm not even sure I have a fissure any more, and will find out in a few days with a follow-up with the surgeon. I just can't believe how much I allowed myself to suffer before I went to the hospital. I hope whomever reading this would not have allowed it to get to that point.

Wow! im sorry you had to go through that. Glad your feeling better though. Happy Holidays to you!

Oh, so sorry to hear what you have been trough. Hope you will be much better from now on.

And perhaps natrium butyrate supplement can help you with diarrhea.

Hi Marathon Girl, I am sorry to hear what you have been through. I hope that you are taking a proper break from work and I hope your fissure will begin to heal. It must be really demanding being a music teacher, with all the concerts and practising, you must be really tough to have put up with all this pain! I wish you a speedy recovery. take care xx

Oh marathon girl,
I am so sorry, but I am so glad you have had it taken care of. Hopefully now you can heal. Please take care and rest up. Your health is the most important thing right now. Sending you healing wishes. Xxxx

I feel for you. I am so sorry for your ordeal. I wish you a good recovery and a very happy holidays.