Hey everyone.
First time posting here.
Been dealing with fissures off and on the last few years. They come and go (healing and getting opened up again), but after the pain a few weeks ago, I finally went to the colorectal doctor yesterday. I have a fairly decent diet but my bowel movements tend to be hard. I've never had any blood (knock on wood).
He gave me the exam (Holy hell, that was beyond unpleasant), but he did confirm that it was a fissure. I was a little too woozy to ask if it looked like it was in the process of healing or not.
He recommended the same stuff that it looks like most of you have been prescribed (diltiazem) and a pain relief gel (tetracaine). I only started using the diltiazemgel this morning. He also recommended increasing Fiber and drinking Miralax.
Couple thoughts:
1) the doctor recommended I go "up to the 2nd knuckle" when applying the diltiazem. I tried this morning and I don't think there's any way I can go that deep. Will the gel be worthless if I can't go that deep?
2) He recommended drinking Miralax as well as taking a fiber supplement daily, but I feel like the combination of those 2 things will make things...uh...explosive? Won't that possibly irritate my anus even more?
3) What are people's thoughts on stool softeners? Should I use them in PLACE of Miralax or fiber, or in addition to?
4) I started using baby wipes. Yay or nay?
I dunno. This whole thing certainly isn't the end of the world but it's a real bummer dreading having to poop everyday.
I'd love to hear from some of you that have dealt with this. Most of my pain tends to dissipate after having the bowel movement (which can be excruciating), so I didn't use the Tetracaine this morning yet.
Thanks everyone.