Hello fellow sufferes.
I will be trying self dilation shortly, as a last resort to avoid surgery.
I have been dealing with multiple (4-5) chronic anal fissures for about 3 years now. I actually had a few months symptom free 2 years ago but since then it has been a daily struggle. Ranging from minor discomfort while having a BM only to severe pain.
I have a feeling that I have developed Anal stenosis, because even soft and not that large stools are difficult to pass and I always feel tight down there. I haven't seen a doctor for this in a long time but will be doing so on the 12 of July in order to hear him out and maybe go for the LIS surgery but I want to try this out first.
I have ordered the Dilatan dilators, 18,20,23,27 mm and some KY jelly and some Dilatan creme so that I can switch products if I dislike one of them. I will also be getting some Diltiazem creme shortly. I've already done a 6 weeks course of Diltiazem before with minor relief and no side effects. My plan is to use the Diltiazem before using the dilators in order to make the process of insertion easier.
I really don't know if I'll be able to use 18 mm as I'm extremely tight but if not, then I'll buy some smaller ones and start where ever I can.
This thread will be updated from time to time with my progress and experiences with self dilation, in order to keep any progress in check for my own use and so that anyone else considering doing this will be able to benifit from my experience.
I should recieve the dilators within a week or so and will be starting as soon as possible. Fingers crossed that this will be what I need. Any advice on self dilation are always appreciated.