Hey you all,

So, I'm an American currently on a grant in Southeast Asia; I've been living in the Philippines for two months. I am currently in week two of the healing (got diagnosed with this thing a week and a half ago). Docs say that it's just a small cut and not an emergency, and there's no abscess on the inside.

I think that my pain IS lessening overall, but man. These spasms are really debilitating and I have a performance this weekend, so I'm scared. I can't believe that for a small cut (I can't see it) it causes this much pain. I've had to take breaks in the studio just to lie on my side and cry for a bit.

I'm a vegetarian, which my docs all said was good. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what EXACTLY is good to eat and what precisely I should avoid?? I'm also so nervous about the 23 hour journey I have back to the states next Thursday (11 days from now).

Gosh!!! This whole experience BLOWS. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hedwig.

It is not easy about food. Stay off spicy, go for what's easily digestible. Don't eat to excess. Don't overdo the fibre. Drink lots of water. I landed up eating almost a liquid diet I was in such pain (baby food too...organic!) Not a good idea, but there you are. I am also vegetarian. Make sure you do not get constipated or dehydrated. Also, if the doctor did not give you any medication, make sure that when you get home you see a CRS immediately. Your fissure is still in the acute period, so something like Rectiv or Diltiazem/Nifedipine creams/ointments would really help. Keep on top of the pain with non-constipating painkillers. Soak your rear in a bath. When you get home, invest in a Sitz Bath (Rite Aid has the best one in my estimation.).

AFs are nasty little things, packing far more of a bite for their size than they should. I was in agony for 18 months as I could not get an early diagnosis.

Hope some of the above helps.