I went for a preop yesterday and as usual my dr was very unsympathetic for my plight of an anal fissure. He was vague when I would ask a question. So anyway while doing this surgery, will I be on my back or stomach or what?? I am dying to know so I can psych myself up.

Hey Noelle,
I am sorry your doctor is a sourpuss! Do you have anyone that is going with you and staying with you?
I haven't had the surgery but from what I remember people saying that they were in a jackknife position on their stomachs. I don't know how your doctor does exams-some do it with you on your side and others have this table that bends over and lifts up so you are bent at the waist on your stomach. But the surgery itself I think you are on your tummy.
Can anyone verify this for us?
Prayers and Hugs-you will feel better soon!
Lecia

I was flat on my stomach until I was out from the "twilight" drug, I cannot attest to anything after that until I was in recovery. But If you are getting the twilight there is nothing to worry about you want be aware of anything so there is no need to worry. I was terrified but later learn I had absolutley no reason to be. It was a breeze. Especially compared to the pain and agony before surgery.

Good Luck and just try to relax once you show up for the surgery the worst is over. At least from my experience.

Sheri

Ok..thanks so much for the info. I do have a lot of issues and am quite self conscious! I know it is silly, but it so hard for me to get over.. I am having spinal with sedation so I believe I will be somewhat aware. I have had procedures done before with sedation and it really doesn't seem to do much for me but Im gonna make it through....Thanks again. oh and yes Lecia my sister is taking me and will be back to get me and Im going home with her for the evening-they want someone with me for eight hours-I am not sure why??

I can understand the self-consciousness but I think in this case you won't really be aware enough to notice or care. They usually use Versed. Have you had that before? It really puts you at ease and give a very peaceful, tranquil feeling. I remember the first time I had to have a rectal exam and I was mortified. I was just trembling I was so nervous and scared. I still hate it but I figure it will be over quick enough and they've seen so many it's just part of the job plus I want so much to be well that I would probably put up with just about anything at this point.
I imagine they want someone with you just to make sure you don't have any reactions to anything. Plus you need some extra TLC anyway. Do you have any DVDs or books lined up to read? I am just finishing the new Maeve Binchy book and I love it. I don't know if you like her stuff but thought I would recommend it if you needed a light read!
Take care,
Lecia

Yes, I have had versed before. I have had endoscopy twice. I bought the Nanny Diaries book so hopefully that will keep me busy. I haven't read Maeve before but I will keep an eye out for it, I love to read!!! Lecia thanks for the tips and help. I've had a miserable day and it helps to know others are out there in the same boat. I will post after surgery!!! thanks again and enjoy your weekend.

When I talked to my dr about surgery, he said I would be on my back with my feet in the air. I'm sure surgeons have different ways of performing the surgery (back, side, front facing)
I'm so sorry to hear you have an un-sympathetic surgeon. I really know how awful the pain and discomfort is, plus mainly the mental stress of it all- worring about your next bm, the bm pain, the sorness and discomfort all day long. Hang in there, I'm so interested in hearing about your surgery process and recovery. I am sure it will go great and you will be glad you did it!!!
Suzy

Yeah, please keep in touch on how you are doing or if you need any support! The Nanny Diaries was a fun read. I actually listened to it on audiobook and Julia Roberts read it. She was fabulous!
I do most of my reading in the tub these days.
Talk with you soon,
Lecia:sunny:

suzy-my surgeon is nice-it was just my regualr dr. that I had to do the preop with, and I got the feeling he has no idea the impact of this. He was the one who failed to even examine me when I went in!

Oh, that makes much more sense---surgeons in this area and rectal doctors do seem to be the only ones who "get it." I was told I had hemorrhoids until I saw the specialist who said it was clearly a fissure. The previous gp's had prescribed hydrocortisone suppositories and prep. H to me before I saw the surgeon---two things that hurt fissure, not help them! When I asked my OB what he does for pregnant women who have fissures, he said they prescribe suppositories and prep h (once again!)-----I know from my surgeon that those options do not work for a fissure. So i totally hear you, it is frustrating when non-specialists don't really understand fissures.
Hang in there, and keep us posted on your surgery!
Suzy