Juney-
Do you take probiotics? Where does it hurt? On the incision site or just general anal tissue pain? I am wondering if you could have a yeast infection? I got those a lot when I was healing the wounds because I took a lot of baths. It made the pain unreal.

I would also see if someone can do a stool culture and check for yeast and also bad bacteria. I had all sorts of bad stuff and no good bacteria in my gut and had to do a 2 week round of cipro and then heavy duty probiotics.

I am praying for you and think about you. It just isn't fair how you suffer.

Corsi, What is that object in the picture???? This thinking cat is for you and Tabby--both cat lovers!!
Thanks, Kim, it worked!! :D

I am on the Zinc too - How much do you take Juney ??
I am with you there Corsi - too much bathing can disrupt the skins natural balance but that hot soak is a lifesaver after a BM !! Do you sit on heat pads Juney ?
Cheryl - I am very impressed !!! It is such a cool cat just like its owner
This is just brilliant

That cat looks like such a thug, gangsta style! I am totally diggin' it!

lecia - did you get yeast infections in the anus? i've had vaginal yeast infections twice before and fixed it with monistat but never thought about yeast in the anus.... i've been taking at least 2 baths a day for 4 months now, so it is definitely a possibility. i'll bring it up with the GI specialist when i see him later this month. he'd probably know more about that than the CRS.
the outside pain is most definitely from scar tissue. there's a lump of tissue on one side of the anus. it's exactly where the big wound after surgery healed up. it's very painful to the touch so that's probably why sitting hurts. i try to coat it with A&D, vitamin e, or zinc oxide ointment to keep it lubricated but that doesn't help the pain. the CRS said scar tissue can take 6 months -1 year to settle down. last time he had said it's formed a keloid, which makes sense b/c it's so painful and hard.
i believe there is also internal pain. the CRS could see a spot of inflammation left inside, above where the fissure was. so i guess it's no longer a fissure, rather just some unexplained inflammation now. it's hard for me to believe that alone is causing this same exact pain i've had for so long. i mean, it's NEVER changed after any of the surgeries.
i'm using recta-gel again (a hydrocortisone/lidocaine gel) on the inside. i apply it with a small plastic syringe morning and night. i'm hoping that will finally enable the inflammation to heal inside, but this is the 4th time i've tried it so my hopes aren't high.

Yeah, I did get yeast infections in the anus or at least on it from all the moisture and creams. I wonder if a few doses of diflucan might help you. Definitely bring it up with the GI guy. I think you are right-he might know more about the intestinal health and proper balance than the CRS.

I know what you mean about scar tissue. I have some too that is like a knot that feels like all the nerves are just caught up in this knot. I keep having my hubby look at it to make sure it isn't turning blue or purple like a thrombosed hemmie and he says it isn't so it must just be scar tissue. Is yours white? I am glad your CRS at least told you that it could take awhile for it to settle down. My last surgery was in May so I am taking the approach of waiting until then and see how I feel.

Does the recta gel seem to help? I think something needs to be done to knock out the inflammatory response in your body. Have they done any blood work to see how your immune system is functioning. I had really low WBC and Epstein-Barr virus which is certainly not helping with healing. I take immuneglobulin G and anti-inflammatories like fish oil.

How are things at home and with your boyfriend? Would you like a dog? That is what I did and it really has helped me cope better. But they are a lot of work and looks like you have your little kitty for comfort.

Does anyone notice diarrhea with the zinc. I tried it out a few years ago for a different health reason about 5 years ago and it made me feel horrible. I was vomiting and pooping.
Juney - What does the doctor mean about scar tissue acting up? Does that mean it can hurt periodically or break?
Please let us know what the GI doc says. I still have so much faith in your healing. We just need to find the right doctor for YOU!!

Juney
Do you keep the area dry? I use a blowdryer after every shower, and I always keep it dry - I have always thought that was important....?
Anothere thing for you and Lecia who has problems with your skin down there. Have you ever tried going to the beach and bathe a lot?
My experience from last summer is that it helped... In the past, whenever I have had a wound and then been in the sea it has helped a lot on the healing, and therefore I tried to dip my @ss at least 3 times a day when on vacation last summer...and my fissureridden butt behaved!
Don't know if you live near the sea, or has the possibility to go there, but it is worth a try...
Corsican Mermaid

Well, I certainly would try it. I live about 4 hours from the beach. Good excuse to go!!!