I just thought I'd give an update on how things are going on Day 6. In one word - awesome. I have not felt this good in years, truly it's been years. First off, can I just say that the right doctor makes ALL the difference in the world! My new dr. is the 3rd one I've talked to about this problem and he is so great. Confident, reassuring, and frankly, most importantly, he knew what he was doing!
To summarize - pain level is zero, itching is sometimes a MINOR annoyance but very minor (I assume that means healing is occurring), incontinence - none at all - gas or otherwise, BMs - pleasant and pain-free, bleeding - rare - an occasional small amount following BM but not even close to the large amounts of blood that I am used to seeing in the toilet, food intake - still being careful but I did have 2 kitkat bars with no side effects.
I'm taking docusate sodium 100mg 2x daily, Philips magnesium supplement pill each night, and keeping up with a normal amount of fiber intake - nothing too drastic. I have benefiber powder with water, Wheat Thin Fiber Select crackers as a snack - if you haven't tried them, they are delicious! - and extra vegetables at every meal. I'm also having one or two Activia yogurts during the day. Also lots of water, resting, and 2 or 3 baths during the day.
So far, things are looking good! I was even able to go to a college football game on Sat. night and sit through the whole thing, no pain! I feel like starting back on my running/weight workouts, but I am just going to be patient and wait until my dr. appt. in a few weeks to get the a-ok. I'd rather be safe than sorry! It's just that I feel so GOOD and I'm so used to feeling horrible (you guys know) so it's hard to wait when you don't know if it will disappear and the good days will be gone again! Trying to be optimistic and hopeful that it will continue and not be pessimistic and thinking that the pain will return!
Anyway, that's the info! I will answer any questions and would love any other advice anyone can give to keep me on the healing path!