Hello All!
I can't say how happy I am to find this support board. I really am struggling with the pain of my AF but reading all of the great advice on here is really just, well, a huge relief! I'm generally very healthy, have a full life and enjoy doing lots of exercise. Just can't believe how struck down in pain I am though.
I've read some of the general information stickys but I have a few questions which I'd be hugely grateful if anyone could answer...
1. I was prescribed dilitiziam cream and have been using it for 16 days. In the last week (so from day 9 onwards) I was a 9 on the 1-10 pain scale for most of the day when I had been more like a 4 but only after bm before I started using it. GP has now prescribed Rectogesic and some cinchocaine suppositories. Does anyone have any experience of these products? Is it normal to feel so much worse when using Diltiziam? GP's told me to take course for 6 days and then if no improvement, she will refer to colorectal surgeon. She thinks he will refer me for surgery. Reading some of the other posts, is 6 days enough to use these medicines? She told me this is the normal course of treatment for AF with ointments.
2. How does your AF affect your ability to work and exercise? I have a stressful / full on job and I'm never off work sick. I had to come home from work early yesterday as I was in so much pain. In truth I should never have gone in to the office in the first place. I'm at home again today - I can barely stand up and sit down and can think of nothing other than the pain down there so it's pretty pointless me being in the office. Given I have been in tears after bm for last few days due to the severe pain, I cannot consider having bm in work toilets.
3. Can someone please recommend a stool softener / laxative which is effective? I'm based in London. Would like something which is effective but prefer one which is a natural as possible and non habit forming.
Phew - lots more questions but think I will stop there. I feel so rotten with this AF. I just got married 3 months ago, have been on a real high and we had wanted to start trying for a baby but that is now on hold until I get the AF under control.