Dawn,
I don't mind answering questions. Having an AF truly sucks in my opinion. I was first diagnosed in April 2008, but I think I may have had some blood from time to time b/4 that date. After I took the Diliatzem for about 3 months, my local CRS told me to just take it as needed. My Mayo GI doc wanted me to go on an A/D because thinking about my AF was paralyzing me. I found a local psychiatrist who is also board certified in internal medicine. Taking an A/D and seeing a psychiatrist both really helped me.
I also took the anal rectal manometry test at Mayos in July of 2008 and as a result of the test was diagnosed with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. I took the Pelvic Floor Retraining class at Mayos a year ago.
I used the Diliatzem whenever I had blood or pain. Getting the BM's soft and regular is the key. I had trouble for several years getting my Miralax and fiber supplements regulated as I initially would swing between both extremes. There is a light at the end of the AF tunnel although sometimes it doesn't seem that there is!!!