Hello all,
I'm glad to find a forum about anal fissures because I'm dealing with this for years now.
Today I start using dr. wheatgrass but the stories I read on this forum are not very positive so my expectations are not high.
But what I don't understand, how can a "healed" fissure tear open again? Is it because the skin is to thin? I read somewhere on the forum it can take 2 years before it is in the same condition as before the fissure appeard. That's a long time!

Have you seen a doctor (preferably a CRS) yet? I've also had one for years and tried all the "official" creams (nifedipine, nitro, diltiazem) with no effect. I did have periods of no pain, but it would always come back. I think it was a combination of skin too thin and hardened edges (because it was already chronic) which prevented complete healing.

A very good question. My CRS-doc told me that there is not much scientific evidence about how healing takes place in the "long run".
I've been through dilti (which I think helped), sitz bath, and my saviour, Movicol. Right now I don't feel pain, there's no blood, and the doc couldn't see anything - except that some of my blood vessels were sort of standing more out than normal. With Movicol I have rarely symptoms, but if I go 3-4 days without that magic powder, I'm back to bleeding and stingy/itchy feeling.
The whole thing started a little less than a year ago. Maybe after a penicilin "session" with some very high doses.
Now I try to phase out the Movicol by only taking it every second day. Maybe ...
good luck
Martin

There is some suggestion that because the area has already been compromised with surgery that a re-tear is highly likely, in your case (you haven't had surgery?) I would seek further advice if you keep getting more tears as there could be an underlying cause, I.E. Crohns

I think it takes a very long while for the area affected to regain its original strength. Also, as Steve says, there could be an underlying cause (Crohn's, etc.).