Hi guys :)
After nearly nine months of fissure shaped hell I finally have an appointment with a specialist doc next week. I feel pretty relieved as I'm having no luck with what my GPs have given me (rectogesic, xyloproct cream) and feel frustrated and embarrassed at having to continually go back and see them and ask for more help.
At the same time though I'm a bit worried that going to see the CRS will have have the same results and they'll just give me something topical to try rather than take it seriously. I'm terrified of it but I would like surgery as I am going on 26, otherwise fit and healthy and feel I have done everything I possibly can with diet, stool softeners and creams yet still have that on again off again ripping, stinging, itching nightmare. I went to see my GP last week and she said that my muscle tension (in my sphincter I guess?) was far too tight so I'm thinking if rectogesic hasn't worked that may be best. I also don't want to still be here in ten years time as frankly no one deserves this for even a week!
My big dilemma is that living in the UK and not being able to afford private healthcare, I have to contend with the NHS. I am worried that given the cost of performing surgery (and the fact botox isn't offered here, just LIS), I won't be offered it and will have to just deal with this for the unforeseeable... And seriously, I can't, I'm trying to finish my dissertation for my Masters at the moment and work at the same time and this is taking over everything and making me miserable. It sounds dramatic but I know many of you will understand-every aspect of my life has suffered in some way- I've missed classes, not been able to go into work, my love life and social life has suffered...
Does anyone have any tips on how to be a bit assertive with the specialists and really push for surgery? Particularly folks from the UK who've been through the NHS? I know it sounds a bit silly given it's my body and I'm an adult but I've found it hard to be assertive with doctors in the past. I'm in my twenties and at times it's easy to be intimidated by a much older doctor telling me they know what's best lol. They can just talk over a me a bit and dismiss what I'm saying and I sometimes walk out wishing I'd been a bit more bolshy. If not surgery, what do the specialists generally offer? I have absolutely no idea what to expect.
I also wondered (and I posted this in a similar thread a few months back) but has anyone one had a skin tag removed on the NHS with LIS or any other procedure? I know it can be done privately in the UK but once again given the NHS is free they may be less inclined to bother with it. It kills me that they're so hard to be removed in the UK. Mine irritates me like hell, it's like I can feel it all the time and also it really affects my confidence with my body. I know skin tag removal is painful and horrible but I want it off!
Phew long post! Any replies would be much appreciated, as I feel crazy with worry.