sue, yes i heard garlic tablets work also, but afraid of the smell they make coming off of you . ha. hope you are feeling better. today i am feeling better.

I'm seeing the doc privately on Weds. Can't flipping wait. Has been up and down the past few weeks but past 5 days have been bad. My skin tag feels like its getting bigger too which is worrying me. I'm keeping everything crossed that this guy also practices on the NHS so I can try and get a referral with him privately. If I have to go back to the hospital I went to before I will have a nervous breakdown...
Hope you're doing well today Sue. Good to hear you're able to work a bit! Well done you :)

Aw glad you are seeing someone Layla. I've got the NHS appointment on Tuesday, and if there is a long waiting list I am ringing the private hospital that day and booking the botox. Will pay whatever is necessary to get this sorted now!! Keeping my fingers crossed for you that your private CRS helps you out. I managed 4 mornings in work but yesterday was in alot of pain so couldn't manage the last day of the week. But am in Monday, at hospital Tuesday which means its a 4 day week again so hopefully that'll make it easier. Its a grit my teeth situation in work and get through it, easier some days than others! Let me know how you get on Wednesday - good luck :)

sue have you told you collegues the nature of your problem? ive spent some horrible days in work tryin to carry on few the pain, but some times i cant cope. but im too embarresed to tell them whats actually wrong with me, so i make things up. had a terrible flair up and im really worried about work on tuesday

Well I had to explain about my op, then once my fissure was identified my boss asked me outright on the phone what was wrong. I decided to bite the bullet and tell him. Since then, I have spoken to my line manager (deputy head), and was totally honest with her about the problems I am having. She has been great in organising me to do just mornings and they have cover in to support me and cover when needed. It helps that someone else in my workplace has the same thing and hasn't come back yet - so at least I don't look so bad as I'm trying to get back. I now keep her updated of any developments/appointments. I phrased it as a 'tear in my bowel' - which it is!! I know how embarrassing it can be (having just been through it not long ago!), but I think its better to be honest. Not everyone in work knows what is wrong with me, but I think its important to tell your boss or someone you trust in management as if you make things up they may think you are not genuine. You could say its of a personal nature and don't want to go into details, but are undergoing treatment. I know your worry as I have been through it, and still go through it. Have you managed to sort seeing a CRS yet? Would be good if you could to get some advice, I've been advised botox is worth a try so that may be the next step for you. Good luck with whatever you decide, let me know how you get on. You may be surprised at how supportive people are, although it does depend on the workplace I suppose :)

i have an appointment with my gp for the 23rd and im going to ask to be referred. god knows how long i will be waiting for though.
i have been having problems for a long time now and have had to have quite a lot of time off, but ive sort of skirted around whats actually wrong with me.
My boss is a nice man, but i work in quite a big office, and im by far the youngest (21 years old) and i just feel to embarresed to say whats wrong. before i even had this fissure problem i was struggling urinary problems and infection of my testicles, so again i was embarresed to tell them about that. it really has been a nightmare of a year.
i remember my boss was having a vasectomy, and told like 2 people, and by the end of the day everyone knew and was making jokes. i think that was the the day i decided i would keep my problems to myself. i was shocked at how quickly something private spread.
i have have been pushing through the pain for the last few months, and have been given an extension for my job, so i really feel reluctant to go off sick seeing as though my new contract began last week. i dont know how much longer i can go on like this though.

I know what you mean Andy. I have just written a new topic, if you can don't go off on the sick. I am having huge problems now,my GP has suddenly withdrawn her support so I'm left justifying my absence to work and occupational health. I was spoken to in an awful way today and am changing docs, nothing to do with the fissure specifically but wouldn't go back there. Push for the referral. Do whats best for you, if you're happier not telling them then do that. I agree, this has been the worst year of my life too, it has turned me into an emotional wreck trying to cope with this and everything else. As if I'd make this up, I just want to be better. I wish I could advise you more, I'm not sure my advice is worth anything now after what is happening to me. You could ask your doc for pain relief to see if they can help

I am new to this forum with the same problem. This theard's subject is exactly same as my state now -Very depressed and low. I am suffering from this for the past 10 months on and off with nothing being done by my gastroenterologist. now i have been referred to a colorectal surgeon and waiting for the appointment. For the past 1 week its itching like anything that i cant even sleep at night.. so desperate...

Welcome Sparkling:) Sounds like you've a had a long road... Hang in there! It's good that you got a CRS appointment. Hopefully you will get some options to put this all to an end soon!
I had surgery last year after having my fissure 8 months. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
The itching can be maddening. I found keeping the area super dry, letting it air as much as possible at night helped with the itching.
Take care, let us know how your appointment goes!

Aw sparkling, I'm sorry to hear you are feeling so low. I've got to admit after a trip to my GP yesterday I felt there was no hope at all. But after my hospital appointment today I feel alot better about things. Hopefully after you see a CRS you will feel better and be given some options :)