I have read your posts and curious to who did your surgery?? I am also in Maryland, but on the Eastern Shore and there are no CRS Drs. here. I am traveling to Annapolis 12/1/11 for a consultation. I got the referral from a friend. Would you recommend your CRS? did he/she answer your questions and spend the time with you that you needed. I would love to hear. You can private message me if you would like or respond here. I am so happy you are feeling better!!! I am looking forward to the day when I am. Thanks

Hi Sue1962, My name is Sue too....and I would be a 1961!
My Dr was very good....doesn't have a real dynamic personality....but he did answer my questions and he knew before he looked what I had. His name is Dr. Vincent Cifello. Google Colon Rectal Surgicial Associates on the web, they have a web site. He works out of Glen Burnie and Ellicott City. I tried to send you a link but It said I couldn't sent the link as I am too new of a member to this forum.
Dr. C came to the hospital (Howard County General) and met with me again prior to the surgery and went through my chart and answered my last minute questions. To me, I am SOOO relieved and happy....Mine really was a simple procedure......and I am still healing but I feel 100% better and can focus of life again instead of my BM's and the 3-5 hrs afterwards! I go back for a follow up in early Dec.
Good Luck and feel free to ask me any questions! Sue

Thank you so much Sue!!! I wil check it out when I get home from work. I have an appt 12/1/11 in Annapolis, but it is always nice to have a back up plan. I am so happy you made out great!!! I can't wait to be on the other side of this. I was feeling great last week and this morning a little difficult and burning again. UGGGG. Did you have a skin tag?? I have one and it drives me crazy!! Again, thanks for the info. I am sure I will have more questions...just letting you know in advance. I am the worst patient in the world and also a nurse...imagine that!!

Sue1962.... I too had a good couple of days and thought I had made it over to the other side....only to have it come back with a vengance.... My tolerance was gone and I was worn down...ENOUGH I said (and so did my family) and I went for the surgery. Please go to a CRS, they know the area well! I do have a skin tag...I had thought it was a hemmroid....but later discovered it was a skin tag. The Dr did not remove it. I have no pain from it! I am feeling really well.....and it's so nice not to have the spasms...they almost drove me insane.....I commute 50 minutes each day and would spasm while driving....in traffic!! Thought I was gonna lose it a few times.
I top was scared to death of surgery.....never had it before....but I was so ready.....I couldn't wait to get there and show my but! (LOL) Never thought I'd be so anxious to do that!!! How embarassing..... I am thankful for CRS.....they at least know what they are doing!!! I had so much pain the day I went in for surgery I was in tears....everyone thought it was nerves...heck no....pain!! I didn't take anything or apply anything prior to surgery....not that it really helped anyway!!
The only thing that gave me some relief other than a bath was ice. I'd put 2 cubes in baggy and applied for 15 minutes....kinda numbed the area...It is a little awkward though.
Hang in there Keep us posted .......... I wish you luck!!!!!!