this is great place for visit for mental help. My depression and anxiety of my AF might be harder to manage than the AF itself. This brutal condition is slowing sucking the life right out of me.

Hi jerrymac. I know what you mean about the anxiety and depression that this condition is causing us. I'm also going through a panic attack right now. This forum helps a lot though. At least you know you're not alone and that someone gets it. You will also find support and information here to help you deal with it. You can vent anytime too. At least purging my emotions help me clear my head.
All I can say is welcome and virtual hugs!

Hey Jerry,
Welcome to the forum! Like Tighty said vent all that you need to! We've all been where you are and understand and you are right, the depression can be as bad as the pain. The highs and lows were so exhausting when I had my fissure , not to mention how life changing it is to cope with the pain, giving up or not being able to do all the things you use to do:roll:
I had times where I begged God to just let me die. I know that sounds extreme, but it seemed like a good option at the time. I think the day I decided that I was just going to bite the bullet and get the surgery was a turn around for me mentally. I felt like I was taking control and not my fissure and if I had to lay around in pain then it may as well be healing pain and not the false hope pain I had with my stupid fissure for 8 months!
I know it's depressing but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may seem like this is forever while you're in it but it's not!
Take care and please feel free to vent. You have people who understand here

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I have been battling depression PRIOR to this mess and now I actually feel worse. Dreading the TG meal and friends and family. I am amazed that some of you out there can be so positive about this.
I do plan to get help for my depression. Does anyone out there know if certain meds for anxiety adversely effect the AF?
Tighty and Dawn, thanks again for the positive spin. I can tell Tighty has a good sense of humor by the id alone.

I think anxiety meds are ok. Quite a few folks on this forum take them with their fissures.
Believe me Jerry, I wasn't positive when I had my fissure, lol. I always wondered how others could be!!
Eat lots of veggies tomorrow. Turkey is close enough to chicken

Are you a Saint?

Lol My husband would probably say NO, Lol. I just know what it's like going through this. I had a very rough 8 months. I'll never forget it.
You will get through this too. As someone in here once told me "butt problems aren't forever!"

hi jerry, sorry that u're suffering, if you haven't decide on surgery and may want to know more of conservative treatments, do a search on a thread "my success story"
meanwhile take care, and vent here if u need!

HI Jerry,
I'm so sorry for you. You are not alone, it is a dark cloud over my whole life sometimes.
It looks like things can and will get better if we're brave enough to do all we can. So hard to stay positive, I know.
All the best xxx

Hi Jerry, sorry you are going through such a rough time!! The older posters here are a lifesaver!! They have helped me so much with all the issues that go along with AF. I am actually taking Xanax when my spasms get severe. I was doing a lot better until the other day, didn't do anything different and BAM, burning and spasm all day!! I am actually quite pissed off about this whole thing, I was very anxious also about even considering surgery, but I cannot continue to let this consume my life..I want it back. I have been waiting like 4 weeks to see a CRS and my appt is this Thursday and I can't wait!! only for consult, but I am sure he will say surgery. I have had this for 3 years on/off and this last time starting in May has been more on than off. I have used all the creams and ointments and they just don't work for me. warm sitz or showers and advil do more for me. The creams actually make things worse, but I think that is b/c I have been using them for so long. I wish you well and keep reading on here, it does help alot!!!