by queenofpain » 15 Oct 2007, 07:51
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the reply. I don't have a computer on the weekends, so I just read the post today. Alright, I will inquire about him. I have his name on my list of area CRSs (not comprehensive), but didn't put a check by it because he is in Park Ridge (not sure how accessible he is with my not having a car - especially for surgery purposes).
This is what I am thinking about now guys:
I contacted a regular MD who emphasizes natural intervention (I received his name from someone at church). No, I haven't flipped - I might be one of the last ones to consider natural means, especially with a painful situation. (But, my CRS was only working with sitz and fiber with me, anyway, before he dropped me.) Okay, I spoke with this MD, and he was real sensitive (like my friend said), and even took my call from his home. He answered all my questions, and didn't rush me at all. He, himself, had a fissure, and is greatly sympathetic about the pain (pinch me, am I dreaming?). He said the natural means (sitz plus fiber) are not enough for pain management. He had been to more than one CRS, and cured himself with nifedipine (I realize the cure rate with the creams is about 50% or so). The irony is the CRS did not even suggest the creams, and here the "naturalist" MD offered the prescription cream off the bat, without my prompting, plus he wants to interest me in probiotics to help keep things soft. So, I'm thinking of possibly working with him, AND a CRS.
Here are my questions:
1) His clinic would probably want to do a rectal to find out where and how deep the fissure is. How painful is this procedure? I told him even the CRS didn't attempt it because of the spasm. He thinks with enough lubrication, they may be able to observe part of it, and it is probably in the 6 o'clock position.
2) Is there any risk of tearing the fissure more during the procedure? I'm trying to complete a class (Nov. 15), and function at work, and don't want a worse degree of pain. He doesn't think I will feel any worse than I do now. He said the exam actually relaxed his sphincter (he had 3 rectals in a few days) temporarily, and that is consistent with what some of you are saying about some of the exams.
2) I have concerns about being able to get nifedipine up far enough. Maybe I can talk to him about diltiazem (from this post I understand some people have been told they can apply it outside). Just how far do I need to get nifedipine inside myself? Is half a finger tip far enough?
Okay, thanks. Tried to keep the email short - sorry! Thanks, Chris, for the reply and the CRS recommendation.
Queenofpain/AgonyAnn
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. Psalm 145:8