I finally saw a doctor today and she said my "pain cycle" seems different from a fissure. But she's just a GP so doesn't know what it could be.
I was wondering if anyone has a pain cycle like this:
-Bad BM (hard or strained) --> blood on the tissue and some sensation at the time that hurts but is manageable --> 2 hours of being okay -->pain begins, and stays for about 8 hours (like glass shards being stuck up me ...it's horrible and I start to get extremely depressed), pain gradually decreasing at about the 3 hour point.
Additionally, after some bad days (i.e. 3-10 or so) I recover, for about 2 weeks, and then relapse again, repeat.
Does this sound like your fissure?
Thanks everyone.

Hi, Ulrica -
That sounds like an AF (fissure), IMO - but I'm not a crs.
I don't have blood with my AF - but I have had cycles of pain, similar to what you've described.
It's probably best to see a crs (colorectal surgeon). Hang in there and let us know how you do!

Hey there- It sounds like the pain you're experiencing post-BM is from spasms. Even after having a good/easy BM they can still kick in. I'd recommend if you have any pain ointment like Lidocaine, apply it up there directly after going and make sure you're not sitting down too much afterwards. If you have one of those little ring/donut shaped cushions use that or a yoga ball if you can. My spasms usually kick in about 3 hours after a BM & they can definitely ruin your day! I hope this helps- hang in there!

thanks so much, both of you. Okay, I'm glad it is *just* an AF (i.e. I trust this forum more than a GP ...). I was worried I might have something more serious. Off to the real butt doctor soon, I hope!

Hi there, I have went thru the same as you but for me I had let this go on for a couple of years. The worst years of my life. I would be fine sometimes for a week or two sometimes longer then it hit me from no where an a bm would feel like someone cutting me with a knife then pouring alcohol on it. It was horrible. I had a fissurectomy 2 days ago an im doing really good. Hopefully I stay this way. Im sure that is what you have an for me it wouldnt go away on its own. Good luck.

Am I weird? I just have pressure after a BM, like a stick is stuck up there for hours on end and my lower back will hurt when I stand a lot.
I only get the sharp stinging glass pain when I wipe after going too often, and I have multiple fissures. Maybe I am just an oddball!

Hi, everyone.
This is just so hard for everyone!!! I hate that we're all suffering (or have suffered), and that we're all trying to figure this out.
Mrs.inpain, please keep us informed about your recovery. My surgery is scheduled for Monday afternoon, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it (the recovery, I mean).
Jenbug, I think every person's AF experience is unique and hard to describe. I feel some stings with BMs, but I tend to get spasms (not always) and vicious pain "spikes" (hours of miserable discomfort), but never bleeding.