So my first post so a little explanation. First time I noticed blood when wiping was when I was 18 at uni. Since then I'd have a 'bleed' incident maybe for a week once every two years. Over the past year it seems to have been every couple of months. I'd have a hard bowel movement, usually following a night from too much wine. There would be a sharp feeling, almost like passing a blade or something, then a bright red line on the toilet paper. Inspecting, squatting over a mirror, a small paper cut is visible. Most of the time I'd up fibre, take some sodium docusate and within a couple of BMs the problem would be no more. Its annoying as I eat at least 3 apples a day, a couple of benefibre drinks and lots of fresh vegetables. Other people I know seem to live off cheese and junk, but maybe theyre just ignoring any bleeds!
From reading on the internet this definitely sounds like a fissure. Its currently 'flared up' again but has been going on and off for a few days. Its weird because apart from a 'sharp feeling' (not pain, just sharp) there is no pain. Would this be classified as chronic (as its been happening on and off for years) or acute - because each time it clears then there can be weeks/months between each flare up.
Sodium docusate does really help, as does olive oil, vaseline when going and generally upping the fibre. I'd love to take sodium docusate everyday, but have heard there can be long term issues. I might start squatting (I actually laughed out loud when reading about a kitty litter tray) as the additional pressure/akwardness sitting places on the abdonmen might be a reason why I get this problem. Any other info or ideas?

Hello Ferox, and welcome to the seventh circle of hell forum~
We're all in pain here, or we're-in my case. Until my LIS procedure, which is really only one day out of your life, then you're on the road to recovery for most(96%)
Plus, you're very young. If you do this now, like soon, you will probably never have an AF again, and will look back 1 year from now and think to yourself: what a relief. Cause, to be honest, an AF never truely goes away, it will heal, but then re-tear at some fire point. I lived with one starting at 27. I am 39, and just got LIS. But I seemed to go 4-5 years without trouble, but then BAM!. Lol.
Forget Botox, and forget the 'balloons', get LIS...you'll hopefully be one of the 96%!! :)

Thanks NSTAAG - if it continues any longer I'll make an appointment with the doctor. I have a feeling they will view LIS, at least here in the UK, as a last resort given there is no pain.

Probably true.
Are you all on socialized medical over there?
Yeah, you've got it at a pretty young age, so chances are you'll be dealing with it for the rest of your life (on & off) and that when you get a bit older, say in 10 years or so, there WILL be pain, and a lot of it. I lost two months of work, and basically my life over this mess. Sooooo-glad i did it!