Hello friends,
Today I saw my CRS for the first time since my procedure. As many of you know I was a bit nervous due to some slight bleeding and discomfort that developed as of late.
Overall, the appointment went very well and I am very encouraged. My CRS is very encouraged as well. Apparently, after being doped up on fentenoyl, percocet and ativan, I was a bit mixed up on dates. He told me that healing time with the PBD and the Skin Tag is about 6-8 weeks. He told me that the pain that I developed after 10-14 days is normal and is similar to a burn pain. He said that sometimes with burns pain will develop during the healing process. If that is correct, and I assume it is, I am comforted. The pain is a slight and feels like a burning pain. It's not aggravated by anything and doesn't come on at any specific time (e.g. following a BM).
The CRS seemed a bit surprised about my bleeding but reassured me many times that it is healing. He said it's a bit more complex due to the excision site which is actually one site taken together with the fissure site. He said it looks like it is healing and he can tell by the new skin that is forming. I have another appt in about 3 weeks.
For my friends here, I was able to get some information. He uses a 4cm balloon that he inflates. He does not know any other doctors around the country who do it. He said that not many doctors do it at the Cleveland Clinic. He discovered the procedure because he felt like the LIS was only one option and he wanted to treat less severe fissures or first timers with an alternative to the LIS. This procedure is different than the manual dilation as that is not done with a balloon. The PBD can be done after an LIS. Additionally, a person can undergo multiple PBDs (hopefully not in my future, but it is reassuring). He said that the goal of the PBD and the LIS are the same. He fully recognizes that there is not any longitudinal evidence of the procedures success rate (and risks of course). That is something that each person will have to decide with their own family and CRS. He said that while other doctors at the Clinic don't do the PBD, they refer some AF patients to him for the PBD.
Well, that's where I am at today. I am to continue with the Sitz Baths and to continue with the fissure friendly diet. I am healing well and I am not to be shocked with bleeding and pain as this could take another 5 weeks to heal (or maybe even longer). I am doing well and I am staying calm.
He told me that I could start running again. I don't know if I am quite there yet, but it's nice to be medically cleared.
I hope I answered everyone questions. He was very gracious with me today and allowed to me ask from my list of questions (he was 20 mins late so I didn't feel bad asking all my questions!!).
Hope everyone is doing well. :)