Was diagnosed last week by a CR surgeon that I have a posterior anal fissure. She was pretty nonchalant about it, gave me some hydro cortisone cream and told me to drink lots of water, take sitz baths and get 25-30 grams of fiber and it should heal. Of course I was in mind numbing pain from the digital exam and trying not to toss my cookies, she scheduled me for a colonoscopy in 8 weeks just as a precaution. I didn't think to ask any questions, just wanted to run home to a hot tub. So yeah, that's me, this totally sucks. I can't believe we are shoving aloe vera plants and foot creams up our butts and the medical profession doesn't have much to treat this, rather common it seems, problem. I'm a little shocked there isn't better treatments out there .

Hello,
I am New also. Just logged in yesterday. I have found so many helpful posts and nice people when looking at this forum. Sorry to hear about your discovery. I don't have a fissure right now. I went to my doctor yesterday.
I wanted to say, can and do heal, so take care of yourself. I am still reading thru on this board to stay healthy. For me, not that this has happened I want to do all I can to never have it come back again, as they can do.

The way I like sweet potatoes is ... I peel and then boil them, then I add a touch of maple syrup, a dash of cinnamon, a little bit of almond milk, and then a tablespoon of coconut oil, and I mash them with a potato masher. Delicious, healthy, and wonderful for healing.

Sweetcheeks,
I'm thinking, if it were me, I wouldn't want to have a colonoscopy while healing an AF. Some docs just routinely suggest it, and others don't. Not sure why the different approaches between doc.
You might want to see how you are closer to the appointment, and if you are healing, cancel it.
I hate it when they are so nonchalant about AFs. I mean can't they at least fake feeling a bit of compassion for their patient?
Plus, hydrocortisone is not the best salve to prescribe for a fissure. So I kinda question your CRS's judgment. You might want to get a second opinion.
IMO of course.
Sure hope you feel better soon!
jr, sounds like a great way to incorporate coconut oil into your diet!
-Tanya

Tanya,
I don't know how I managed to put that sweet potato post here. I thought I was in another post where we were talking about diet tips. Geez, I must really be losing it.

The removal of a polyp during a colonoscopy is what CAUSED my (second) anal fissure. I agree with workingonit: Get a second opinion.

Lol jr2! That made my night. Was kinda wondering how that tied in. Sounds yummy, I love sweet potatoes.

Flanders,
I'm still trying to figure it out!!!
But it is a yummy recipe.

Hi I am a newbee finding this website very helpful, I have been in excruciating pain now for three weeks, I was first diagnosed by GP as having haemoroid, he gace me suppositories and proctosedyl ointment that were useless. I am in so much pain I went to hospital 4 days agothere i was diagnosed with fissure, I was given Rectogesic cream and told i could only use this once a day I am also useing Calendula cream I am still in pain all day can anyone suggest anything to give me some relief. Thank you for your help Lenny

Lenny,
I'm afraid there is no quick fix.
Sitz baths and an electric heating pad are good for pain control. Be careful not to make either too hot.
Controlling your diet with fiber, lots of water and maybe some kind of fiber supplement or stool softener is key to healing. You want your BMs to be soft like toothpaste so you don't have to push at all. No straining!
Also, please get an appointment with a specialist. A colorectal surgeon or the equivalent of that in the country where you are. GI specialists are generally not the right specialist for a fissure.
I wish I could give more advice. Calenudla cream sounds good. Lots of people like extra virgin coconut oil and aloe vera as well.
Hope it heals quickly for you!
-Tanya