Wow, who knew there were so many of us? Good not to be alone, as I've been reluctant to announce my new status in my current social circles. I am learning to manage my "suspect fissure" but finding life very painful and difficult. I have been eaten very healthy (green smoothies, grind and use my own wheat type of thing) for a few years, and have had soft stools, and do not understand why this malady has struck me. I had skin tags and hemmies for a few years after childbirth, but only recently (perhaps as the result of a trip during which I ate buffet food for several days?) have I been bothered with them.
When the pain first got unbearable, I was prescribed a suppository for hems. The pain got worse and I went to a specialist. I had a colonoscopy, which showed I had a healthy colon and a "suspect" fissure. I don't know how you all stand the pain! Having an office say a doctor can see you in a week or two when you're reduced to tears and pain for hours of each day. I am currently debilitated and spend most of my time on the couch with my legs elevated, as it seems to help. I am currently on nitro cream which I apply twice a day, after a hot bath, which is after a BM. I take a double dose of Miralax each day, and I am just barely managing the pain. I am eating as little as possible too, as the times when I've fasted for a test (I just had a pelvic MRI yesterday--not sure what the dr. thinks he might find), and had just 1 BM that day have been heavenly. Well, at least the end of the day is. This is not going well with my lifestyle, as I am a stay at home Mom and school is out.
After a morning BM and bath and application of Nitro, I lie in my best healing place and it takes me 3-5 hours before the pain has decreased to the point that I can use my laptop. (my neck aches from using it lying down all the time.) Is this what you all are going through? I am supposed to drive 8 hrs. to take my firstborn to college (a freshman) in a couple of weeks--what am I going to do? What a rotten send off we are giving him.
My only guess as to why I am having this problem is a tight sphincter muscle. Before I started taking Miralax, I had a formed but soft BMs, and I still had to strain. I still strain some. In fact, when I took my prep for the colonoscopy, which was water consistency, eliminating was relatively heavenly, but I still had to push, and then it came shooting out. Then I'd take a deep breath and shoot out some more. But wouldn't the Dr. have noticed if it was tight? I don't feel like there are any "spasms", though. Back when I was doing suppositories, they hurt as much as a BM, but I could get them in (though frankly with all the skin tags and hems going on, it wasn't all that easy to find where to insert them). I also had a more recent hem pop out, and it's more firm than the others--the Dr. didn't seem to think that meant anything, but I can feel that it's connected to some of the pain I'm feeling. Also, when I strain (hoping that by eliminating more thoroughly maybe I'll just have one BM that day, I often feel like I don't get it all out), it feels like my rectal canal aches more severely and for longer that day.
I think that's all. Thanks to whomever took the time to read it all. Suggestions welcome.

Hi Sane, Sorry you are going through so much..I feel your pain, especially the stiff neck from trying to read, watch tv and use laptop while laying on side. it doesnt look like you have had surgery so I hope you heal on your own. It is hard with kids....mine are grown, and I have had to miss quite a few things between presurgery pain and post surgery recovery..(I missed one child's college graduation)..The only advice i can give you is to pay attention to your body and if you have that gut feeling that you arent healing, surgery does help. I wont lie, it sucks big time , but it is unreasonable to live with the pain otherwise. I had my surgery 6 weeks ago...I had a fissurectomy and LIS...the doc said the fissure was real deep, and that my ass skin was fried from the hydrocortisone suppositories...I feel the surgery stuff has healed as expected but because of my severity it will take longer to heal. I have had problems trying to get the perfect poop...so going 4 or 5 times a day does not help the healing. Have you tried milk of Magnesia? I havent tried it cause i am afraid of getting the runs, but maybe it will help you..either way, I wish you luck..it really is a test of patience and perseverance with positive thinking and much prayer! Feel better ! :D