Along with many others, I so appreciate this forum. Amazing to actually have a reason to read pooping stories. But once you have an AF, you understand.
I have suffered with my AF off and on for over a year. I have had so many setbacks, I've at times dispaired about ever getting better.
However, I'm starting to have real hope that I'm turning the corner on this thing, and actually beginning to heal. Today makes the third day in a row without any real spasms at all. There's still this dull ache down there that takes awhile to go away, but those hellish spasms...haven't had them.
I can't describe the level of pain these spasms can produce. Until they subside (often hours after a movement), driving or riding in a car has had me trying to lift my butt up in the air, even to the point of moaning, crying, even yelling out in pain. I've been up at 2:00 a.m. walking the streets trying to get them to subside. Man, it can hurt.
After describing the pain to my CRS, he prescribed .3% Nitroglycerine ointment. Isn't .2% the norm?
But now, for three glorious days, no spasms.
I've hit on a routine that may just be working for me.
1. I take several of the Wal-Mart brand of the Metamucil fiber capsules after every meal. Of course, I drink plenty of water.
2. I try to put an emphasis on high-fiber foods. Although, my CRS told me he thinks a "high fiber" diet is inadequate, that everyone (not just AF sufferers) should be taking a fiber supplement.
3. I think I do better with a little extra soluble fiber, so every day I have a couple of "fiber gummies".
4. I had been taking a laxative every night, but found it difficult to hit on the right dosage. Either my stool was still too hard, or it became too runny. So I've switched to Peri-Colace (the Wal-Mart version) stool softener. I started with a lower dosage, but after some trial and error, have settled on taking 4 every night.
I think the stool softener may be one of the final pieces of the puzzle. My stools are so much easier to handle now.
Of course I could have a bad day tomorrow. But my overall trend seems to be improving over the last couple of weeks. I so want to get past this.