I have found that ice to the A helps a lot for breaking my pain cycle. I bought this great ice pack that really stays frozen/cold almost all day in my car running errands. So every time I get back in the car I'm adjusting the towel on my carseat, and the ice pack to get everything in the right spot. People must wonder what I'm doing! If I'm going to be in a store for quite a while, I put it in a cooler with my water/cokes.
My concern is whether I am slowing the healing process by using ice. All of the medications used (Nitro, Dilt, Rectiv) promote healing by dilating the blood vessels to increase blood flow to the area and also to relax the anal sphincter. It seems with ice, I would be slowing the blood supply and puckering up the anal sphincter.'
I am still using the Rectiv and doing sitz baths.
Has anyone had direct advice from their CRS regarding ice? Or any personal experience?

Ive always found a hot shower soothes some pain so i wouldnt know about ice.

I have only been advised to use heat - Sitz bath, etc.
I think that ice, although relieving for a bit, defeats the purpose of getting the area to open and heal.
You don't want the sphincter to become tighter, hence the medication to dilate blood vessels in the anus. I have the tightness problem, combined with scar tissue, so I only use heat.
Sav

Hiya,
I was also advised heat - though can't see the harm in using ice for short periods of relief?
I've been advised heat for fissures and ice for hemmroids! :)