Reached the bottom!

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Reached the bottom!

Postby PompeyBlue » 15 Oct 2012, 11:32

Hi
I'm an active(walking, cycling, dancing) 67 year old male in the UK.
I had an anal fissure 7 years ago. I can't remember a lot about it now apart from the misery, but it was cured with a course of diltiazem cream (from the hospital) then I forgot all about it.
Recently a change of medication constipated me and the straining obviously started another fissure.
This one seems worse but that may be subjective. The GP told me she could not prescribe diltiazem cream as it is unlicensed (has anyone else in the uk had this problem?) and gave me glyceryl trinitrate. I used this (no headaches but itching) and upped fibre intake but matters got worse.
I decided that softening stools would be the answer but ducosate capsules did not help. So I resorted to the the old fashioned remedy my mum used - mineral oil (known as liquid paraffin here).
So far it is working. BM possible with no straining though it takes time and patience. I have the former but little of the latter! I have had no bleeding for five days. Still a little discomfort during BM but no real pain during or after. I am hoping this indicates healing. I am also applying coconut oil regularly which seems to soothe.
I will soon try to wean myself off the mineral oil (any suggestions welcome). I hope I can cure myself again. I miss my cycling dreadfully! If progress remains positive I will post again in the hope that it may help others.
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Re: Reached the bottom!

Postby StevePain » 15 Oct 2012, 12:08

Hi Allan, no offence but you must be oldest sufferer we have.. Image
I got Diltiazem prescribed from the Hospital as well, they are the only ones that can prescribe it because it is unlicensed for treating fissures. I tried to get it off my GP but he wouldn't prescribe it, instead I got Anoheal (Diltiazem hydrochloride) which in essence is the same thing!!
I currently use Rectogesic (GTN) but suffer the headaches!
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Re: Reached the bottom!

Postby owmybum » 15 Oct 2012, 12:10

Hi pompeyblue,
I am also in the uk, and my doc can not prescribe diltiazem. It is unlicensed. I was prescribed some by the colorectal specialist at the hospital. Your best bet is to get a referral from your GP.
It sounds like you are doing all the right things and heading in the right direction.
I use lactulose as a stool softener. I get on with it really well, but I know others on here don't rate it that much.
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fissure after hem banding and tag removal feb 11
Pelvic floor therapy
Diltiazem
Botox June 13
Nitro
Internal flap July 14
EUA and polyps removed Nov 14
Diagnosed with neuropathy Jan 15
Diagnosed with HS EDS type 3 (causes poor wound healing )
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Re: Reached the bottom!

Postby StevePain » 15 Oct 2012, 12:19

I only take fibre supplements, not any other laxative at all, when I first saw my GP about all of this he gave me lactulose which is the first thing they offer, this stuff did nothing for me and was put on Docusate Sodium, then Movicol which sent my bowels on overdrive, I was pooping 10 + times a day Image Since stopping all that I settled for fibre supplements (Ispaghula Husk) which works much better for me.
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Re: Reached the bottom!

Postby PompeyBlue » 15 Oct 2012, 12:49

Thank you all for welcome, comments and suggestions.
Good news. GP rang just now to say after unhelpful discussion with PCT (local NHS admin) she will precribe Anoheal (diltiazem cream). So don't take no for an answer. I badgered her about it - 'it worked before' and so on! I am also waiting for a hospital appointment.
Re softener, thanks for recommendations. I think I will try Lactulose first as wary of bulking agents!
PS I am used to being oldest incycling and dancing but some of walking group predate me by a long way! And at least I had sixty fissure free years.
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Re: Reached the bottom!

Postby roadscholar » 15 Oct 2012, 15:21

I highly recommend Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350), or its generic equivalent. I take a cap full, with my fiber supplement every night. Not sure if it is available on your side of the pond but worth a look.
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