Hi,
Browsed these forums for awhile before the surgery and I have to say the info and stories on here have helped a tremendous amount:
Here is my story:
I just turned 26 three days ago, healthy male 5'10" 167 lbs. I have suffered from an anal fissure for about 6 years. Symptoms included pain, bleeding, extremely itchy.
I suffered from pain and a bit of bleeding for the first couple years and kept using creams, suppositories thinking it was hemorrhoids. One day in college I passed quite a bit of blood with a BM and went to the ER, a doctor examined the area and said it was likely a hemorrhoid, suggested drinking sugary drinks to soften stool, fibre, etc.
Suffered until November 2011 when I finally got over the embarrassment of talking to my doctor and said I need this checked out, can't sleep etc. He referred me to a general surgeon who suggested a colonoscopy, the surgeon said I had two small hemorroids and suggested changing my diet. He said cut back on things like beer, caffeine, dairy, tomatoes, etc. I found this not helpful as I don't drink pop or coffee, and go months without having an alcoholic beverage. I cut back on my milk and tomato intake which did not seem to help.
I began taking metamucil, eating lots of fibre, etc but still suffered.
September 2012 I told my doctor I can't remember the last time I slept through the night and told him I think the problem is a fissure. He again referred me to a surgeon (new surgeon), she examined the area and said I did in fact suffer from AF and that she noted spasming and a couple external piles (these have been very uncomfortable as well, very itchy). She suggested trying diltiazem cream for 6 weeks but said she figured 30% chance the cream would work, that LIS was likely and I asked if the piles could be taken care of as well.
Needless to say she performed the LIS yesterday moring, and I'm not entirely sure but I dont think she touched the piles (although they haven't really bother me since the surgery). After the surgery she told me they cut the sphincter noting it was really tight and that I have 3 internal stithces and an external stitch. I didn't ask about the piles as I was rather groggy.
I am experiencing pain now but nothing extreme(occasionally can be severe) I have stopped taking the tramacet prescribed because I have been unable to have a bowel movement besides ridding myself of the packing last night. The area is swollen and sore and very bruised (hard to see were any incision are because of the tenderness) but regular epsom salt baths have been keeping it comfortable.
I have been taking the stool softeners recommended continued with Metamucil, lots of fibre and water. Honestly don't really feel like I need to have a BM which I find strange as I am usually very regular.
Also I would like to mention that the pain is different than before the surgery, so far the extreme itching hasn't been present and the painful spasming is pretty well gone (touch wood).
Does anyone have experience with piles? If they are still present should they heal up on their own after LIS?
Sorry for the long story!!