I'm so thankful for this forum. It's been more instructive than any other information I've come across. I found you guys after my first CRS (from hell) appointment.
I saw my second CRS on Friday and what a completely welcome change from the first one. First she chatted with me and discussed typical options like nitro, etc. She said she was just going to look... and only do a digital exam if she didn't see a fissure so she could check for cancer. I asked about an anoscopy and she said not with an active fissure - dr. #1 had done one and it was horrific. Well - the fissure was very evident so she just looked and did a minimum of pressing, etc.
After the exam she said it was bad, and developing an infection. She said she didn't think any of the creams would be useful at this stage and I should have surgery, sooner rather than later.
She has very good reviews online and an excellent educational background... plus the entire office seemed very caring... so I said to just do it.
I've been reading some of the LIS stories here and am quite apprehensive, but this has interfered with my life for so long that I'm hoping I'm one of the lucky ones and get relief with the surgery.