by momof7 » 12 Apr 2013, 08:16
I'm on day 18 of nifedipine. It IS working for me. My CRS told me I could call him in 2 weeks to discuss other options if I didn't see improvement.
At one week, I couldn't tell a difference except for about three 30 minute periods that I didn't really realize I had a butt. Wow..."It might be working." Now, I'm on day three with only a few sporadic mild spasm episodes and two BM's with no 12-hour spasms after!!!!!
So, my CRS has me using the cream 4-5 times a day with instructions to continue when the spasms stop. Yesterday i had to remind myself. Now that is progress! also, CRS said I could use the cream the more often if I needed to. He said to apply internally, where the fissure is. NOT thr to "ring around the rosie" with the sphincter.
I'm down to a pea sized amount, maybe two peas, but not a dime...it gets wasted. Anyway, my fissure is posterior midline, s here is what works for my.
Right hand ring finger (next to pinky), trim nail way down. Apple nifedipine to pad of fingertip, reach around behind, using very tip top of finger, find center (between all my hemmies and other tags...). then applying gentle pressure to the anterior (part nearest front) slide finger in, rub with an up-and down motion rather than side to side. Wipe the finger with toilet paper to remove the vaseline feel. Then I wash my hands really well.
Now, After perfecting my "technique" I have also found that when I was still having hard BM's, I could use a little pressure to the anterior sphincter (reaching from the front instead of the rear) to help the BM pass, or place my finger in the posterior position to protect the fissure.
I don't use the cots. I just practice good hygiene before and after.
Adding Miralax to prevent constipation, and Metamucil for bulk (my BM's tend to be too soft unless I get const.) has helped sooo very much.
I was pain free the last two days, only slight discomfort. And I was so afraid I was going to be in torture forever!
Do get the cream inside. It doesn't hurt to also get in externally, especially if there are hemmies, but it should go on or as close to the sphincter as you can get it. Only 1/2 in does it.
If you have to, lie down in the hot bath, try to relax...even if the sphincter won't...get everything else as relaxed as possible, then turn to your left and apply medicine with right hand while in the tub.
Hang in there! It will get easier.