Hi all, I've been on this miserable journey for about 3 months, not as long as many of you here!
I've learned in these months that it's more about managing your routine and diet, than about drugs. I took nifedipine for 8 weeks, with no effect whatsoever. The CR nurse said I had not healed at all. In spite of this, I do feel much better than I did at first, because (I think) I learned to keep my stools very soft, and to sit on a heated pad as much as possible.
I've recently switched to diltiazem, and feel a little bit hopeful that it may be working for me.
I have two questions. One is, I started to use kondremul as a stool softener. It works very well. Since I started taking it about two weeks ago, I've lost 6 pounds. I am drinking lots and lots of water, and pee a lot, so don't think this is water loss. Has anyone else experienced weight loss while on stool softener? I don't mind losing a bit of weight, but don't want to damage my health especially right now that I'm trying to heal.
My other question, is what do you all do about getting these greasy medicines/coconut oil etc on your underwear? I've tried panty pads, but they are not big enough. I've tried B-sure anal leakage pads, which fit between the buttocks. They work better, but I'd really prefer some large style panty-pad that would stick to my underwear. Sometimes the greasy stuff soaks through my underwear and onto my trousers. I've started to wear two pairs of underwear at a time. But anyway, I don't want all my undies ruined.
Many thanks to all of you. I've learned a lot reading posts here, and it's really nice to be able to share problems and talk about stuff that feels pretty unmentionable to my friends.