by mypoopyhurtsme » 03 Jan 2008, 20:37
Fissulyna...oh, yes, I am well aware of all the research on the internet and the fact that dilatation is widely considered obsolete (and rather barbaric). I remember reading about it and swearing vehemently that I would never ever ever have that procedure done to me.
But I've changed my tune a bit...I still wouldn't have dilatation done by just anyone. In fact, at the moment, the only person I would consider having it done by is Dr. Sohn, who is well-known in the CRS community. Check out his web site...I think I posted it earlier in this thread. Basically the main problem with dilatation and the "research" on the internet is that there has never been a standard way of doing it. Therefore, results have varied dramatically. Dr. Sohn uses a precise and calibrated method. I spoke to him in person, and according to him, he has had no incontinence issues with like his last 1000 surgeries. And he has about a 90-95% success rate. Therefore, chance of incontinence from his procedure is less than with LIS, and it has a comparable chance of success. Of course, that's all according to him. But he does seem to be well-known / respected.
Hi, Lecia! I've been around, popping on every now and then. I haven't bothered contributing anything lately because I feel I have little to contribute. I've tried a million and a half things to fix my AF, but I've come to realize that if there's one thing I can't control, it's my AF. You know, I actually quit my AF-friendly diet during the holidays (I literally ate garbage all day), quit using nifedipine, scaled back my colace, and guess what? I had a couple decent weeks. Ridiculous.
I'm going to have botox once it gets approved by my insurance company. I doubt that it will work though. Honestly, I doubt dilatation or LIS would eliminate it completely either. But maybe I'm just a pessimist. Or maybe it's just too difficult for me to even imagine life without an AF after dealing with it actively for 8 months...and passively for 2 years. It has a way of demoralizing you as I'm sure you know.
How are you?!?