by Scientist2516 » 24 Sep 2013, 11:43
Yeah, lidocaine was useless for me too. The nurse also prescribed a stronger version, lidocaine/prilocaine, and that didn't help either. And it did burn.
I'm a great fan of warmth. The baths are good, and you can also sit on a heat pad or warm hot-water bottle.
It doesn't just help the pain, it also relaxes the anal sphincter to improve blood supply for healing.
I don't know much about diet, but my stools are soft. I take 5 psyllium capsules twice a day - total about 5 grams. I eat oatmeal in the morning, with some fruit like grated apple, raisins, peach etc. I avoid banana because I'm afraid it might be constipating.
I love bread, but have really cut down on it.
I always eat a lot of fruit and veg - always have. Drinking a lot of water is key - you already know that - and if things aren't going well I take Kondremul mineral oil laxative, which lubricates the BM. You have to order it, as few pharmacies carry it.
All in all, I've had only one hard stool since May, so that diet has been successful for me. I don't worry too much about what I eat, but just make sure to get enough fibre.
Good luck! If you are like me, you'll have browsed this forum extensively and picked up a lot of hints and tips for your diet. You have to experiment, and it may take a while. Supplemental fibre and laxatives will help you while you sort out what you can and can't eat.
If your BMs are soft, eventually the pain WILL fade. It seems like forever while you are still in the bad phase, but it DOES end, or at least improve. Hang in there!
Nifedipine/lidocaine, no help
Diltiazem, effective, but caused major rash
Nitroglycerine, effective.
Topical estrogen for final healing.
Gentle heat to bottom - pain relief, muscle relaxant
Kondremul mineral oil
Time - lots of time.
Status - Healed!