by Ever the Optimist » 01 Oct 2013, 10:00
Hi Belle,
Sorry to read your post and of your suffering but it's good you are going back to your GP again for a second opinion.
Have you been referred to a Colon & Rectal surgeon with your issues? because they really are the specialists in these issues. Have you actually been diagnosed with fissures or is it actually the hems that are causing this trouble?
It's always frightening when bleeding is involved especially since you just went for a wee!
It looks like hems bleed a lot especially when you look in the bowl but often it's not as much as you probably fear. it just look a whole lot worse once the blood mixes with the water. Nonetheless, they are still not nice to deal with!
Do you have very soft stools when you go the toilet or do you you find yourself straining a lot ? because this is obviously a no-go because of the excessive pressure on your bottom. If you find yourself a bit constipated or passing hard stools, it might be worth considering a stool softener and looking at your diet (You will find so much help here!!) Are you drinking at least 3 litres of water a day because this will help you a lot?
Also, take care when you clean-up, because harsh wiping with paper is just as bad for you - use baby wipes and dab gently or better still, get yourself a Sitz bath or use a shower head to clean up.
Piles hate exercise so walking for a while every day will also help, as well as ice packs on your bottom alternated with a heating pad or hot water bottle....
If you are not seeing a CRS, it might be worth asking for referral to one via your GP just to check everything out thoroughly and if you start to religiously start implementing the above measures into your routine, hopefully you will see some improvements after a few weeks. Experience has shown me that these things don't clear up overnight unfortunately but over time, with a lot of TLC to your bottom!!
Try not to stress yourself too much because that really won't help - Stuff like this is really normal sadly but with the help of a proper diagnosis and treatment and some friendly home measures, huge improvements can be made.
I honestly wish you all the very best in getting this sorted out and for peace of mind.......
Chronic Fissure diagnosed December 2011
Healed by Diltiazem around Feb 2013
Anal Fistula followed burst abscess in June 2012
2 internal troublesome piles remain & suspected, but undiagnosed, ongoing Levator Ani type symptoms & flare-ups