So things have been pretty up and down with me this week. The primary issue is that I have a lot of irritation on the area of the skin tag removal. There were a couple of days where I had little drops of blood if I blotted right on that area. But BMs did not hurt. However, tonight it did hurt a little, although it seemed to still involve that area outside the anal opening where the skin tag was. Maybe I am deluding myself though and it is actually the fissure that is hurting and bleeding? I'm bummed. I know people have ups and downs, but am I being unrealistic to expect to be further along at 6 weeks? I was supposed to just call my CRS to check in this week, but yesterday I called the office and made an appointment for Wednesday. I'd just feel better if he checks it out. But I'd love input from those who are further along than I am. Sometimes I forget how long this takes and get scared!
Bambi

Hmm, I'll bet it's just the skin tag area letting you know it's still not perfectly healed. But having your doctor check it out can't hurt. Your mind is probably just running away, thinking the fissure is back--I know, I do it too.
I'm having a little bit of a down day too, I've had incision pain today during the BM and when I move wrong I feel it hurting. I know it's only been 10 days so I should expect this. But yesterday I didn't feel any pain so I wonder why I do today. Chances are I just overdid it! My husband and I went shopping yesterday and we spent two hours in the car, so I know I sat too much. And I had a beer, and potato chips, and a LOT of popcorn...either I'm brave or I'm an idiot! I just felt it was time to live a little, I guess. Anyway it's a wonder I didn't bleed considering the BM I had. I think Citrucel and Miralax saved me there.
I have a Citrucel question for you, again--what type were you taking? Was it sugar free or the regular? I know it didn't agree with you, and I read somewhere that the sugar free version can really aggravate IBS.
Well, I hope you hear good news at the doctor's office and feel reassured that things are still okay. I think 6 weeks isn't that far along yet, but it's hard to escape those moments of panic and despair that happen with even minor setbacks.

Hey Bambi,
Frustrated? ... Yeah, I think I know what you mean there. Things have been up and down for me too. If it means anything, I'm still having quite a lot of difficulties. My CRS assures me that my fissure is gone and that the LIS incision site is healing well. She had a scope in there just this week, so she ought to know! I'm still getting quite a lot of pain and such though. I think that maybe it does just take a while. I'm just over 7 weeks post LIS and the recovery really hasn't been easy. I've been seeing a pelvic floor specialist, eating the same old pre LIS diet and basically just doing my best. I'm sure that we will all get there in the end. I think it may just take some a bit longer than others. Those skin tag sites are nasty little %$%^*. They seem to take the longest time to heal up. It's a good idea to go see your CRS. Hopefully they can offer some reassurance.
Alpine - Hope your recovery is going well, despite the off day! Popcorn! ... Oh man, I wouldn't dare eat popcorn yet. I'm still too cautious to eat anything different.

Thanks Sphincter and Alpine-
First of all, Alpine, I wouldn't worry at all about the feelings you described. I remember having that incision pain feeling until somewhere around 4 weeks. Not in a terrible way- just at times. But wow- you are brave! I miss popcorn but I'm too scared to eat it either!
And Sphincter- I'm so sorry to hear you have still been having problems. I am really glad I was able to get in with my CRS this week and I'm hoping he'll look and say all looks normal for where I am. I'm really hoping he can say he thinks the fissure is healed- otherwise I am better today. I tried to put a film of A and D ointment on there to protect things. I managed to walk for 30 minutes without too much irritation. I feel like I'm working without a net since I am no longer taking any fiber supplements or Miralax or Colace or anything, but things have been ok. A little firmer at the outset and definitely a little bigger, but ok. I still have BMs 2-3 times a day. I plan to talk to him about all that too to make sure he thinks it is ok that I am relying on my own body and my diet.
Alpine- I'm pretty sure it was regular because it is a huge container and I used to buy the sugar free for my mother-in-law when she was alive and those containers were smaller somehow. I guess the sugar takes more room!
Bambi

i thik everyone has ups and downs but it stinks that there are sooooo many downs.
I am now 5 months post op and things seem to always be on the down. I am giving myself 1 more month then off to the docs to see whats happening.
I hope the CRS app goes well and they say its all healing and to give it a few more weeks.