Im an Australian Mum of 2 that has had a fissure on and off for probably more than 10 yrs. I had painless bleeding until the birth of my first child and then an 18 mth battle to resolve the fissure in which I was successful, and now cant remember how :/ After giving birth to my second child who will be 2 this month the fissure returned and I have not been able to get it gone. I am currently biting down on a face washer to get through my BM, then have a warm shower afterward. The fissure really affects the ability to care for my children, lucky I have an au pair right now. Practically everyone I know knows about my problem. I really avoid pharmaceutical medicine in my general approach but I am trying everything I can now, so tired of it all. Oh last but not least I am still BF my second child and this affects my options. But that is very important to me so I endure.
About 3 months ago my fissure got infected and has been giving my light headedness, exhaustion and poor immune function plus inserting any creams etc became unbearable, I could barely even put a finger slightly internally. After taking ABs for a UTI I was shocked to feel so much better and that my daily insertion/lubrication was getting easier - talked to my GP about changes in feeling down there and she is almost certain it was infected. I suddenly felt that maybe it would heal. I'm terrified of surgery and don't feel that it will fix me anyway - so scared to go through that and then have another fissure afterward. Is the surgery as painful as I have in my mind?
I change between zinc creams, naturopathic/homeopathic ointment, tried proctosedyl to no efffect but given only for a week or so, I have totally utterly changed my diet to omit so many things but main players dairy and grains. I already have migraines so have been scared of rectogesic.
Im exhausted, low, tired, feeling defeated. I have anxiety so have been holding back on writing here to not be freaked out by thinking it might never heal with the stories of others having that experiences. But for now, I just need support from someone who understands. This 2 years has been a long time...

soreandtired,

I'm so sorry to hear all you have been enduring for two years. As a mom it must be so hard for you to cope with the fissure on top of all you want to be able to do for your children.
I'm wondering what you are doing to make sure your bowel movements are soft and easy to pass with no straining. This is essential in the presence of fissures to help prevent more trauma to the area.
Second, you could ask your doctor to prescribe either diltiazem or nifedipine to be compounded into an ointment. These medicines work similarly to nitroglycerin without the headache as a side effect.
Third, surgery. It doesn't sound like you have seen a colorectal surgeon. Is that correct? It woud be worth it for you to be seen by a specialist who can better evaluate your fissure and what the best treatment plan for you would be. The most common surgery is calked a lateral internal sphincterotomy, and while no surgery in the anal area is pleasant, most people who have had it done feel it was well worth the weeks afterward it took to recover and get their life back. I'm not a surgical candidate for a variety of reasons, so I really can't advise on what it feels like, but having read a lot of accounts of the surgeries of others, the experiences are pretty varied. Some peope barely know they even had surgery, with relief that is virtually immediate. Others have a longer recovery and report more pain. It really all depends on the individual. The first step though is to at least get the consult with a colorectal surgeon so that they can evaluate you and lay out a personal treatment plan that will work for you.
Wishing you all the best.