This is my first visit to the forum and now realize just how many people "silently" suffer with anal fissures. Even working in the medical field, the subject can be uncomfortable and slightly embarrassing to explain (I'm not so embarrassed as I've wipe many bottoms in my day!)
This is my first anal fissure and I am doing everything possible to make it my last. It has been an issure for about three weeks now. Lots of sitz baths, fiber, water, ibuoprofen, and walking seem to be of some help. Plus I saw a colo-rectal surgeon and he prescribed nitroglycerin cream to the fissure. The number one thing I can pass along is to RELAX!!! when trying to have a bowel movement I know this is much easier said than done but taking slow, deep breaths, sitz baths, listening to the radio or looking at something comedic online (thank God for smart phones) has been benefical to me so far.
As one person described it, it's like pooping shards on glass. But the longer you hold off, the worse the constipation will be. Good luck to my fellow sufferers and remember that you are NOT alone!