Hello, I'm new to this forum although not new to rectal pain. I've been going to VA Medical Center since last November and finally have an appointment with a colorectal specialist outside the VA on August 3rd. GI doctor said I have nothing wrong; surgeon suspects I have a slow healing fissure. On August 12, I am having Sigmoid to determine what is going on. I spent six months taking only Citrucel; last month surgeon put me on Nitro-Bid, which finally calmed down the pain. She was reluctant, said "Whatever is going on isn't serious." But at the same time, I lost almost 25 pounds, afraid to eat anything; spent four months awake most nights in pain. The anxiety of not knowing has really done me in. I think whatever is going on is healing but I have no idea. So happy to have found this site!

Follow-up: I saw Colorectal Doctor this week and I do not have a fissure. What I do have is internal hemorrhoid and Levator Ani Syndrome (left side), which is probably more challenging than the hemorrhoid. No more Nitroglycerin, no flexible sigmoid test. I will be in physical therapy for six weeks, then doctor is going to band hemorrhoid. It has been so frustrating NOT knowing why I have this ongoing soreness. I was bounced around from GI to surgeon at the VA. This has gone on for months. It's so critical to see the right doctor, a specialist who has diagnosed thousands of patients with rectal issues. My situation is challenging but at least I have hope.