Hey folks. Long time lurker, first time poster.
I have a question regarding blood amount while healing an AF. First a little history...
Im a 32 year old male. I was diagnosed with an AF just over two years ago. Its been bothering me on and off for the whole time, with the longest period of relief being only a few days between flare ups. I think its safe to say its chronic. Doctor says there is a sentinel pile down there, with the AF adjacent to it. First CRS had me taking nothing but metamucil. He lasted a few weeks. Next CRS had a look and said there is an obvious AF, pile, but might be a fistula as well. He put me on diltiazem about 5 weeks ago, i see him again in one week.
The diltiazem is OK, but not quite sure its working. Every 3 or so days I'd have a painful BM, blood, then throbbling pain for about 24-36 hours (even with the cream application and sitzing).
I found my sweet spot in fiber/water intake with PEG3350 and dulco softeners. I've been on a good run, however today i had a really nice and soft BM (almost perfect for the AF/hem surfferers) but it caused bleeding! Strange thing is, no pain!!? I thought "I'll take it", but why... why blood from a nice and soft BM? I've never experienced it. Usually it goes BM, pain, blood. Repeat.
Now my question(s). Does the presence of blood after a BM always mean a setback in healing? I mean, obviously a retear is bad, but why would it bleed from a soft movement and not be painful at all? Is blood there at allbthe possibility that blood can ever be a good sign? We all know that the key to healing these things is to promote blood flow to the area. So could blood but absence of pain be a sign of healing or does the presence of blood always mean tear or negative progress?
Any info/help/personal experiences welcome. Thanks!