Hello all! I basically self-diagnosed my fissure after suffering with pain and going from one doctor to the other and being told it was hemmorhoids. Yesterday I went to a general surgeon (second visit) who had previously given me Analpram for the hem's. I specifically asked him to look to see if I had a fissure, and yes, he said, I had a fissure on "the left".
He wanted to give me a lidocaine prescription, but said that I had had a bad reaction to this, to which he told me that he couldn't help me then, and did not seem to think anything else worked... This might have been
his lack of knowledge of the other choices. I don't know!
I am worrying a little about the left side fissure, as having an autoimmune disease, whether this is different than having the fissure at the bottom position in the anus. Just another worry.
Anyway, this is where I am now.

Hello savaici - Hope all is "sava" where you are! Wondered how you were doing after the diltiazem experience you had, and hope you are feeling better.
Welll - my first impression is that the general surgeon didn't sound terribly knowledgeable in the ways of fissures. Actually, a bit like the one that I just saw, who basically offered no alternatives to ointments. So when this doctors says it is on the left side... does he really know what he's talking about? And is it just left of center, or what? So, I would say that you need to see a crs and hear from them before you would start worrying. Just my opinion, from afar.

I have this feeling not a whole lot of docs know what to really do about it and just opt for surgery. After you've tried ointments.
Thing that bothers me the most is, it's a wound. Wounds should normally heal over a period of time. Though even chronic wounds could heal eventually with the right help.

Sav-
Ya, I agree the surgeon should be a little more specific as the location. Is there a CRS in your area?
Autoimmune diseases can cause fissures. I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's in November after suffering from fissures for almost 5 years. I had a LIS. I still get fissures that open up but the LIS makes them less painful and easier to heal. I started treatment to suppress my immune system in late December. It takes about 3 months to see the full effect of the med I am on but am hopeful this will help me put fissures at bay along with the fistula I have.
Anyways, I think it would be very important to find out if you have another disease process creating the fissures. If so, the treatment options will be potential different than the knife.
Best of luck.

Paul,
I like your new avatar!
Best wishes for your treatment. I just registered for the CCFA conference which will be held in Rosemont, Illinois, on 4/9! (They're trying to make it more of a "regional" conference as it is one of the largest held throughout the Midwest.) I've always learned a lot every time I've attended one (and get updates on the latest research).

Savaici
From my limited knowledge some general surgeons are CRS as well - don't know if yours is, but the CRS I have researched online, they usually recommend the NTG or Diltiazem as far as I can find out.
I assume if a CRS thought you had a fissure in an unusual position she/he would investigate further?

cherylk wrote:Paul,
I like your new avatar!
Best wishes for your treatment. I just registered for the CCFA conference which will be held in Rosemont, Illinois, on 4/9! (They're trying to make it more of a "regional" conference as it is one of the largest held throughout the Midwest.) I've always learned a lot every time I've attended one (and get updates on the latest research).

Thanks Cheryl. My avatar is a picture I took up at the North Shore of Lake Superior - my favorite place in the state. We usually try to take several trips up there in the summer.
There is a CCFA conference on March 12 up here. My wife has a conference that same day for her work so I am on kid duty that weekend. Next time hopefully it will work out that I can attend.

Paul,
The CCFA website also always has great info and updates. You are another talented photographer in the AFSF group!

Evening all!
The surgeon that I saw is definitely not a CRS. He does colonoscopies but otherwise is a general surgeon. I am happy that at least he immediately found the fissure, though my skin is in such a mess around that area ( it is wonderful how easy it is to talk about these things among AF friends here) that it is a wonder that he could find anything. Perhaps the fact that I nearly jumped five feet into the air when he touched me convinced him. He did say it would hurt in the search... He did not lie.
I have what they call Incomplete Behcet's Disease. I have had no treatment for it yet as I had TB Meningitis as a child and it can reaccure in treatment, so have been a bit nervous. They want to try Remicade. I am just nervous.
The surgeon wants me to go to a hospital closer than Johns Hopkins, but anywhere I go requires a flight. Nothing around here; no GI doctors of any sort and certainly no CRS. I really want to see someone who will cover everything, hence was aiming for the only holistic gastrointerologist in the States. Will be seeing the doctor who looks after me for Behcet's in March, so will see what he has to say about everything. He is not local but comes up here once a month. A rheumatologist. Very nice doctor.
In general, "sa va ici", Bumbutt, and you all!!!

Just read about Behcet's after reading your post.
I wish you all the best with the treatment you may be having.
Your rheumatologist certainly sounds a good person to get further advice from, and possibly regarding a CRS too.
A close relative of mine still has to make a short flight twice a year to see a specialist. Used to have to go more often but fortunately doesn't need to now.
Best wishes
Ralph