I am on day 3 post LIS and doing pretty well. I am 27 years old and suffered from Chronic fissure for 8 years. I tried everything from homeopathic remedies, creams, GI recommended suppositories etc.. Finally although terrified i opted for the surgery.
I would say that over the past 8 years my anal problems have pretty much ruled my life. I am generally fit, exercise regularly, but through what i later found out was a anal fissure and was originally diagnosed as a thrombosed hemroid, i have struggled maintaing a good level of living and keeping pain free. So i guess time for the surgery!
Things i would say for anyone considering the surgery.
Try to eat well pre surgery (at least a few weeks), I did this and although i took fleets enemas as directed on surgery day, I found out later things will still be in your system.
Opt for a new drug the anesthesiologist can give you through the IV for anti nausea, you do not want to be sick coming out of surgery especially with this type of procedure.
Make sure you are seeing the best colorectal surgeon in your area, i drove 4 hours to go to mine and spent $4,000 out of network because i knew i was seeing one of the best in the state. This is not the kind of surgery you want to skimp on and the extra $$ and treatment i'm sure will pay off, or hopefully :)
Post Surgery
I was put on Percocet and Colace for pain and stool softening. I chose to take a 1/2 dose of Percocet and maximum of Colace for enough pain relief without constipation.
Diet i have strictly stuck with liquid, no meat, things like fruit smoothies, veggie and lentil soups etc. and benefiber tabs. I also took protein powder for 1st 2 days to try and help increase muscle rehab.
My 1st bowel movement happened this morning and can i say wow!
I have read the 1st one will be painful through most of the other people on this forum and mine was no different. My main problem was constipation, and i would highly recommend taking some milk of magnesia (which i didn't) to try and help. All of the pain killers they give you and anesthetic makes for serious back ups, and although i thought i had covered my angles, i was still lying on the bathroom floor suffering from severe intestinal cramping and pain for 45mins, waking everything up down there was pivotal and i finally passed a stool which was very large and painful. Although i would say it was a different type of pain from the tearing fissure pain. Post this i have spent some time in the tub, and using sitz baths. To try and reduce constipation i am doing a 1/4 dose of pain meds and supplementing tylenol. I am also exercising by walking to try and increase blood flow for healing. Sorry for the long post, and i'll keep my blog going throughout the healing process. Good luck for anyone else going through this and keep up beat!! :D
