Hi
I've just found and joined the forum. Hoping for some tips and encouraging anecdotes!
I've had an AF since having my 2nd baby - 5.5 years ago! I thought it was hemhorroids for a long time and only figured out it was AF after lots of pain, visits to specialists and researching on the internet!
I'm now almost able to control it but I do cycle round between almost healed/ aggravated.
I take Fybogel every day and drink prune juice before I go to bed. If the AF gets aggravated I eat mainly fruit and veg till it gets better. I wish I had the discipline and sense to stick to a diet that would allow it to heal but once it starts to feel better I slip into bad habits again.
I also find travelling can cause problems (interrupts BM routine!) and also my menstrual cycle - sounds weird but the AF often seems to get worse/ more prone to aggravation just before period!?
Thanks!

Hi Dutch,
I find the only way I can be sure of enough fibre is to supplement with metamucil, which i guess is similar to fybogel. I also do a spoonful of olive oil at lunch and dinner. Some magnesium in the evening helps a lot of people. I am trying this myself, or I might just do prune juice. It is hard to get things just right!
I kinda dread travelling too. Sad.
What did your specialist recommend?
Have you seen a CRS (Colon Rectal Surgeon)? They are really the best people to see for fissures. Not because you need surgery, but just in general.
They could give you a topical like nifedipine that might help speed up recovery. I find it is slowly working for me.
If it's been that long for you, you might consider skipping the creams and going straight to botox.
One thing for sure, is you need to be very patient and do 20-30 g of fibre/day and lots and lots of water.
-woi

Hi
I did see a CRS may 2.5 years ago - after various investigations, which in retrospect probably aggravated the problem ,I was presecribed Rectogesic. I do use it sometimes but find it really painful to apply, so tend only to use it as a last resort. Having found out what the problem actually was I've managed to control it enough with diet/ fibre supplement to avoid the kind of pain I had originally when I didn't understand what it was.
I might look into Botox - thanks for the tip!

Hey dutch,
If you search on here for rectogesic, there are others with tips on how to apply it. One was to use a Qtip.
I think it would help you heal faster though IMO.
-woi

Thanks - have had a look through the Rectogesic thread; maybe I should persevere with it on more a regular basis. I get the headaches and racing heart side effects which puts me off, but it sounds like that should get less with regular use fomr what others have said.

Take care Dutchgirl- God willing u get the relief we all need. Keep yeh eating right n drinking plenty water n other good liquids