by daffodil_in_pain » 27 Aug 2013, 21:40
Hey CrayonofDarkness, I am sorry to hear about the recurrence. I am also a graduate student, and had been in the midst of a clinical rotation when I re-tore, after being healed for just a month or so. I gather it is the change of routines (meals + BMs even though I try very hard to maintain regularity), plus the added stress.
I too, felt that I needed 'definitive treatment' (as per my CRS), as I still had many more months of clinicals.. I reasoned that if I can re-tear so quickly, I can re-tear anytime, and anytime is certainly not acceptable within my school schedule.
Also, any muscle including the anal sphincter under constant work/contraction undergoes hypertrophy, which will just intensify the daily painful spasm. I also imagine that maybe a longer/deeper cut will have to be performed in an LIS to achieve the same degree of muscle relaxation.. which would have implications for the recovery trajectory post-LIS, as well as risk for incontinence. I hope that makes sense.
A good, experienced CRS is therefore critical because they are the ones judging how much of the sphincter to cut. Pls don't cut yourself short and take any general surgeon. Perhaps you could ask around your contacts (and their contacts) for recommendations. Good luck!