The Colace, Miralax and olive oil have helped in that my stool is softer and going, although still excruciating, is a tiny bit better. Yet, every time I go, my AF is reinjured or irritated. So, how can it ever get better?

Daisy

Very very slowly. Believe me! It took me 5 months to heal from my fistulotomy surgery AFTER having LIS 3 months prior! I have pelvic floor dysfunction and my muscles contract when I have a BM, really badly too when I had open wounds. If I could heal, you can too. Hang in there. Healing there takes the patience of a saint.

Hi Daisy, are you still using the diltiazem? That should help. Also heat to the anus contributes to relaxing the sphincter and increasing blood flow (which is what the dilt. does). Feels good too.
Yes, the daily trauma makes healing very slow. Not pooping is worse though because then your stools get hard and dry. Keep on keeping on. It takes time, lots of time, but don't get discouraged. If you do, come here and vent! Everyone here understands.