Hi - I'm Susie!
I've been dealing with an anal fissure on and off for about 6 years. Usually I've been able to heal by taking in lots of fiber & water and decreasing foods that are spicy or generally unhealthy. Dairy has never really been my friend. The fissure would often flare up around times of significant stress (e.g., through my divorce a few years ago).
Anyway, it's been "flaring" for about 10 months straight now. BM's are often tearful experiences, leaving me in a cold sweat, blood in the toilet and then I need to lie down for 20-30 minutes until the spasms subside. I self-treat with hemorrhoid suppositories, hemorrhoid gel internally, Aleve, etc. -- whatever I can get to work. During particularly bad episodes, I'll feel nauseous. I can only describe the pain as though I'm passing a cheese grater.
My family doctor prescribed proctofoam a few times, which helped although I understand now it's off the market. I was referred to a colorectal surgeon 4 years ago who prescribed another type of gel that increased blood flow to the area -- to make it heal faster. At least that was my understanding. However, using that gel caused pain so bad I nearly passed out -- so that wasn't so fun. I was told if the fissure didn't respond well to that gel, surgery was my next option.
Anyway, I was back at my family doctor this week after deciding enough was enough -- this fissure isn't healing on its own. I can't live in denial anymore. I fear bowel movements and it's really interfering with my life (Dog wants to go for a long walk?? Hmmm - maybe just down to the end of the driveway and back...). Doc offered to skip the probing this week and just refer me to the specialist again. I'll see her in 2 weeks.
I've been reading lots of posts here and even went so far as to watch a fissurectomy on YouTube. (Maybe I shouldn't have done that...) I'm redoubling my fiber efforts. Fruits/vegetables, FiberOne bars for breakfast, Benefiber mixed with water at least once a day. I switched from Colace to Miralax. Apparently I was a little overzealous because I spent a good portion of the morning in the bathroom with a little diarrhea. Compared to the painful stools I was passing - this was almost a godsend.... I had no pain! No blood! No spasms!
I don't know whether I'll be able to keep the surgery at bay -- we'll see what the surgeon says when she has a look. From what I understand the clinic where I'll be going is excellent -- my family doctor had great things to say about this specialist.
OK - that's all for now! I got a little rambly in there.... :)