by Ever the Optimist » 19 Jun 2012, 12:21
Hi Dan,
I'm really shocked at the response of your CRS.
3 weeks is still an acute stage for a fissure and to give you an ultimatum of 3 weeks or surgery is terrible! Are you able to get a second opinion on this from another CRS? I would not be happy with that either...and would definately be looking for another opinion on this all.
I was using the Dilitizem too but it didn't cause me issues with constipation...Could it be the fact you have probably simply increased your fibre intake and your body is adjusting to the increase?? (In which case, drink LOADS of water...) It will settle down and I'm pretty sure that Constipation is not generally a side effect of the cream. I'm sure things will regulate there....I have a couple of spoons of olive oil, fish oils and endless water to keep things flowing smoothly!....
I was advised to use the cream for 6-8 weeks, some people up to 3 months, so I really don't agree with the 3 week period you've been advised. I'm sure you need to use the cream for longer than this!! It's similar to the BOTOX procedure, the effects of which last 2 - 3 months. Rectogesic and Dilitizam are the "chemical" version of the treatment and tend to be used for as long as a Botox treatment.
Personally, I think if you've had your fissure for just a few weeks than you have every chance of trying to overcome this with the cream, a healthy fibrous diet, lots of water, hot baths/ sitz baths, a positive attitude and all the stuff you know you need to do. I'm six months with my AF and the Dilitizam really helped.
I'm not yet healed but still continuing with all the necessary things I know I need to do and it's not getting worse and I've (touch wood) not had a retear, so thinking that things can only get better!...
Good luck with this all and try to get a second opinion if you can. Also go with your gut at this stage and do what you feel right. If you want to give yourself longer rather than feeling you are being "rushed" into the surgery option, then do it....Keep us updated & really hope you are feeling better soon xx One of the B Vitamins (forget which) is supposed to be really helpful in dealing with the bleeding...so see if you can read up a bit more on that too?
Chronic Fissure diagnosed December 2011
Healed by Diltiazem around Feb 2013
Anal Fistula followed burst abscess in June 2012
2 internal troublesome piles remain & suspected, but undiagnosed, ongoing Levator Ani type symptoms & flare-ups