Hi
I'm an active(walking, cycling, dancing) 67 year old male in the UK.
I had an anal fissure 7 years ago. I can't remember a lot about it now apart from the misery, but it was cured with a course of diltiazem cream (from the hospital) then I forgot all about it.
Recently a change of medication constipated me and the straining obviously started another fissure.
This one seems worse but that may be subjective. The GP told me she could not prescribe diltiazem cream as it is unlicensed (has anyone else in the uk had this problem?) and gave me glyceryl trinitrate. I used this (no headaches but itching) and upped fibre intake but matters got worse.
I decided that softening stools would be the answer but ducosate capsules did not help. So I resorted to the the old fashioned remedy my mum used - mineral oil (known as liquid paraffin here).
So far it is working. BM possible with no straining though it takes time and patience. I have the former but little of the latter! I have had no bleeding for five days. Still a little discomfort during BM but no real pain during or after. I am hoping this indicates healing. I am also applying coconut oil regularly which seems to soothe.
I will soon try to wean myself off the mineral oil (any suggestions welcome). I hope I can cure myself again. I miss my cycling dreadfully! If progress remains positive I will post again in the hope that it may help others.