Guys,
I've been to five doctors over almost two years -- it took me almost the same time to have someone tell me I had an anal fistula...and that was my biggest problem. Be an advocate for yourselves -- and, if at all possible, see someone with specialist colo-rectal training.
Many GPs/family doctors will label any anal condition that hurts and/or causes a blood a 'fissure' for lack of knowledge. It's crazy how doctors don't know more about these many conditions!
Anyway, just a suggestion -- don't forget to ask about fistulas, pilonidal, etc. when you have these issues!