by Jojo1 » 05 Jun 2013, 10:55
Yes that sounds typical for about the one month point, especially after having dealt with such pain beforehand.
I had my LIS 17 months ago after 4 months of hell!!! I believe I had one instance of retear within the first 2 months, but did have minor bouts of irritation occasionally for several weeks/months after that. It can be easy to re-tear early on after LIS. But it is also easier to heal after re-tears as well.
While the initial healing of the fissure is quick (within 4-5 days), full healing takes up to two years. So, you can't really "go back to normal" after a few days or weeks. Dedicated aftercare is the key for successful healing. You need to stick with your softening regimen (only modified as needed) just as religiously as you did prior to LIS for at least the next 8-12 months.
Having had this procedure, let alone having had a fissure period - will require life-long changes in your bowel habits. Some of the things I did and still do (and will be doing for life) include:
1. Lots of water - I get in at least 100oz daily.
2. Start every morning with Benefiber in my yogurt.
3. Nightly dose of Miralax (currently 1/2 to 1 full dose). I will forever have to do this because I take a lot of calcium daily which is constipating (caused my first fissure). I'll be taking the calcium for life, so I have to do what's necessary to protect myself from the effects.
4. Invest in moist wipes (I used Pampers Sensitive). I use this instead of toilet paper in the back. In fact, I dip 2-3 of them in water with witch hazel and initially clean with that after a bowel movement. Followed by a few more just moist ones til I'm completely clean.
5. For the first year, I did 2-3 warm soaks daily. Now I still do a nice, long hot soak after my morning movement. It's become a ritual.
Beyond these things, I am mindful of any difference in feeling back there. If I feel the slightest stinging, tenderness, burning, etc., I'm right on it with A&D ointment or something similar. Also, I keep a couple bottles of Witch Hazel in the house always and add some to my bath water for my soak. If the burning or irritation is moderate, I will step up with 2-3 soaks for a few days until things settle down (use your judgement), but always do one nice hot soak each morning. I will always be taking these steps as I never, ever want to have another fissure as long as I live.
I would not advise doing sitz baths because it can put a pulling/stretching pressure on the area which is NOT good. I'd advise soaking in the tub, keeping the water as hot as you can COMFORTABLY stand and lie on your side allowing the water to get to the area. If you don't have a tub, invest in a good hand sprayer and use that (yes, 20-30 minutes each time). The heat is crucial to encouraging blood flow to the area and relaxing the muscle - both of which are necessary for the healing to happen.
You might need to take it easy activity wise as well. Being a photographer, you'd be amazed at how much just the slight bending and minimal adjustments requiring a strong center of gravity affects those muscles. Perhaps there is a partner who can assist you as you recover.
Don't get discouraged, just realize that healing takes time and has ups and downs and you'll be fine.
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