Hello fellow fissure-ites (or whatever we're supposed to call ourselves!),
My quick and dirty story (which isn't nearly as bad as some of you poor souls on here!) is as follows:
Approximately a year ago at my annual physical I admitted to the doctor that I'd had some itching and pain in my anus, especially after BM's, and while I was working hard at keeping it clean back there, it just wouldn't stop being aggravated. He took a peek and gave me the news that I'd been suffering from an anal fissure. He didn't make a big deal about it, just counselled me to not strain, drink plenty of water, eat fibre, don't linger on the throne (no more reading while on there) and prescribed Proctosedyl ointment for me.
After a few days of using Tuck's medicated wipes and applying the ointment, I was noticably better, but had to keep using the ointment to keep comfortable. This was fine until I ran out of the ointment and being a typical guy didn't go back to see the doctor.
I wound up resorting to over the counter Anusol and using baby wipes or Tuck's when I could. I managed but was uncomfortable consistently. Well, annual checkup time was near and the pain and itching had gotten bad again. I told the doc, he prescribed a bigger tube of Proctosedyl (with 5 refills this time!) and I was ecstatic! But, this time when I started using the Procotosedyl I immediately felt a burning sensation back there - I figured it was just sensitive around the fissure and kept slapping on the ointment. After 3 days of use and increased burning and itching I read up on Procotsedyl and saw that burning can be a side effect of the ointment. I couldn't sleep last night from the pain and had to finally reveal to my poor wife why I'd been tossing and turning and heading into the bathroom multiple times (sorry honey, you'll never look at me the same way!). So, I don't want to use the ointment anymore and need an alternative therapy. Unfortunately my doctor is away for 2 weeks vacation and his office informed me that he'd be in touch when he returned. In the meantime I'm taking metamucil fibre, stool softeners and drinking water. I was so excited thinking some prescription ointment would be my salvation but now realize that I'm likely in this for a long fight! I'll try warm baths tonight and antiseptic ointment - does anyone know of another prescription medication that can help with fissures?
Sorry to go on for so long, but after a year plus of suffering in silence it is good to hear that there are others out there!