by Luka » 12 May 2014, 12:06
Alyssa - No, my CRS could not see my fissure as I am too tight for him to do an internal examination with an anoscope (my fissure is internal). He diagnosed me based on my symptoms and did do an external examination. As for my next step, I don't know. I am taking it one day at a time. My symptoms are completely manageable right now on the Diltiazem, so I'm sticking to it. I am located in the San Francisco bay area (Vallejo area).
Apes - I understand that Botox can help some people, but from what I've read, it really doesn't appear to be more effective than the creams in most cases. For myself, I would want something permanent because I have a really tight sphincter and I don't think Botox would work for me. It might work temporarily, but I've read so many stories of people who've gotten it, been better for a while, but then go right back to square one with a tear (whether diet-related or not... mine is not diet-related since I rarely get constipation and I believe it is more stress-related and because I am just too tight down there) and have to either get more Botox (which is expensive) or go straight to LIS anyway. For myself, it is not worth the expense (I do not have health insurance and the CRS said it would be VERY pricey and just not worth the time) and since you are usually put under general anesthesia for Botox anyway, I might as well get LIS. It's a personal choice.
January 2013 - Diagnosed with fissure. Eventually turned chronic.
History of IBS and anxiety disorder, along with fear of using bathrooms other than my own caused it.
Tried Diltiazem, but eventually developed a rash.
LIS surgery scheduled August 26th.