I've been lurking here for the past week or so. Every time I google something fissure-related, I find myself directed to this forum. I had my first visit with a CRS today and I have tons of questions. I figure I should introduce myself first...
I first heard the term "anal fissure" a couple years ago. I went to my annual GYN check up and asked about this lump I had. The GYN said it was just an anal fissure, like it was no big deal. She advised to apply cortisone cream if it gave me problems. It didn't hurt or bleed. I was relieved it wasn't an STD, so I wasn't concerned. After my hysterectomy in 2012, I developed chronic constipation. It took me a few months to realize it because I thought my bowels were just taking a while to resume normal activity post op. I've been a runner for years, eaten real foods/fruits/vegetables with lots of fiber, no sodas, fast food, or processed junk. So adding Metamucil to my diet was about the only I could do to fix the constipation. It worked great. If I skipped even one day though, the next day was difficult. Then a few weeks ago, I came down with strep. I ended up needing 2 rounds of antibiotics to get rid of it. I don't know if it was the antibiotics or being on vacation, but I got constipated despite my nightly "old lady potion". Ten days ago I had a BM and it was the worst pain in my life. I instantly flashed back to my GYN and I knew it was a fissure. We were camping in a remote area, and all I had with me was cortisone. I toughed it out until we could get home and I could figure out what to do. I started researching here - thank you everyone for all the info here!! I started sitz baths, up'd my water intake to 2 liters minimum, added stool softeners, started taking ZMA suppliment, and stopped the cortisone. I've been using the my fitness pal app to track my foods and make sure I get at least 30g of fiber each day. I've only had bleeding twice. Both times it was when I ate way more than 30g the day before.
I went to the CRS today and he confirmed the fissure. But it's not where the sentinel pile is!! Even he was amazed. It's directly across. I'm hoping this means it will heal like an acute fissure and not linger and turn chronic. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that. This has been a stressful time trying to figure out what to eat that hurts the least, all the while hurting and trying to act normal while taking care of my 2 young kids. I still can't believe I'm 38-years old and I have a proctologist.
Thanks in advance for reading!