Hi,
I am new to the forum and am hoping I might be able to get some advice.
I am a 30 year old new mom and I developed a fissure 3 weeks after delivering my son -- due to dehydration from breastfeeding (that is my theory at least.) In the beginning, BM were excruciating and the spasms would last all day; I could barely walk after. That lasted about two months and during that time I saw a CRS who prescribed nifedipine ointment. I used the ointment, took Colace, Metamucil and increased my water intake tremendously and I finally had a two week period where the pain lessened and the bleeding stopped. Then, the cut reopened and the pain returned. Not as much pain as the first time but enough to drive me insane. This continued for a few weeks and then the pain/bleeding stopped again but only for a week. At this point I saw a second CRS and he did Botox injections. I also cut down on the amount I was breastfeeding at this point but have not weaned my son completely. It seemed I was improving and I went another week with no bleeding but still pain. I also have the problem now where all the stuff I am taking to ensure soft stools is causing me go multiple times per day. I honestly don't know what to do. I am debating surgery because I can't live in pain every day, but am concerned about incontinence and future pregnancies/deliveries.
My last effort will be to completely stop breastfeeding. I feel my system is slowed down due to lack of estrogen and isn't allowing me to heal. I had a fissure once before and it cleared up on its own that is why I am so confused now. I eat really well and don't have constipation issues normally -- I was just unaware how much water I would need to intake with breastfeeding.
For background, here is what I've done so far:
-cut out caffeine, alcohol and dairy
-take 2 Colace per day
-take Metamucil twice a day
-CRS prescribed nifedipine ointment which I use religiously
-Botox injection 5 weeks ago
-cut down on breastfeeding but not stopped completely
Have any other new moms had a similar experience? It kills me to stop breastfeeding but I don't know what else to do. This fissure has taken over my life and I'm losing my mind. This has been going on 4+ months and the pain is unbearable.