Anal fissure support

[SadFace2]

I know this isn't an unreasonable debate but I'm posting for traffic because I really need some help here.

Had surgery for piles which is all sorted now but suffered a tear during my surgery. I've been struggling ever since. 5 weeks now. Doesn't sound long but I am starting to go under.

They gave me botox during the surgery and since I'm not doing well I'm assuming more Botox in the future wouldn't be especially helpful. I was using diltiazem cream but that's now started to react badly and really set me back.

I'm being careful with food, barely eating to be honest. I'm on movicol so I'm not constipated and I don't have diarrhea. I'm using a footstool to go to the toilet and I'm having baths to encourage blood flow and healing.

I don't know that there's anything more I can do but I'm starting to lose my mind so had to post.

Even if you don't have a miracle cure I think I'd just appreciate some support at this point. I don't think I've ever been so low.
Thank you.

@Waxlyrically I had to wait 15m just to see a consultant. I couldn't even go private because they wouldn't of covered a pre existing condition. I'm hoping to have botox next month. They said I've reached the top of the list. I could of had it done this month, but I cancelled the app because I was managing at the time. Pain when going, but not afterwards. Now it's the opposite way round. Little to no pain going, or bleeding, but sore for hour's then. The cream defo did something for me, but I wish it hadn't. I'm going to up the Lactulose to 20ml twice per day. I went this morning and it seems less pressure was put on the tear after taking 20ml last night. It just makes me very gassy! I hope you're not waiting long for a another round of botox. I feel I should start up a bum club for fellow sufferers to join. A least on here we can talk openly about the issue and not pretend it's a bad back we've got 🤣. Might even throw a bum party when we're all healed to celebrate 🤣. Did you have a general anaesthetic when you had botox? My bottom healed for 9m in pregnancy with my second son. Sods laws it reopened shortly after giving birth. I was gutted.

Can I just say thank you to whether recommended Medihoney? I have tried it and it has made a remarkable difference in a few days.

I was admittedly already on the downward slope with no bleeding and “just” unpredictable flare-ups of pain every week or so, which were for the most part less bad than they had been. But that said, I had a really bad couple of days only a week ago, after a long train journey.

Ordered the medihoney on a whim when I read about it, started using it on Wednesday, twice a day, and already by today I feel a significant difference. The sore spots inside are so much less painful.

It does feel like it is healing, rather than getting into a holding pattern where it gets somewhat better, then is irritated again to a greater or lesser degree.

@DelurkingLawyer can I ask how you use it. Do you just use it externally.

I think I'm similar to you. Feels it is getting better/easing. Then will have a flare up after a day or so of manageable discomfort.

I'm currently sat in the bath trying to ease a current flare up and will try anything.

Currently using the cream that gives headaches, but GP did say that will not heal it. Just helps stop the spasms.

@DelurkingLawyer That's fantastic news, I'm so glad it's working for you and you're feeling better! Please give as many details as you are willing with regards to exactly how and where you're using it. More than once a day? In particular will you tell me the specific brand you bought?

Sending support to everyone who is suffering. Really hoping I haven't made a mistake with the imodium. It's settled everything down and I haven't been at all today which is a first.

Ok it is the Medihoney wound gel linked to above, which you can buy on Amazon. Costs about £12 for a 50ml tube.

I apply about a pea sized quantity just as you would apply Rectogesic - I don’t attempt to rub it specifically on the fissure because it will get spread there anyway as you walk around (also I once applied Rectogesic to direct to the fissure and I hit the roof with pain). I have been applying 2-3 times a day.

Do not apply too much because as it gets warm it will melt and leak a bit!

@Chlobob27 who knows how long I’ll need to wait - the first round was private via my work scheme but Bupa only fund it once so I’ll need to wait or pay myself. It was a GA I had - a “baby one”. I was terrified about that too (I’d never had one at all this time last year & now I’ve had two). It was nothing to worry about though & was actually quite nice just like a lovely restful sleep. A bum club is a great idea & I hope I can come to the healed party!

@DelurkingLawyer It would be good to have details of the honey. I did flirt with Manuka honey for mine for a while but I worried about infection. Mine has recently bled so I am assuming the wound is open which could be riskier. I’ll try anything though so fed up with being in pain.

@DelurkingLawyer Thank you. So it's the Comvita Medihoney. I actually bought it too after that recommendation but haven't dared use it yet! I guess I will give it a go in the next few days then.

That’s the one. It says it may sting a bit so I was cautious the first time but TBF I didn’t notice. I am now not using Rectogesic but am keeping on with Fybogel 2 x daily

Ah it's sad having a whole thread of other sufferers - but as someone said it's not like I can say to others when I'm really suffering with one and they just make me miserable.

I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and my tissue is thin, plus I'm on a lot of morphine each day anyway so I suffer from them regularly. As soon as one heals another will open at some point. I sometimes fill the entire toilet bowl with blood and it looks like a crime scene. Some of mine aren't so bad, but other times they just won't heal and I'm in agony.

The last time it got bad I actually asked for help from my GP. This is unheard of with me - after so many years of being dismissed/mismanaged, I generally won't ask for help on anything health wise. And I was once again treated like crap and left to sort it on my own like everything else in my life.

I do use a lot of numbing creams but I often need to go to the toilet without much warning, so I need to get better about doing it daily before the problem occurs.

I really hope you get your appointment soon OP.

@GlitterNails thats sounds awful for you especially having been there before. Every time must fill you with terror that this could be a bad one. You are obviously a brave soul. Your GP sounds terrible too 😡

@DelurkingLawyer I've just ordered some of the honey. Thank you for sharing .

Hoping everyone on here has a better day tomorrow 🤞

Its hard to read this thread. My 3yo has a suspected fissure - that's the working assumption for her pain anyway. Poor kid has been through the wars. She clings on to me and seems in so much pain when she needs to go 😢

@DelurkingLawyer Sorry to keep pestering you with this but my plan is once I've got the kids to bed tonight and I can watch TV in bed, apply a small amount of the Medihoney. But I'll admit it, I'm scared of making things worse.

If it burns or my pain ramps up do you think I should try to wash it off? Or are we thinking ride it through? No pain, no gain? All opinions welcome.

@Somuchgoo I'm really sorry to hear that. I thought my DD might be starting with one at one point. We upped her laxido, I had her leaning forward on the toilet and reminded her to keep breathing out while she goes. If she looked to be straining I would remind her to stay floppy and do a little jiggle to make her laugh and she would do the same and relax.

It helped her in only 2 days because I got straight on it, knowing what it was. Best of luck to you. Keep her poo soft, keep her as relaxed as you can. Don't overdo it on the fruit. It burns.

Hi @SadFace2 I am not sure really. If you are worried about the reaction I would put a small amount up there and see how your pain level is first. It might be difficult/irritating the area to rub off once applied.

Thank you. I haven't really been to the toilet today because of the sheer amount I did yesterday and the imodium. Because of this I am pain free for the first time in almost 7 weeks. I can't try the Medihoney when I'm feeling this relief.

I've put some on the inside of my arm for tonight, just to rule out a terrible allergic reaction before I finally give it a go.

Morning @SadFace2 - I hope you had an ok night and weren’t allergic to the Medihoney!

@DelurkingLawyer Hello. I had a good night, thank you. It was amazing just not to be hurting and remember what that feels like. It also made me feel quite positive, like I can be better one day.

I've also had a good day today. Admittedly I've had morphine but it made me feel well enough to actually go out with my family and I had a small lunch. None of these things have been happening for the last 8 weeks so it felt wonderful, such a simple thing.

I had no trouble with the Medihoney on my arm so when I feel the time is right I'll definitely give it a go. Not doing it at the moment because I'm feeling pretty good and don't want to rock the boat. Sorry for long message, hope you're still doing really well.

Stinging today but no blood. Going to give the Medihoney a try after my bath. Wish me luck!

@SadFace2 I'm so pleased you made it out with your family. I managed a walk with mine on Saturday. It has uplifted me. I feel more positive now. I'm a bit sore today when sitting, but it isn't too bad.

@Waxlyrically I've never had a GA, so I have been feeling nervous, but you've reassured me. How you feeling today?

@GlitterNails you poor thing. I couldn't imagine having to live with fissures long term. Filling the toilet bowl with blood sounds horrendous 😖

I'm struggling today. I feel like I'm back to square one following a bowel movement this morning. The pain was excruciating, it has eased after two baths and pain killers.

I've not had chance to keep up but whoever said about pretending to have back issues is right. I've claimed it on a few occasions when it's actually so I don't have to sit down for long.
Work are probably wondering why I have "back issues" when I'm as strong as an ox and work out.

I'm also really struggling today. Feel very down again. Don't know what the hell this surgeon has done to me and why things just aren't healing.

I have a new appointment scheduled for Wednesday evening and I am going to get some help/answers no matter what.

Have applied the Medihoney today because I have nothing to lose.

Hi @Chlobob27 after a terrible day yesterday I’ve had a better day today. How are you doing?

@Blueskythinking123 the set backs are so frustrating. This thing is just so unpredictable. It makes it so tricky to make plans. We are supposed to be going away for a few days this week & I’ve already postponed leaving today as I thought I could be really struggling. Now I’m anxious about what tomorrow will bring which doesn’t help things. So hard to relax and enjoy the better days with it all hanging over you.

@megletthesecond yep my work think I have a terrible back.

@SadFace2 I really hope the honey works for you & that Wednesday brings a plan.

@SadFace2 I hope you get some answers on Wednesday. I hope the medi honey gives you at least some relief.

Hi @Waxlyrically Saturday I was sore when walking, but I was determined to get out the house for the sake of my mental health. Interestingly I was okay sitting, which I can't quite understand. Yesterday was pain free until the evening when I went to the loo. Today I've been a bit sore when sitting, but I haven't taken anything because I don't feel the painkillers helped with the soreness at all and neither did the suppositories I was using. I'm glad you've had a better day. As you've said, it's tricky planning anything with this condition.

I had to take my son to the doctor's this evening. The poor child is chronically constipated and has been for some time. He's a fussy eater and doesn't drink much, so it's a nightmare. He's constantly soiling. I change his nappy more than I do my 4m old. I've been giving him the max dose of Lactulose for his age, but still nothing is happening. The doc is going to speak with a paediatrician for advice.

Hiya,
so I was diagnosed with a fissure like 2 months pp.
I can sympathise it’s a hell I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. At its worst I’d be white knuckling it on the loo.
so, I tried the prescription creams. They were ok but didn’t solve it.
I was breastfeeding so I found I had to seriously up my water intake to ensure easy 💩. And I mean like 2 litres plus.

I already don’t eat meat or dairy, I’ve read these can constipate you or make poo 💩 hard.
high fibre bran in the morning with raspberry has helped me loads.
keep the area super clean, sitz bath when it’s sore helps to relieve pain too. I also use andrex hypoallergenic washlets.
finally, discovered an ointment online that did wonders for me!!!!!
xxxx

@Chlobob27 its back to go for me today😢Probably tmi but it’s the very start of a bowel movement that causes the damage regardless of how soft the rest is 🤷‍♀️Now dealing with spasms before a long car journey which will be hell, but I can’t let everyone down again!

Im sorry to hear about your son’s struggles. I hope the paediatrician is able to offer some good advice. Is he too young to take a Movicol type softener ? I hope you are having a pain free day 🤞