In absolute agony with this?

[Funnythings]

Hi

i know threads like this always seem a bit suspicious for trolls, I promise I’m not though- I’m a long term poster who has name changed

I’m really, really struggling and I don’t know what to do. I’ve had an anal fissure for about 3 weeks now. It’s just not hearing and I honestly can’t even begin to explain how excruciating it is. Ive tried anusol creams, ointments and suppositories and even the one with hydrocortisone in it but nothing has helped. I’m not constipated but going to the toilet even though I’m passing normal poos is absolutely horrific and it feels like the fissure is just being ripped back open each time. I’ve tried stool softeners but it hasn’t helped at all either.

im at my wits end with this. It all sounds very depressing and dramatic but I honestly spend all day dreading going to the toilet because of how horrific it is. I was in so much pain going to the toilet tonight that I ripped off the door handle- I didn’t even realise at the time but I was in so much pain I was gripping it and ripped it off.

I’ve tried to make a GP appointment but they don’t have anything for weeks and apparently it doesn’t qualify for a same day appointment as those are for emergencies only. I think it’s not really seen as a problem because I’ve had this before and by the time it gets checked it’s usually healed itself (because it takes so long to actually get an appointment to get seen) so I think that’s part of the reason it’s not classed as severe which obviously I know it’s not but it’s excruciating. I’ve tried explaining I’m bleeding when I’m going to the toilet because of it but the wait is still several weeks and normally I wouldn’t mind but I’m in so much pain it hurts to even sit down now

has anyone got any magic solutions or advice or anything that helped them? Sorry, not the nicest topic but I’m so miserable with this x

As others have suggested go to A and E for a review also request a prescription for Lidocaine gel it will help with the pain by numbing thr area and hopefully that will get you through until it heals
take care

I had a severe fissure which was shockingly painful. I had an anterior anal sphincterotomy where the gastroenterologist made a tiny cut in the sphincter, much like an episiotomy. It let air in and the healing started immediately and I have had no recurrence in 30 years. (I am in US and I know treatments can be
different)

Movicol plus GTN or diltiazem cream 2% twice a day
If this doesn't work botox from a colorectal surgeon. Avoid sphincterotomy unless absolutely necessary as can sometimes lead to problems later on

Appointments may be weeks ahead but have you actually made one to get the ball rolling?

I'm always polite to receptionists but I ask them "how do you know it's not an emergency?"

They are no more medically trained than we are.

I had a receptionist Google shingles when I had it and asked to see a GP. She kept insisting "nhs website says".

I politely said that she was no more medically trained than I was, I could Google as easily as she did - but I had a nurse at my place of work more qualified than either of us saying I needed to see a GP and get antivirals.

I get the nhs is in a state and it's not the receptionists fault anymore than the Gps. It's not yours either. But weeks for a fissure is NOT acceptable if you've tried OTC treatments.

Mangoes are a laxative.

Fenugreek, whether in a capsule or just taking the seeds by the teaspoon and washing them down with water, is mucilaginous and makes for a softer stool while increasing your breastmilk production. Also, chia, flax seeds, figs, okra, slippery elm.

I have been known to say to the dr’s receptionist when I was refused an appointment “so who can I see about pain relief. Right now”.

Movicol - you need to keep everything soft to give it time to heal

Are you able to contact your GP and send a message online to explain the problem, get a prescription and also hospital referral. I do this with my surgery, send photos if relevant and get prescriptions etc. Last time I did this the GP phoned me to discuss my problem.
Ive had this condition too so you have my sympathy. When I went into hospital and was given a general anaesthetic they found I had an anal abscess as well as the fissure which was the cause of a lot of the pain.

The nitroglycerin stuff the GP gave me for this was so awful I thought my brain was going to burst. What helped me most was being very very on it in terms of hygiene (washing after a poo) and a balm I found on Cult Beauty - Q balm. Twice a day with the balm and over time mine has definitely improved.

I feel for you and couldn’t read and not comment. I’ve only recently healed from one after suffering for 8 months post birth. I tried EVERYTHING and the only thing that helped was laxido twice a day - within 3 days along side being careful with my diet, it’s not been an issue now for over a month. Hot baths with a drop of tea tree oil afterwards helped too but didn’t contribute to healing. I was prescribed it without a physical examination so maybe a telephone appointment could get the ball rolling?

This. It's really not OK that you can't get to see GP. This is unacceptable. You need to advocate for yourself unfortunately. I don't think an online GP is suitable either..why should you have to pay ? And how can they help you without actually seeing you properly? Ring 111 and start there.

Also suffered post-birth. It is excruciating. Needed to comment in solidarity! Insist to be seen - the amount of pain is enough to warrant a same-day appointment. Lidocaine, laxatives and sitting in the bath after using the loo helped. It took a couple of weeks to heal, then threatened now and then over the next couple of months. Thankfully a distant memory now.

Can you get an online prescription perhaps? I did this years ago I think through Lloyd's pharmacy? But for minor conditions you can get prescriptions online, maybe worth trying. You need an anti-inflammatory cream rather than just soothing I think, hopefully online doc can help.

Second to GTN. It is the only thing that gave me relief. It stops the spasms which are the main cause of the suffering. It will make a,huge difference. Think you need prescription.

Sitz bath also helps alot. Just rest your bum in warm water with salt. It gives alot of relief but only temporary.

My friend had an anal fissure years ago. We were in our early 20s and neither of us had heard of such a thing. She was in so much pain I went with her to A&E. The reason hers was so bad was because it was infected and she needed a long course of antibiotics as well as cream and suppositories and stool softeners. I would think the risk of infection must be very high. I am shocked that you can't get an appointment. Sometimes 111 can get you an appointment. Surely if you mention bleeding they will take it seriously. Receptionists should not be triaging. There must be a better way.

I know it isn’t great but can you pay for a private GP appointment? or use an on line Dr like Livi?

Alternatively call 111 today say you have had it for 3 plus weeks but its getting worse, and you can’t get in to see your GP. In done areas 111 will get a GP appointment on your behalf.

I know someone who just had surgery for this. The solution was actually botox - it relaxed the muscles enough for the fissure to heal, and they've gone from agony to living a normal life.

I would push for an appointment, as theirs was so severe they had surgery pretty quickly.

Have you got someone who can ring for you and advocate on your behalf? Someone who won't take no for an answer, someone who can insist that it is an emergency as you are in severe pain, (9/10) and you are unable to sit down.

Surely that sounds like an urgent problem?

I've had these a few times. Agony. I agree with the above re movicol. Cosmocol is the same but cheaper. You can by it over the counter. Also discuss lidocaine with the pharmacy that you can buy over the counter.

When you see a doctor they'll probably prescribe you gtn. Use a plastic glove to apply as if you absorb it through your finger it can make you dizzy.

It can resolve on it's own without treatment but I agree with above re urgent care. It needs proper examination and diagnosis.

Ive used stuff that numbs up the gums for dental issues in the past on the bum hole.

Hope you get seen soon OP, sounds like a living nightmare.

How are you @Funnythings ?