Anyone used Rectogesic/Anoheal

[Namely]

I am in agony with my fissures since the birth of my son 3 months ago. My GP prescribed rectogesic cream but I really don't want to use it. I can't risk the side effects as on my own with DS a lot. Also, the NHS says not to use it if breast feeding. Spoke to doctor about breast feeding concerns. She said it would be fine...still haven't used it!

Today has been a shocking day for the pain. Since BM this morning it has been agony and I have been crying pretty much constantly!I have changed my diet to fruit and veg and lots of water to no avail. Taking movicol after the lactulose stopped working but this seems no better. So scared of eating.

Been reading old threads about Anoheal but they are all quite old so though I would ask for people's experiences of both creams so I can speak to doctor again tomorrow. I also have large piles and the fissures seem to start at the bottom (ha ha) of them. Worried the Rectogesic will make them worse. Also, it seems to be connected to my episiotomy scar which hurts at the same time. Aaarrrggh, help!

Bump!

I have used it Rectogesic but wasnt bfeeding. I was concerned as I already have v low blood preassure but actually i had no side effects at all.
It did help to heal the fissures BUT i already had the constipation etc under control & it was the last thing I did to restore my backside to its former self IYKWIM

I have used rectogesic. It worked well but I stopped when pregnant. The only side effect I got was the headache which was bad but only lasted half an hr or so. I found that if I took nurafen an hour before using the cream and used it just before I went to bed it was more bearable. Also, you are meant to use it 2x a day, I only used it night time for this reason and it worked ok.

I used rectogesic while bf. it gave me a slight headache after about 10mins which then cleared up. Baby was fine. Several doctors assured me it was fine while breastfeeding. It also sorted the fissure although it took about 3 weeks before I started to feel "normal" again.
If I ever have another fissure (please god no) I would ask the doctor for it straight away.
Hope you're feeling better soon. You have my sympathy

Does it also help with the pain? I most scared about stopping the lidocaine. Does Rectogesic have pain relief in?

Yes, please try it. You can always stop if it's not
For you.

Rectogesic so so so so brilliant.

Don't know about using it while bf but you can take paracetamol for headache and use a tiny amount of cream for relief. Should only need it for a few days/weeks.

Make sure BMs are v soft... inc lactulose, take a probiotic supplement (I find helps a lot) and eat wholegrains.

The pain is just like nothing else, isn't it.

Well still haven't used it! Going to give it a go tonight I think. So scared, I never used to be such a wimp!

Any joy Namely?
Hope you're feeling better today

Are fissures when it feels like your sh*tting glass?

Yep, glass and razors.

I would rather give birth every day than have a fissure. It's the worst pain I have ever felt!

Thanks owl, I gave it a go last night. Just a tiny amount and was ok. Bit faint feeling but nothing drastic. Used another tiny amount this morning too. Will slowly build up the amount I think. Will use in mornings when I have no plans but won't risk driving after it. Can't say if its helped pain yet, defo still lots if blood but I am hopeful.

Still worried about the effect on breast feeding.

Yes Rudolphs glass, razors and acid. The pain after lasts for about 8 hours at times. Again, like acid.

Any improvements yet namely?

Hi- new to this forum. I have suffered with a fissure since my daughter was born 5 months ago. After using diltiazem I got the all clear a week ago, then yesterday a second fissure developed so I'm feeling pretty fed up. I've just started rectogesic instead of diltiazem as the latter gave me an allergic rash. I don't understand why I am being plagued by these- good diet, no constipation and using movicol every day for good measure. Had forceps delivery and third degree tear and everything still feels v fragile. Has anyone else had a similar experience after forceps and importantly do any of you have some reassuring stories?!!

Huge ,huge sympathies to sufferers .Especially those with babies - as if that weren't hard enough in itself .

I find high strength Aloe Vera juice v helpful for BM
www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/aloe-pura-aloe-vera-juice-with-cranberry-60093575?c=aloe%20vera

I like the one with honey .

Slummy mummy how long did you take to get all clear the first time. I too feel very fragile. I had a second degree with a ventouse delivery.

OK I am a much older mummy of 58 and I am so sad for you mums with fissures..as if having a baby to care for isn't enough? I have had fissures on and off for 10 years and never had a natural delivery so nothing to do with my babies but I have a few tips. Not all GPs are on the ball -do check that your other drugs dont clash with Rectogesic. I was on Amitriptylline for pain and you cant take that when using Rectogesic and there are others. The reason is they both lower blood pressure. There is a Squatty Potty for sale now which gives a better posture for defecation and it might help..i have yet to try it and my husband says he may be able to make one cheaper from wood. It is just a step up thing which goes round the pedestal of the toilet. If you dont have one try squatting on the floor over a bowl as you feel the urge coming..it can help the passage of faeces. Vaseline every time you visit the loo as it stops anything getting in the tears. Paracetamol with Rectogesic is OK..i take 1 or two just beforehand but with prunes in case it later constipates. I take olive oil neat with any dry foods and stopped drinking coffee which dehydrates. One of my problems is that my bladder goes crazy and all liquids just go through me in minutes. The tears irritate the bladder but I dont quite understand why no fluid gets to my large bowel..not sure if that is result of having fissures or the cause of the fissures. I drink lots of water, small nutritious meals and add a few slices of beetroot whenever possible..beetroot and cooked carrots are like cotton wool to the bowel. I also find that going to the loo to have a BM works better early morning around 6am. Sometimes it can get very dry and immovable by 9am. I have a small round bowl which i fill with warm water and salt, place in toilet pan and I poo into water...it does help a lot and sometimes manually but very gently help it out with light pressure both sides. Like one of the other posters I have fissures and piles so it is difficult..Rectogesic increases circulation in affected area which is good for fissures but not so good for piles which need to shrink. I have not had the luxury of a colorectal surgeon but if i do i will ask him about that. This time my fissures were kicked off by antibiotics for my sinuses..i wish i had put up with the nose infection now! ABs always start my bowel issues. Good luck girls...good news is I have had as much as a year between attacks...and yes it is the worst pain ever! As soon as the pain fades move about..get moving and it will heal quicker.

Slummy mummy! I have been experienced the same situations as yours. I have been suffering since my son's birth, 5 months. and I had also forceps. any improvement in your condition? I was suggested for using rectogestic but haven't used it yet. pls help.

I've had piles and fissures on and off for at least 10 years and only had a baby 2 years ago. When I last looked for help they suggested having a baby might actually make things easier (complete rubbish). All started with IBS I think. I find there's nothing helpful because the anusol/hydrocortisone for piles makes the skin thinner and more likely to tear so if I didn't have a fissure before I soon will and then anoheal/rectogesic for fissures gives me terrible headaches plus does nothing to shrink the piles - I'm miserable with it all every winter especially. Sitting in an office and stress doesn't help, along with I have even less chance now I've had a forceps delivery so very weak muscles and more pressure down there. Im at a point now where I've been in a lot of pain and bleeding heavily every time I go to the loo for at least 4 weeks this time round and I've seen the doctors who only suggest I manage the symptoms as best I can. Just looking for any advice on whether this will ever get better and if there's anyone out there who's had surgery - maybe that's the option? I think what set it off this time was drinking alcohol over Christmas!! Can't believe it!

I am waiting for surgery, had tests before christmas, just wsitinf for a date.

My partner used it when he had a fissure. He said it was the only thing that came close to helping with the pain.
Eventually he got botox injections which helped.

@Dreamer1989 oh good luck please let me know how it goes - fingers crossed it will help.

@Morgenrot interesting about Botox, did that clear it?