Anal fissure (sorry tmi!)

[ksm85]

Hi all, wondering if anyone has any experience with a chronic anal fissure? I have had it for just over a year since birth of second boy. Can keep it at bay with laxido and good diet, but as soon as I have a night out or forget my laxido I’m back to severe pain for days! The GTN ointment helps me, and occasional use of lidocaine gel. It’s the pain all day after. I went privately and was told Botox was the best course of action, but from reading online it doesn’t seem to have much success, and will cost a fortune - am told I will wait years and years on NHS! Not sure how to proceed - any experiences with this would be most welcome. Thanks in advance

Bump

Hello, yes I have experience for over a year, mine is mildly better now although it was never terrible to begin with (compaired to what I’ve read of how some people suffer) I was referred by gp quite quickly, after about 4 months of over counter treatment. GP prescribed Rectogesic whilst waiting for hospital appointment. Was seen within about 8 wks on nhs, had sigmoidoscopy and follow up about another 8 wks later. Was offered Botox but instead I am now trying diltiazem and if that doesn’t heal me I will have Botox. All on the NHS. Not been told a long wait although I won’t know until I say I want it. My next apt in a few weeks will be the decider.

Who told you you will have to wait years? Why not ask GP for nhs referral and see what they say. It’s a quick procedure apparently although it’s done under GA. I’m dreading it as it can cause temporary uncontrollable flatulance and the thought of that at work is awful, that’s what puts me off stupidly.

Sorry to hear you are having issues, it’s very draining I find but the hospital consultant told me it will eventually heal, no one has them
for life, he actually thinks I’m healed but the skin is still very sensitive. I can’t see it, just feel sore.

And also I’ve read of some success stories on mumsnet of Botox.

Rectogesic, fibogel (sp?) and keeping hydrated works for me (I've had one on and off since 2000 mainly off though it'll reoccur if I get dehydrated)
Putting feet up when on the loo helps too.

misstulipan I was following your earlier thread. Glad you got to see the consultant and I really hope that medication does the trick. I really felt for you.

OP, I hope yours gets healed soon.

Thanks Lisette40
I’m definitely in a better place as have got used to it now and it’s a bit better. Hoping in time I will feel normal again. I’m sick of having cameras and people looking and poking at my bum!!

Hi thanks so much for the reply. It’s not fun! Actually seems ok again - until the next time! What is diltiazem? Haven’t heard of that. My gp said it would take forever to get a referral on nhs and then the consultant I saw privately said it would be years (although I hear he can be quite mercenary!) I too am so dreading the potential incontinence etc with Botox...please do keep in touch and let me know how you get on. Thanks again

Diltiazem is another cream which has similar action as Rectogesic, it increases blood flow to the area and thus helps healing. It’s unlicensed so can only be prescribed in hospital I believe. It’s one of the medications on the Nice guidelines for chronic fissures. You keep it in fridge so it’s cold when applied which feels soothing. I think it’s better than Rectogesic which just makes my bum throb!
Some days I feel near normal now but some days a bit uncomfortable and sore, but I’m definitely better than before Xmas.
I am really hoping that I feel good by my next apt otherwise I guess i will say yes to the Botox. May as well try everything. The thought of things is often worse than the reality. Not everyone has problems with wind or incontinence.
Let me know how you are getting on too