Tear in my bum? Is it a fissure?

[Embarassed96]

I’ve namechanged for this because it’s so embarrassing!

I frequently suffer with constipation. My movements are rarely as “soft” as they should be (sorry for TMI!)

Anyway, I went to the toilet the other day, and it felt all uncomfortable and scratchy. When I wiped, there was a slight pink smear of blood. Yesterday, I went again, and it was like pooing glass! I had a look at advice online, and although it was painful for me, it wasn’t quite as painful as some people have described. But painful enough to make me worried about going today.

I’m not registered with a doctor, as I recently moved areas. Does this sound like a mild fissure to you (those of you who have experienced it!). And what over-the-counter things are best? I’m trying to drink loads of water and eat plenty of fruit and veg!

I've suffered with fissures for years! and it does sound like you have one, it doesn't always have to be as intense as pooing glass, but can very sharp and painful.

If it's only been a few days all the Dr's will suggest is to eat more fruit and veg, which is good advice. However as a sufferer my recommendation is to go the the pharmacy and ask for Laxido, it's a powdered 'laxative' (doesn't make you poo, just makes your stool soft) and take one a day until it heals, and a little while after. This will make it much easier to go and doesn't irritate the fissure as much. I also highly recommend sitting in the bath if you can for bout 10 minutes after you go as it loosens the muscles up there which can provide a lot of relief.

Best of luck with healing it! I

@Happy101

Thank you for the advice. That’s made me feel a bit relieved, as I don’t feel it’s so bad that it warrants going to the GP. If it persists, I will have to. I get extremely anxious going to the doctors, I think I may have health anxiety

Will somewhere like Boots sell Laxido? A softener is exactly what I need in general, as I have no issue with needing to go, it’s just that it’s hard more often than not (sorry it’s so tmi!).

@Embarassed96

Don't worry! I've been in the same boat too! And if they have a pharmacy they will, but it has to be dispensed by a pharmacist i've never seen it just on the shelf. They might ask you why you need it, just say your doctor recommended it for constapation and they're usually fine with it.

I recommend taking it with some orange squash as the taste isn't the best.

If it feels like you are "pooing glass" then it is possible that you have not just got a fissure but also an infection. If so, that could be potentially very serious as it could lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning) and/or an anal abscess.

You do not have to be registered with a GP to call 111 and get advice about the best thing to do:

www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care/nhs-111/

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Try anusol cream and suppositories from pharmacy. Drink water and eat soluble and insoluble fibre. Don't worry.
If it continues get it checked by GP