Anal fissure: What helps it heal?

Hi Rashida - may I ask if your compounded ointment was Nifedipine only? Right now I am using a blended compounded ointment (hydrocortisone, lidocaine, nifedipine) 2x per day for six weeks. Then a recheck with my physician. Also, may I ask if you applied the Nifedipine externally only or also internally? I was told to only apply my ointment externally, but I've read elsewhere that others are told to apply internally as well. I'm still having spasms and am concerned those will impact healing (in a negative way). Any information you can share is most appreciated. Thank you!

I’m so sorry you are suffering like that. I’m on this forum because I had a colon re-section. I’ve recovered really well. (I’m now on the breast cancer forum as I have been diagnosed with breast cancer recently.)

I had terrible haemorrhoids before the surgery and the cream I was given, and worked quite well is, proctosedyl. It is a Rx and has 5% cortisone, which helps reduce the swelling. Maybe you could ask your doctor to prescribe it. I am in Canada, I know that can make a difference to availability. I hope you can try it, it sounds like you’re dealing with something terrible.

@ruth2019 the label just says “Nifedipine 0.2% ointment compound” so I don’t know if a compound means it is a combination of other drugs. It was made up in a compounding pharmacy. I applied it internally, using a finger cot three times a day plus after a bowel movement. The ointment came in a pump dispenser which I found very convenient.

Thank you so much for this additional info! Sounds like you had nifedipine only and it was prepared by a compounding pharmacy (mixed to order) vs. pre-packaged and sold by a non-compounding pharmacy (Walgreens, CVS, etc.). Mine is also compounded with the two additional components (hydrocortisone 2.5%, lidocaine 5%). The concentration of nifedipine in mine is the same as yours (0.2%). It's so encouraging that you had success. I'll call my physician's office w/an update next week and perhaps that will result in some adjustments based on my symptoms. Take care and thank you again.

@ruth2019 your compound sounds good. You have the same concentration of Nifedipine and since that is the main ingredient it should work okay. The other two ingredients seem like they are to ease pain. The compound may be more effective if you applied it internally. I applied internally and externally, even though instructions were to apply internally.

@rashida - I tried applying a bit externally and internally keeping the overall dosage amount the same as prescribed. So far so good and it appears to be more effective in tamping down spasms. Great news - thanks again!

Many years ago I got two one inch fissures because of constipation and boy did I suffer. The initial doctor was brutal and cruel. He was a proctologist and not fit to practice medicine. My problem didn’t need to be as bad nor as long to heal. I suggest you get a good gastroenterologist they can fix you up. I do recommend that you ask they put you out to have any exams and treatment. My first guy didn’t and it was not necessary to do it wide Wake. I wish you luck. I expect you to have good luck. I wouldn’t mind if you want more info just send me a private message. Diane.

When there is a tear or cut in the rectum there is a muscle called the sphincter muscle. Had I known this I would have been spared so much pain. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxer and it works to relax that muscle. I’ve never used Botox but my doctor put me out…an absolute must and he administered steroid shots right into that muscle. But without that fissure being sewn up it takes a long time for it to heal. God bless. Diane.

I see it on Amazon. Is that the right thing? Thank you so much. We need to help each other and to stick together like we have honey all over!! God bless! Diane.

There is a muscle in the rectum called the sphincter muscle. When we get a cut or tear that muscle spasm’s and it’s more painful than most people ever feel. Cyclobenzapr is a life saver. It’s dirt cheap but when I’m in that pain I would sell my home to get it. It is a prescription. God bless!! Diane.