Hello @adlttl123 - I so appreciate you sharing your experience, medication/treatment info., and well wishes! This is very helpful. I am working on healing this up with as many conservative measures as I can find. I've had a good four consecutive days and am optimistic I'm heading in the right direction. You are right - it takes a lot of time and patience. Take care and thank you again.
Sitz baths as much as you can. 50% of people can heal these on their own. I gave up after 6 weeks and had the surgery. Good luck to you. This is a monster.
I am also used this after my radiation after using several other products this was by far the best I can’t believe the difference did you get yours at a compound pharmacy?
....my anal pain and it's severe is from ibs diarrhea and every other day; now i have it after a course of antibiotic; when on antibiotics you are not allowed to take anti diarrhea meds; anway, after c.diff 2018also hae fecal incontinence. ....so today passed about ten times fecal matter and anal area is so painful and this has been going on for years. difficult to discuss with friends and neighbours! as soon as i clean up or have a half shower, get dried and they suggested hair dryer on low; use some zinc ointment, or vaseline etc., and get redressed about half hour later have to go again and nothing stops it or it leaks out.... honestly, compared to other life threatening issues and my other medical issues this should be easily handled but it is not; and constant change of clothing and cloths... but really its the pain... like pouring lemon juice on cuts. not a nice subject to discuss but no cure as soon as use ointment, it is wiped off shortly after..... any ideas welcome.....
I'm afraid I don't know any medication that helps, as I was given a cream and gave me herendous headaches, so put me off. But when I drink more fluids through the day, helps because your stools are a bit looser.
After 14-1/2 years of sitting on a donut, I took an anti-seizure medication on an unrelated matter and in 2 weeks the pain was gone. My pelvic therapist said she had read that this works. It was Topamax. I took it off-label for a daily persistent headache. Helped my butt, but I still have the headache. Ask your doctor. Good luck.
I have had anal fissure for 9 years on/off. Seen 1 col.rec dr who put me on nitro glycerin and Botox. Says it’s 95%healed and doesn’t know why excruciating pain. Nothing more he can do🥲. Seeing 2 dr who for 6 weeks (2weeks in) put me on nifedipine and antibiotics. Fissure is quite high up. Bm is difficult and I can’t complete so go often. Think maybe the nifedipine makes me unable to go? Can anyone relate? This is my first time posting and I’m pretty desperate. Taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen to cope. Thx for any input.
I have had anal fissure for 9 years on/off. Seen 1 col.rec dr who put me on nitro glycerin and Botox. Says it’s 95%healed and doesn’t know why excruciating pain. Nothing more he can do🥲. Seeing 2 dr who for 6 weeks (2weeks in) put me on nifedipine and antibiotics. Fissure is quite high up. Bm is difficult and I can’t complete so go often. Think maybe the nifedipine makes me unable to go? Can anyone relate? This is my first time posting and I’m pretty desperate. Taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen to cope. Thx for any input.
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @jette123. I have never had an anal fissure, but a good friend of mine did. Sounded really challenging and painful.
I'm sorry to hear about the pain and feeling like a bowel movement is difficult and hard to complete.
Tagging a few members who have talked about anal fissure for their support and any input they may have for you on this journey to get things working more ideally and get relief from pain @lisval@mikaylar@branmo@adlttl123@ruth2019@mimi86@samclembeau. @rashida and @jlharsh also may have some thoughts for you.
How well are the ibuprofen and acetaminophen managing your pain?
I have had anal fissure for 9 years on/off. Seen 1 col.rec dr who put me on nitro glycerin and Botox. Says it’s 95%healed and doesn’t know why excruciating pain. Nothing more he can do🥲. Seeing 2 dr who for 6 weeks (2weeks in) put me on nifedipine and antibiotics. Fissure is quite high up. Bm is difficult and I can’t complete so go often. Think maybe the nifedipine makes me unable to go? Can anyone relate? This is my first time posting and I’m pretty desperate. Taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen to cope. Thx for any input.
Hello @jette123 - so sorry you are going through this! I can relate and, hopefully, some of what I outline below will be helpful...
I developed a fissure approximately 3 years ago – unknown to me at the time. Once I was correctly diagnosed (long story), it had become chronic. It was very painful during the day and subsided somewhat overnight. Getting to the right colorectal surgeon was the key to finally healing. It sounds like your second doctor is prescribing a similar approach with a few differences. I'll summarize what I used/did (both by Rx) as well as more holistic measures:
1. The fissure was finally diagnosed approximately 1 year after symptoms started. In that interim period, I saw my primary, a gastroenterologist, and my first colorectal surgeon – all of whom thought my pain was coming from a hemorrhoid. That sounds crazy, but I’ve since learned that fissures are misdiagnosed all the time. There are many reasons for this, which I won’t go into here.
2. It was not until I went to a second colorectal surgeon that I was diagnosed with a fissure. I was prescribed a compounded ointment with three components: hydrocortisone, nifedipine, and lidocaine. I applied it 2x per day for 8 weeks at which point I saw my physician again. By this time, my symptoms were much better and my physician indicated the fissure had healed. [You mentioned the Nifedipine in your post. My understanding is that it helps the muscle relax which should be helpful – at least, that was my experience.]
3. During the 8 weeks, I also used a therapeutic red-light panel 5 days per week for 10-15 minutes. I cannot scientifically prove it, but I believe it really helped w/healing.
4. I was left with some residual pelvic floor spasms supposedly set off by the chronic fissure. These were horrible, but pelvic floor physical therapy took care of those and today I am pain free and feel like I’m 98% back to normal.
5. You mentioned that BM’s are a problem and while you are likely already taking steps to keep things on the softer side, here is what worked best for me after much trial and error. I drink ¼ cup of aloe vera juice 2 to 3 times/day before each meal. I consume ten 8 oz. glasses of water/day. I also supplement with magnesium (a blend of magnesium oxide, malate, and glycinate) 2x per day – 1 capsule in the morning and 2 at bedtime. Magnesium citrate is also an option. I was already eating a Mediterranean, whole foods diet before this started and I did not make any changes to it. If you’ve not tried this before, look up recipes for Chia Seed Pudding. My physical therapist told me about it and suggested it could help with keeping things moving. She was right. On average, I have ¼ cup of the pudding each day. It is very easy to make and taste great too. That said, what works is unique to everyone! I may have veered off too far from the subject at hand, but I wanted to share given some of your comments.
6. If you’ve not already heard about/discovered Dr. Albert Chung’s YouTube channel, it is worth investigating. He calls himself “Your Friendly Proctologist” and really breaks things down into layman’s terms with a healthy dose of humor along the way. He has several short videos re: fissures that you might find encouraging and helpful. The link to his channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@yourfriendlyproctologist and you can also get there from his website: https://crsurgeryoc.com/ .
I apologize for the length of this post and it is likely TMI. However, if you have additional questions, feel free to private message me. I wish you the very best on your healing journey.
Hello @jette123 - so sorry you are going through this! I can relate and, hopefully, some of what I outline below will be helpful...
I developed a fissure approximately 3 years ago – unknown to me at the time. Once I was correctly diagnosed (long story), it had become chronic. It was very painful during the day and subsided somewhat overnight. Getting to the right colorectal surgeon was the key to finally healing. It sounds like your second doctor is prescribing a similar approach with a few differences. I'll summarize what I used/did (both by Rx) as well as more holistic measures:
1. The fissure was finally diagnosed approximately 1 year after symptoms started. In that interim period, I saw my primary, a gastroenterologist, and my first colorectal surgeon – all of whom thought my pain was coming from a hemorrhoid. That sounds crazy, but I’ve since learned that fissures are misdiagnosed all the time. There are many reasons for this, which I won’t go into here.
2. It was not until I went to a second colorectal surgeon that I was diagnosed with a fissure. I was prescribed a compounded ointment with three components: hydrocortisone, nifedipine, and lidocaine. I applied it 2x per day for 8 weeks at which point I saw my physician again. By this time, my symptoms were much better and my physician indicated the fissure had healed. [You mentioned the Nifedipine in your post. My understanding is that it helps the muscle relax which should be helpful – at least, that was my experience.]
3. During the 8 weeks, I also used a therapeutic red-light panel 5 days per week for 10-15 minutes. I cannot scientifically prove it, but I believe it really helped w/healing.
4. I was left with some residual pelvic floor spasms supposedly set off by the chronic fissure. These were horrible, but pelvic floor physical therapy took care of those and today I am pain free and feel like I’m 98% back to normal.
5. You mentioned that BM’s are a problem and while you are likely already taking steps to keep things on the softer side, here is what worked best for me after much trial and error. I drink ¼ cup of aloe vera juice 2 to 3 times/day before each meal. I consume ten 8 oz. glasses of water/day. I also supplement with magnesium (a blend of magnesium oxide, malate, and glycinate) 2x per day – 1 capsule in the morning and 2 at bedtime. Magnesium citrate is also an option. I was already eating a Mediterranean, whole foods diet before this started and I did not make any changes to it. If you’ve not tried this before, look up recipes for Chia Seed Pudding. My physical therapist told me about it and suggested it could help with keeping things moving. She was right. On average, I have ¼ cup of the pudding each day. It is very easy to make and taste great too. That said, what works is unique to everyone! I may have veered off too far from the subject at hand, but I wanted to share given some of your comments.
6. If you’ve not already heard about/discovered Dr. Albert Chung’s YouTube channel, it is worth investigating. He calls himself “Your Friendly Proctologist” and really breaks things down into layman’s terms with a healthy dose of humor along the way. He has several short videos re: fissures that you might find encouraging and helpful. The link to his channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@yourfriendlyproctologist and you can also get there from his website: https://crsurgeryoc.com/ .
I apologize for the length of this post and it is likely TMI. However, if you have additional questions, feel free to private message me. I wish you the very best on your healing journey.
Thx so much for your lengthy reply! Very helpful. I’m kind of at my wits end trying to be hopeful. My life is like a rollercoaster. Seems every other day extreme pain next day tolerable. I take ibuprofen and Tylenol but it doesn’t take it away. Did you take anything stronger? Also wonder about the Chinese naturopath clinics for this problem. Do you know anything about those? Expensive! Thank you. Jette
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Sitz baths as much as you can. 50% of people can heal these on their own. I gave up after 6 weeks and had the surgery. Good luck to you. This is a monster.
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1 Reaction@jeanadair123 yes, I got my Nifedipine ointment from a compounding pharmacy, with a prescription from my physician.
You’ve basically described my life for the last six months, thank you for the description.
God bless your heart
I'm afraid I don't know any medication that helps, as I was given a cream and gave me herendous headaches, so put me off. But when I drink more fluids through the day, helps because your stools are a bit looser.
After 14-1/2 years of sitting on a donut, I took an anti-seizure medication on an unrelated matter and in 2 weeks the pain was gone. My pelvic therapist said she had read that this works. It was Topamax. I took it off-label for a daily persistent headache. Helped my butt, but I still have the headache. Ask your doctor. Good luck.
Replaced toilet with a bidet style and fissures are now gone. But mine was on the outside. Don’t know about those inside. Love the bidet still btw.
I have had anal fissure for 9 years on/off. Seen 1 col.rec dr who put me on nitro glycerin and Botox. Says it’s 95%healed and doesn’t know why excruciating pain. Nothing more he can do🥲. Seeing 2 dr who for 6 weeks (2weeks in) put me on nifedipine and antibiotics. Fissure is quite high up. Bm is difficult and I can’t complete so go often. Think maybe the nifedipine makes me unable to go? Can anyone relate? This is my first time posting and I’m pretty desperate. Taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen to cope. Thx for any input.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWelcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @jette123. I have never had an anal fissure, but a good friend of mine did. Sounded really challenging and painful.
I'm sorry to hear about the pain and feeling like a bowel movement is difficult and hard to complete.
Tagging a few members who have talked about anal fissure for their support and any input they may have for you on this journey to get things working more ideally and get relief from pain @lisval @mikaylar @branmo @adlttl123 @ruth2019 @mimi86 @samclembeau. @rashida and @jlharsh also may have some thoughts for you.
How well are the ibuprofen and acetaminophen managing your pain?
Hello @jette123 - so sorry you are going through this! I can relate and, hopefully, some of what I outline below will be helpful...
I developed a fissure approximately 3 years ago – unknown to me at the time. Once I was correctly diagnosed (long story), it had become chronic. It was very painful during the day and subsided somewhat overnight. Getting to the right colorectal surgeon was the key to finally healing. It sounds like your second doctor is prescribing a similar approach with a few differences. I'll summarize what I used/did (both by Rx) as well as more holistic measures:
1. The fissure was finally diagnosed approximately 1 year after symptoms started. In that interim period, I saw my primary, a gastroenterologist, and my first colorectal surgeon – all of whom thought my pain was coming from a hemorrhoid. That sounds crazy, but I’ve since learned that fissures are misdiagnosed all the time. There are many reasons for this, which I won’t go into here.
2. It was not until I went to a second colorectal surgeon that I was diagnosed with a fissure. I was prescribed a compounded ointment with three components: hydrocortisone, nifedipine, and lidocaine. I applied it 2x per day for 8 weeks at which point I saw my physician again. By this time, my symptoms were much better and my physician indicated the fissure had healed. [You mentioned the Nifedipine in your post. My understanding is that it helps the muscle relax which should be helpful – at least, that was my experience.]
3. During the 8 weeks, I also used a therapeutic red-light panel 5 days per week for 10-15 minutes. I cannot scientifically prove it, but I believe it really helped w/healing.
4. I was left with some residual pelvic floor spasms supposedly set off by the chronic fissure. These were horrible, but pelvic floor physical therapy took care of those and today I am pain free and feel like I’m 98% back to normal.
5. You mentioned that BM’s are a problem and while you are likely already taking steps to keep things on the softer side, here is what worked best for me after much trial and error. I drink ¼ cup of aloe vera juice 2 to 3 times/day before each meal. I consume ten 8 oz. glasses of water/day. I also supplement with magnesium (a blend of magnesium oxide, malate, and glycinate) 2x per day – 1 capsule in the morning and 2 at bedtime. Magnesium citrate is also an option. I was already eating a Mediterranean, whole foods diet before this started and I did not make any changes to it. If you’ve not tried this before, look up recipes for Chia Seed Pudding. My physical therapist told me about it and suggested it could help with keeping things moving. She was right. On average, I have ¼ cup of the pudding each day. It is very easy to make and taste great too. That said, what works is unique to everyone! I may have veered off too far from the subject at hand, but I wanted to share given some of your comments.
6. If you’ve not already heard about/discovered Dr. Albert Chung’s YouTube channel, it is worth investigating. He calls himself “Your Friendly Proctologist” and really breaks things down into layman’s terms with a healthy dose of humor along the way. He has several short videos re: fissures that you might find encouraging and helpful. The link to his channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@yourfriendlyproctologist and you can also get there from his website: https://crsurgeryoc.com/ .
I apologize for the length of this post and it is likely TMI. However, if you have additional questions, feel free to private message me. I wish you the very best on your healing journey.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThx so much for your lengthy reply! Very helpful. I’m kind of at my wits end trying to be hopeful. My life is like a rollercoaster. Seems every other day extreme pain next day tolerable. I take ibuprofen and Tylenol but it doesn’t take it away. Did you take anything stronger? Also wonder about the Chinese naturopath clinics for this problem. Do you know anything about those? Expensive! Thank you. Jette