Thanks for inviting me, @lisalucier. Nice to meet you @jette123. How frustrating to deal with your anal fisture for 9 years, and on top dealing with what it takes to try to treat it.

First, I want to let you know that through my long road I am finding relief and comfort. You can do this!

My progress began at a 2021 GI appointment when it was determined I did not necessarily have a fisture. Rather, it is documented as “perianal excoriation” that my doctor could see. I described my pain as a periodic “rock on my tail bone”, hits me out of nowhere and most often waking me in the middle of the night. Like you describe, that place is higher up. Pelvic floor dysfunction was suspected then subsequently confirmed by anorectal manometry testing. Bluntly, my poop muscles functioned backwards and held everything in instead of pushing out. My muscles do not relax properly during bowel movements, thus chronic constipation and difficult passing stool. It made absolutely no sense to me at the time but I pursued Mayo Clinic’s evacuation program for pelvic floor therapy…..because I was absolutely miserable by this time and they were confident it would help. (if I put in the effort - it is effort).

Because of learning first-hand that everything in my body does seem to be connected, I am wondering if you have other nagging health issues? Besides the nifedipine, what medications/supplements do you take?