Chronic Anal Fissures

Hi there, sorry to hear you are struggling so much.

i would give the GTN some more time. If you haven't improved enough by the time you go back to your GP ask to be referred to a colorectal consultant at your local hospital. They are the best at dealing with these things.

drink plenty of water to help the stool softeners do their job. Take pain killers before a bm... It helps to take the edge off.

all the best

I agree with Ojh3, do what they say.  However, have you considered a sphincterotomy?  I had one last year after sufffering with a fissure for 22+ years.

BEST decision I ever made, I was at my wits end and ready to throw in the towel.  Honestly!  Please let us know how you are doing?

susan ive just had surgery for this back in april 2014 i to had the same pain n couldnt walk properly it affected my sleep i couldnt sit it was just a constant ache n shooting pains i had .i was admitted into hospital and was examined and was told there was no abscess there but i was probably constipated i wasnt happy in wat i was told and i was refered to a colorectal surgion who examined me and yes they found the lump just insdie my bum i  was scared to go to the loo im also on lactaloze and GTN ointment .the only thing is i think the ointment is for use inside the bowel for a fissure in ano not a fistual in ano as they call it i had surgery on a fistula in ano(abscess) had a nurse come out daily to pack it i had a appointment to see my colorectal surgion again and after i told him i coould still feel it he said it was a fissure in ano were the abscess hadnt healed properly so was perscribed GTN to put in to heal it so i dont think the GTN ointment will do anything for you until you have seen a surgion but dont worry to much fingers crossed you will be fine try not to worry to much .if the pain starts to become unbarable i used a cold flannel laid inbetween my bum cheeck to ease the pain .  

I went to a very well respected, very informed surgeon.  She was recommended to me by my doctor, and I had done research on her and the procedure as well.  I had 3 other things done internally, not just the sphincterotomy.  It was painful for about 7-10 days, and now I would never know I had anything done.  I do get slight pain with loose stools, but they told me that would be expected.  However, the pain now lasts 10 minutes versus 48 hours.  Again, sorry for your troubles but I myself had a great surgeon, and would recommend this surgery to anyone. Again, after suffering for 22 years, I know how awful the pain can be.  I hope you feel better and soon! Hugs to you!!

susan if your in that much pain hunny go to your local walk in centre and get seen to straight away . dunt be ashamed of what u have i thought i was the only 1 with this kinds of illness until i found this forum . help is there if you need it pleased dont suffer alone . i was scared aswell as i was off work 6 months and ive only just gone back in july and i felt ashamed telling my manager about my illness and they are very understanding . talk to a female boss/colleage  if you can im sure they will want to help you as much as they can and they will be sympothetic with you concidering the pain your in x go and seek help now and get yourself sorted . if work are anything they will understand your life comes 1st 

Hi Susan.  I feel for you. I had a fissure that's now healed but It took a lot of time and care!

A few tips.

1) try making all your stools soft. 

2) apply vassaline before you go 

3) I applied pressure to the fisure  with my fingers when going to stop it splitting open.not easy but it helped. 

4) use unscented wet wipes and never tissue. Use a shower when feasible. 

I applied vassaline after with a cotton bud to clean myself. It's amazing how hard it is to keep clean.

5) no alcohol or spicy foods.

Stick with the cream and maybe a pain killer.

if you get a lot of itching see if an antihistamine helps.mine was related to an allergic reaction. 

I found that it took months of care to get back to normal.  Look after yourself and good luck