Has anybody had a Sphincterotomy?

I was signed off for 3 weeks- but bearing in mind it was in the lead unto to Christmas/ New Year. I can't remember the exact % quoted by the surgeon but the success rate was high 90's. I was told it was generally more successful in men vs. women.

Like you I researched and looked at forums, spoke to GP's and a friend who is a surgeon… in the end the pain was too great and something had to be done.

I am pleased I had it now and looking back perhaps should have gone sooner as mine was a chronic fissure.

Went back to see surgeon in Jan '14 - quick examination and signed off/ok etc. Advised to drink water, go to the toilet when required (don't hold a motion) in etc.

My quality of life is so much better now.. thanks to the surgeon and his team.

Good luck

I was diagnosed with a chronic anal fissure 2 weeks ago but ive had pain in that area for more then 2 months. I'm a 34 year old male. I used to take a lot of codeine for migraines and eating heavy bought constipation and that was most likely the caused of my fissure.

first visit to the doctor he gave me some cream and didn't even check, he concluded hemorrhoids, so I took his advise and went home to continue using the cream over a few weeks but nothing! Pain was getting worse and worse to the point where I was in so much pain after a BM that I would roll around on my bed like a child in pain and mind you I'm a pretty big bloke and I cant handle pain and have a strong mind BUT this was different. There was also a lot of blood in toilet.

So I went to another GP who I hadn't  seen in a few years and he quickly checked me out and confirmed it as a fissure, gave me some ointment "rectogesic" I think it was called, tried it once,  major migraine so didn't bother again. I went back and told him I needed pain killers I was in agony so he gave me "targin", numbed the pain good, its like morphine, it has oxycodone. While I was there he called a friend of his who happened to be Melbournes (im in australia) leading surgeons in the field, he booked me a consultation for a few days later, I went down and he told me I need surgey (sphincterotomy) he pretty much said straight out that he has done thousands of ops and seen thousands of patients and there is no way that it would heal alone by eating better or taking medication, he said it maybe will disappear "temporarily" but it will be back! So I said book me in! He did for the week after which was last night. Went to hospital and they explained everything beforehand, the surgeon was a gentleman, they started by laying me down and giving me a needle I dont know what was in it but I will tell you that it made me feel like I'm on a cloud, felt nice, soon after they put the  mask on and within seconds I was gone, woke up an hour later and the nurse said all done! I was shocked, I was like really? Then I was anticipating the pain to come along because I felt absolutely good down there so I thought once the meds wear off im stuffed, 1 2 3 4 hours still no pain no nothing, went home still nothing, went to sleep and woke up today, still nothing! Im pain free! I can feel some bruising a little tiny bit, but I feel like a new human! THEN started getting anxious about my first BM and that's when the fear kicked in! Considering the last few months have been TORTURE going toilet I think fear was 100% justified, going toilet the pain! Then after BM the stinging pain for HOURS. so yeah guys don't want to bore you more, went to the bathroom, had a BM and nothing! No pain during or after! My life is back! But I hope it stays like this. I am amazed because life did STOP for me with the fissure, no work, no fun, no intimacy, no going out, just constant misery! So I know how all you guys feel really, go do it ASAP! DO NOT DELAY. Don't think you can fly around forums and try to find a cure cause you wont! No ointment, no sitz baths, no metamucil/psyllium husk, no movicol, no high fibre diets, will cure this nightmare, yes all of those will help a little with BM and keep taking them but don't expect it to cure you if you have an acute or chronic fissure. Its still early days for me but I am confident its over. 

Anal fissures can ruin your life! I haven't worked in months, lost my job no income and ran out of money! Luckily health care system in Australia is free! I don't care if I have no money and have to find a new job and do it tough for months, just don't bring back that nightmare. All the best guys.