<p>OK, I’m dealing with a new (for me) complication of long standing ulcerative colitis: anal fissures.
Not fun to have and probably not fun to read about for the general public. So, the squeamish should stop here.
Hoping someone has positive experience to share with treatments that worked for them.</p>
<p>Ive got constant sharp, stinging localized pain, much worse when using the bathroom. Much bleeding.
Initially, thought to be ‘only’ hemorrhoids, due to bleeding. Sitz baths and topical anti-inflammatory cream was no use.
're-exam showed two fissures. Topical nitroglycerin ointment not doing much after a week.</p>
<p>Appt with surgeon next week. Been researching surgical options online, which is just confusing.
Botox injections? Same day surgery…</p>
<p>Any good outcomes out there?
Thanks to anyone listening to my vent.</p>
<p>In my next life, I will choose a more aesthetic body part for my chronic illness!</p>
<p>Mine were minor and healed with Polysporin and using our Japanese washlet toilet seats. The seat has a dryer that’s too slow for me to use without paper all of the time but is very helpful when needed. IIRC, I was also taking an oral antibiotic, some probiotics, and a fiber supplement at the same time, while eating a low residue diet.</p>
<p>The only experience I have with bad anal fissures was indirect - a family member with Crohn’s had them. They were accompanied by other problems that prompted doctors to start TPN (liquid nutrition via PICC) and insert a temporary drain. Total rest of the GI tract made a big difference and let the topical treatments do their job.</p>
<p>I wonder if your body is reacting to something toxic to you. I’ve never had your particular issue but I had non-specific skin rashes and other issues popping up a few years ago that flummoxed even a Dermatologist. I discovered on my own that it was ongoing use of an OTC antiacid that was causing this issue. It resolved as soon as I did a major detox with some flower potion the naturopath gave me. Crazy, but it worked and I’ve never taken the anti-acids again in the last ten years. </p>
<p>I don’t know if that is helpful or not, but bodies don’t just suddenly start doing awful things for no reason. If you have been like this from birth, that could be some defect, but otherwise, it could be something to which your body is overreacting. In the latter case, it certainly would be worth pursuing. I read a book by a young man who had Crohn’s, who nearly died, but was able to totally heal it with some special diet. I hope and pray you find your answers! </p>
<p>I don’t know if you can access this without a Medscape account (I think you can set one up for free, at least I could, but I have a faculty email address, so that might be relevant), but this current topics piece came out in the last week or two. It doesn’t seem pertinent on the first page, but if you continue it addresses the situation you a dealing with. If you can’t get through, pm me and I will send you the transcript. apparently the actual location of the fissure can be diagnostic all by itself.
<a href=“Hemorrhoids Can Be a Real Pain”>Hemorrhoids Can Be a Real Pain; </p>
<p>Wow, thanks to my CC friends for their usual quick responses!</p>
<p>Silpat, glad you were able to heal well. I definitely need to up my fiber; my water intake is good.
Can I come use your Japanese toilet seats? :)</p>
<p>Tranquilmind, my ulcerative colitis is not new and well documented…So there isn’t any thought of a new toxic component thing happening, but thanks for the suggestion.</p>
<p>Delicate arch- thank you for the MEDSCAPE link, that article is excellent!
I’m in healthcare so use it already. Dr Johnson hit several points applicable to me.
Most concerning is that the location of fissures can be diagnostic. The fact that I have more than one and one is lateral has me thinking of crohns…I will ask surgeon.</p>
<p>Sax, the topical I tried first was the hydrocortisone/pramoxine in ointment…no luck for me.
But I will explore all options before surgery. The risk of incontinence pretty much terrifies me.</p>
<p>Thanks again, this is a crappy (ha ha) condition.</p>
<p>We’re big House Hunter International fans at our house and DH loves to make fun of the commonly found bidets in other countries. I might have to have a real discussion with him in light of my ailment. Thanks!</p>
<p>I think they do! ; ) And you’re welcome. Good luck with it!</p>
<p>I may order that one myself. Dh does not want to be without his when we move so I may console him with a ready replacement. I offered to buy one (& pay for the electrical outlet nearby) for our beloved Crohnie, but he hasn’t had a flare recently and thought it was too extravagant. </p>
<p>Not all “surgery” is scary. You might find out that this procedure could be the “miracle cure” for the massive bleeding. It will not help with the inflammation that is the cause of the GI issues, but it might stop the bleeding:</p>
<p>BB- Though I do have hemorrhoids, it’s my two fissures that might need surgery. You’re right the rubber band ligation procedure is supposedly simple and effective.</p>
<p>I’ve been fortunate at my advanced age of 57 to have dodged ANY surgery (except wisdom teeth 35 yrs ago).
So, surgery does scare me. I’ll get over it if necessary. Great selection of physicians in our area so that’s not an issue luckily.</p>
