I need to know my options...HELP!!

I have had an anal fissure for well over a year. At first, it was the most painful thing I have EVER experienced in my whole life. Granted, I have not had the joyous pleasure of giving birth at this point in my life but if you are on this website...you get where I'm coming from. Nonetheless, after having this issue for over a year and the pain is a once-in-a-while occurrence (but is still gut-wrenching) I am still EXTREMELY troubled by this issue. I tried creams, fiber, soaking, and dieting. I went to 4 doctors when I had health insurance, at the beginning of the fissure issue, but have not been back since. My insurance ran out after I was laid-off so going back was not feasible. Each doctor referred me to another and finally the 4th said I needed surgery if it hasn't gone away using the cream. Well...it hasn't gone away. Please tell me what way I should go now that I do have insurance again. I've heard horrible things about the surgery, especially about the uncontrollable anus issue. Please...if you've had the surgery, give me some insight. If you haven't had the surgery and know of a better way to go about it...PLEASE LET ME KNOW!! What is this botox I just heard about reading through some of these postings...oh, do tell!!! Thank you for reading... :)

[ggreg]

I haven't had your issues, but I DO know that the reason surgery is tough, is because of the location.  People who have hemorrhoid surgery, for example, go through the same untold misery.  But that's why they have drugs to mainline into you, so you won't know what hit you.  And that's why they have pain pills to take home until the surgical site heals.  Botox works like pain medicine, blocks nerve signals, so if you're willing to get a shot in your rear, why not get rid of the fissure and never have pain again after it heals!  You're just worn slam out with pain, your adrenals are drained, your body is drained, and you sure as heck don't want to have more pain on top.  But let your logical mind take you where you need to go, because a year of fiddling with it should be enough to tell you there is but one path to relief.  Now, if you know about folks who have had fissure surgery and STILL had trouble, talk to your doctor about that, and they will explain what the situation is.  By the way, plain KY jelly eases chaffing, put it on after each time you bathe.

[armywife2010]

Thank you very much for your response, Ggreg. I truly appreciate it. I think I am going to try the botox first and see how that goes. Thank you!! :)