Posts by Jason Vaughn482

Raymond Smith3 said:The man is an absolute saint; first off, he actually lets you vent and explain exactly what’s bothering you, listening intently without cutting you off once. I didn't undergo any intense rectoscopy or anything fancy—just the standard procedure where you lie on your side for the ring exam. Honestly, despite how unpleasant these things can be, it was remarkably painless and quite bearable. If you decide to see him, rest assured you’ll be in excellent hands.

Thank you so much; I'll definitely be heading his way, especially since I've already received a recommendation from another doctor. That said, my symptoms have improved slightly, so I'm not in a desperate rush just yet. Dealing with this anal fissure feels like a bit of a different beast altogether... oh, I am just so incredibly relieved to hear he doesn't insist on a rectoscopy!🙏>

Raymond Smith3 said:Hey everyone, I'm a bit pressed for time here, so I'll just give you a quick rundown of my recent hospital experience...

I am truly relieved to hear that everything went smoothly for you, and frankly, even more pleased to see your glowing recommendation for Dr. Bacic—he is actually the surgeon I’m planning to see for an anal fissure procedure myself. I was scheduled for a consultation with him yesterday, though I ended up pulling back at the last minute since things have been feeling a bit more manageable lately; regardless, when the situation inevitably takes a turn for the worse, he will be my first call. Tell me, does he possess a personable bedside manner? Does he take the time to walk you through the entire process and answer your questions thoroughly, specifically regarding the pre-operative testing, like the rectoscopy, that he performed?

Karen Thompson10 said:I’m honestly not even worried about hemorrhoids coming back, because if they do—say, during a pregnancy—I’ll just jump straight back under the NASA procedure.
But I have this absolutely massive phobia regarding anal fissures returning. It terrifies me because I never want to endure that specific agony ever again; it makes me borderline obsessed with my digestion at times. 🙄

In my view, one shouldn't lose sleep over hemorrhoids; from what I've gathered, if the surgery hasn't truly taken, they reappear almost immediately within a month or two, by which point we've already made significant progress in recovery. 😁

Oh, please, Karen, don't let it get to you... they won't come back, really. Don't worry. Right now, steelangler7 and I are both dealing with our own issues; that doctor basically wiped us out completely. I actually went to schedule an appointment today, though I'm booking through an online portal and I've already canceled twice. Believe me, I am genuinely terrified just thinking about the exam, let alone being admitted to the hospital. And that's assuming he doesn't tell me I need a rectoscopy... I absolutely loathe those scopes. I had a gastroscopy done twice before; I was utterly shaken up during the process, yet once it was finally over, I felt such an immense sense of pride that I was bragging to everyone about how painless it was—and truthfully, it wasn't bad—but I couldn't convince my friend, so she ended up going under anesthesia. Now, believe me, even after a few years have passed, I wouldn't want to go through it again; the memory has faded, but the fear remains just as potent.

Elizabeth Price85 said:Karen Thompson10, which nuts are we talking about—almonds, walnuts, cashews? I absolutely adore cashews; I practically lived on them last year while I was dieting, though they are frankly quite pricey.😁
I’ll give those a shot as well, thank you.

I can't recall if I mentioned this, but I actually underwent a colonoscopy back in July, and the results were perfectly normal (just "thin, long, and winding intestines"). So, it appears all that discomfort was nothing more than a phantom nuisance.🙂 🙂

Did the colonoscopy hurt? I had mine done under anesthesia, and the doctor noted that my intestines are extremely convoluted, suggesting it would have been agonizing if I hadn't been out.

steelangler7 said:I actually picked up some nitroglycerin back in Belgrade... at the Ivancic pharmacy... specifically for fissures... the price was roughly $23... because from what I understand, they’re one of the only places that carries it. You can't just have them mail it to you normally because it requires strict cold-chain transport to stay stable. My little trick is to buy a few cans of chilled soda and tuck the ointment into a bag with the cans to keep it cool. Or, you could just freeze a water bottle. Honestly, your best bet is to call the pharmacy directly; they should have a website with all their info. They prepare it using 0.4% nitroglycerin... if my memory serves me right. So, I ended up using a slightly stronger concentration than what was officially prescribed.
That ointment only stays good for about two months before it expires...
I was told that this stuff is only available in Germany now... though apparently, they don't manufacture or sell it through pharmacies there anymore. I know this because I checked.
It's nowhere to be found in Canada either. If you're looking to buy it in the States, the local pharmacies usually have to order it from overseas... the cost is about $400..

I tracked down a pharmacy over in Boston near the old market and gave them a ring; they have it for $20. They didn't mention anything about needing special refrigerated shipping, but I think I'll give them another call just to be safe. They mentioned they could ship it to me, though I believe it’s only a 0.2% nitroglycerin concentration. Were you just applying this on your own initiative, or did a doctor recommend it after an exam? Are you based in the Boston area? If so, you might want to check with that specific pharmacy... and by the way, what did you end up deciding regarding the Krej?😕

steelangler7 said:Greetings, everyone...
So, I finally went in for my exam..

Here is how the whole ordeal unfolded..
First off.. I sat there waiting for three agonizing hours just to be seen.
Secondly... men and women are ushered into the exact same room.. separated by nothing more than a thin curtain.. if that’s what passes for "modern standards" in the US today.
And then... the actual examination lasted maybe a single minute.. and within three minutes total, I was already back out in the waiting room...
The doctor wasn't even remotely interested in listening to me explain my symptoms, the history, or the specific circumstances I'm facing..
.. As soon as I attempted to walk him through my situation, he shut me down immediately... because unless the good doctor decided to tell me, "Fine, just go suffer and let's see how that goes," there was no point. So I thought.. alright.. maybe later he'll find some utility in actually being helpful. Ha! As if.. you can certainly think that.
I get it, okay, it was busy.. but that kind of attitude is just unacceptable..
The saga continues..
His grand diagnosis? You have hard stools.. regulate your bowel movements and that's that..
Well, excuse me for thinking.. I haven't had a regular movement since yesterday, let alone recently, because between the stress and everything else, my entire metabolism and digestive tract have essentially ground to a halt.. and even when I feel like there is something to pass, nothing happens.. everything just dries up..
..
Because of his frantic, desperate rush to finish, I could barely squeeze out a single sentence...
"I have been struggling with this for three years..."
And his response to me? "Do you want me to perform surgery?" (he was referring to that procedure mentioned by Karen Thompson10; had I not read the forums and understood what she meant—since the girl didn't explain it clearly—I would have misunderstood him entirely—NO)unnecessary complications.."
"I don't know what else to do or how to handle this.. that's why I am here, for you to explain things and help me.." (honestly, I thought to myself.. you idiot.. if I knew what to do, I wouldn't be sitting here; instead of helping, you're literally snapping at me and making me look like a fool).
And that is where it ended..
Just "regulate bowel movements" and, according to the report, some fat content.

I will find my own way out of this mess eventually.. I have absolutely no desire to deal with such incompetent, arrogant, and condescending individuals ever again.
As if I would ever put my health in hands like those. Give me a break!!

God, that sounds awful. And here I am about to order food, feeling a bit nauseous myself, so please tell me where this was, which hospital, and which doctor, so people can be warned. Are you from a big city like Chicago or somewhere near Seattle? I spoke to a specialist over the phone once regarding a rib issue, and he told me to use nitroglycerin ointment rather than undergoing surgery due to the risks of complications (I'm usually based near the coast, but I called him because he works privately/elsewhere). Did he at least give you a specific brand or name? Because one person told me to use baby ointments, another suggested Factu or other hemorrhoid creams, and while Hemeroprotect helps me a little, I'd love to try nitroglycerin, but you didn't mention where you bought it or who recommended it to you?

Karen Thompson10 said:You must have confused me with someone else; I wasn't the one doing that, I only had an anoscopy, and even that was quite painful.
Well, you should simply inform the staff at the hospital that you aren't willing to undergo that specific procedure right now, but emphasize that you are prepared to do so later, once the fissure has healed following your surgery.
Constipation is certainly one of the primary culprits behind fissures, though I didn't suffer from it until this issue arose... once the fissure manifested, I dealt with constant constipation, but much of that is psychologically conditioned. So many people facing a fissure end up delaying their trips to the bathroom because the pain is simply unbearable, and by the time they finally go, the situation has worsened—it becomes this vicious, self-perpetuating cycle.

Laxatives aren't a sustainable solution for daily use; you really need to regulate your bowel movements through a healthy diet.
Unfortunately, even if you were to start eating perfectly healthy starting this very second, I don't know if that tiny wound will just vanish on its own...

Yeah, I went back and checked our previous messages and saw that you hadn't done it—I have no idea where I got that impression, but it doesn't matter; I won't be going under if I can avoid it either... I've struggled with constipation for years, and I suppose with a fissure, it involves that anal canal area, which might be why. When I don't go to the bathroom, the burning sensation intensifies, so that's why I use them. I'm thinking maybe I should start taking those probiotic capsules; perhaps they'll help regulate things alongside my diet... but honestly, it doesn't actually hurt while I'm having a bowel movement, nothing at all. It's just that afterward, the stinging starts. I wouldn't say I'm in agony, but Dr. is chronic, although it's more of a shallow fissure—actually two, I think. In any case, it's incredibly irritating and I just want it resolved. And God, I am such a coward; it's not the anesthesia I fear—that's actually the best part, being tucked away under sedation—it's the aftermath. I'm terrified of whether the recovery goes smoothly and just how much it's going to hurt...

Karen Thompson10 said:Jason Vaughn482, you could always try negotiating it that way.
They might just perform a rectoscopy right before the surgery once they have you positioned on the table, and that'll be the end of it.
But honestly, I don't think they’re actually requesting that specific procedure for fissures.

Hey, I’m not entirely sure why I had the impression you were undergoing a rectoscopy specifically for hemorrhoids? Though, if I recall correctly, a surgeon did insist I get a rectoscopy during my initial consultation. I was absolutely terrified, so I ended up seeing a private specialist instead, who performed an anoscopy under local anesthesia—those injections were pure agony, truly maddening.. He mentioned he wouldn't bother with a rectoscopy when a fissure is already causing such intense pain, yet the hospital doctor kept pushing for it; after performing a digital rectal exam, which was painful enough, he recommended the rectoscopy... anyway, I actually scheduled an appointment last month with the specific surgeon I wanted to handle my operation, but I fell ill and had to cancel.. now I have to go through the whole process of rescheduling again... by the way, I suffer terribly from constipation, were you dealing with that back then too? And does that have anything to do with the fissure? I’ve been relying on laxatives constantly (even before this started).

Michael Diaz4 said:Look, I’m telling you from experience—and I am certain of this—that I endured the single most harrowing ordeal with hemorrhoids out of anyone on this entire forum. Now, in your specific case, it sounds more like an anal fissure than actual hemorrhoids, but if it gives you even a shred of comfort to know that after everything I went through, I lost my fear of just about anything, then take heart. No matter how horrific the immediate aftermath of the procedure feels, things can only trend upward; it simply cannot get worse than that initial shock. They ought to administer some form of anesthesia, and once the treatment is finally behind you, relief is inevitable. Besides, when the pain is this agonizing, why on earth would anyone choose to endure it?

I hear you, I really do, but please tell me—is a sigmoidoscopy going to be excruciating if I end up having to undergo it? I’m praying I can avoid it entirely, or at least be sedated so I don't have to suffer through those miserable few days of recovery afterward...

I haven't actually taken any steps toward a solution yet... though I fully intend to. Honestly, if someone could just give me the straight truth—is a rectoscopy absolutely mandatory when dealing with a fissure? And does it actually hurt? How long does the whole ordeal take? I'll admit, I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about the entire process. Do you just lie down on the table, get sedated, and call it a day? Karen Thompson10, you’re the expert here; you’ll be able to tell me exactly what to expect. By the way, you’ve already moved past all that misery, haven't you? Must be nice to finally have that weight off your shoulders.

And tell me, did you actually feel any pain during the process?

Carl Wilson10 said:I have a question regarding my procedure today—it was labeled as a Lateral Sphincterotomy. I went in for anal dilation, received local anesthesia, and they performed some sort of intervention... but now I'm wondering, are there various methods for performing a Lateral Sphincterotomy, or is there strictly just one way to do it? Since they essentially make an incision, and while I know I was under local anesthesia, I didn't actually feel any cutting! All I really felt was something being inserted into the anus!

In that case, it sounds like you only underwent the anal dilation... where did you have the procedure done, and how are you feeling now? I'm scheduled for mine soon, and I suspect I'll likely start with the lateral one too.

vividsailor7 said:What you’re saying is absolutely spot on; that is precisely why one must track down a surgeon of true caliber—someone you can actually trust—and simply surrender oneself entirely to their expertise.

Exactly, Karen Thompson10, you made the right call and now that part is behind you... what follows are the heavy, consequential conversations with surgeons. Do you remember when I mentioned that one specialist at the Rib clinic told me to skip surgery altogether and just stick to nitroglycerin ointment? Well, I simply cannot endure this agony any longer... a final decision has to be reached.

Thanks, Harvey, and thanks, Karen Thompson10... I'll send you a private message the second I have some news.

vividsailor7 said:As an internist, let me weigh in. Given that this issue has been lingering for eight months now, the most prudent course of action—provided you don't have contraindications like chronic issues or if the fissure itself has become neglected—would be to undergo anal dilation. It’s a brief procedure, lasting anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, typically performed on an outpatient basis. It is relatively painless and generally carries minimal risk of complications. Best regards.

Thank you, though I find myself stuck in a bit of a quandary now. The documentation suggests this is chronic; I first experienced this last year and it settled down after about two months, but now, a full year later, it has resurfaced and has been persisting for eight months. The pain isn't exactly agonizing, but there is this constant, irritating burning sensation. I'm a bit lost on what "neglected" actually implies in this context. I've been diligent—applying ointments, taking chamomile baths, sticking to a strict diet—so why isn't anal dilation a standard procedure performed in hospitals if it's truly that straightforward? And is there any truth to the fears regarding complications, specifically the risk of fecal incontinence? I'll admit, I'm feeling quite anxious. On the other hand, the idea of a full-scale surgery sounds significantly more painful. It's a heavy decision to weigh. I honestly never imagined a fissure could be such a significant ordeal; I always assumed hemorrhoids—which I also suffer from, though they are currently dormant—were the greater concern. Thank you once again.😕

vividsailor7 said:Just so you know, FactSet ointment requires a prescription. If FactSet doesn't do the trick, you might want to look into other options like Hemophiliac, Preparation H via prescription, or Lidocaine... Lidoproct isn't actually registered here in the States.

Harvey, I was told you were the one to ask for advice. To put it briefly, what’s the best and least painful way to deal with two shallow anal fissures that have been tormenting me for eight months now? Should I attempt using nitroglycerin ointment, even though I've heard it can trigger brutal headaches? I'm weighing my options: various ointments, undergoing anal dilation in NYC, or just going for a classic surgical procedure at the hospital in San Francisco where I actually live... I'm honestly not sure if you're a GP or a surgeon, but you were recommended to me, so please, help me out... thank you in advance.

steelangler7 said:Hello, everyone,
well, here I am again...

I promised I’d check back in after my appointment, and frankly, I am utterly disillusioned.

The diagnosis is essentially this...
the fissure is still there, measuring about 3 mm in length and 1 mm in width, with first-degree hemorrhoids...
And the "cure"? Just slather on some calendula ointment...

So, I pressed the doctor for a more substantial solution—I asked if surgery was an option because, quite honestly, I am exhausted by this entire ordeal; it has been a constant, nagging misery for far too long. His response? A dismissive shrug. He basically said, "Well, no... it will either heal on its own or it won't. Just keep using the calendula." Then he tells me to come back for a follow-up in six months. "Enjoy yourselves, take warm baths..." Ha! Hahaha! Hah!!!!!!😠
Naturally, following the examination, things have taken a turn for the worse...
That tiny bit of tissue that had actually managed to heal has split right open again...
And today, I'm looking at a toilet bowl full of blood.
Isn't life just wonderful?
I am simply fed up with all of this.🙂

Are you still dealing with that fissure, and did that calendula ointment actually do anything, or did you end up going under the knife?

Sandra Taylor34 said:Greetings,

Last Friday, I finally bit the bullet and visited a proctologist at a private medical clinic in New York City. They diagnosed me with an anal fissure—which, frankly, had been making my life a living hell. The procedure was performed right then and there, and believe it or not, I'm already heading back to work tomorrow. Once the anesthesia wore off, the first day was quite painful, especially dealing with the tampons, but I’ve already managed to step out for coffee today. In my estimation, the local anesthesia was easily the worst part; everything else passed by without much sensation at all.

Sugar, if you don't mind me pestering you just a little bit, which doctor did you see, and what kind of lightning-fast method did they use to get the job done so quickly?

darkbear14 said:I can't recall the exact name right this second—it starts with a B, I think, maybe Dr. Bill—but from what I gather, he’s essentially the only one performing those specific procedures at the Mayo Clinic; at least, that’s the word on the street. I was asking around through a friend's wife, who actually heard it from an acquaintance of hers—a surgical technician over at the Mayo Clinic... she mentioned that a fissure surgery isn't overly complex and the procedure itself is quite brief. Under Dr. Phil, everything went smoothly and the cost was surprisingly reasonable... though you have to be prepared to give it about a month and a half for things to truly settle down. I mean, I can't exactly expect Dr. Smith to wave a magic wand and fix everything instantly without a recovery period; it’s not as if I suddenly sprouted these hemorrhoids and this fissure overnight. I’ve been dealing with these hemorrhoids for years, and this fissure has been hanging around for a long time too. Dr. Phil isn't much for small talk; he just gets the job done because the clinic is absolutely slammed—honestly, I was stunned by the sheer volume of people waiting to see him. The first couple of times I showed up for my exams and the surgery, I thought it might be a fluke, but I soon realized it’s just how it is. Look, I get that you're feeling anxious, but sometimes in life, you just have to put your faith in someone. If the pain hits after a bowel movement, just take an analgesic, bear with it, and wait for the sensation to pass... and besides, once again, Donat works wonders...

Ah, it’s probably Dr. Bacic; I believe he’s the head of that Gastroenterology department. He’s quite good. For me, though, the real anxiety lies in the aftermath—the potential for intense pain or complications like incontinence. I've been struggling for eight months now; honestly, I wouldn't even call them "sharp" pains anymore, but more of a constant burning sensation that gets under your skin and makes it impossible to function properly...

darkbear14 said:For me, Phil handled everything with lightning speed—it took barely twenty minutes to resolve both my fissure and my hemorrhoids through a ligation procedure. He even performed the rectoscopy, which is absolutely mandatory before any hemorrhoid surgery, and I can tell you truthfully, it was painless. Before that, I had spent eight agonizing months suffering in silence until the pain became simply unbearable. I’ll admit, I procrastinated, much like anyone else would, but I certainly wouldn't make that mistake again. Addressing the issue immediately is the only logical path forward. My advice? Reach out to other folks on these forums and weigh your options; you should decide for yourself which surgeon feels right for you.

I wonder, would you happen to have the name of that surgeon from the Mayo Clinic? And are you based out of San Francisco or New York City? The way your experience unfolded sounds ideal—quick, affordable, and finally being rid of those hemorrhoids must mean the pain is cut halfway down, if not entirely gone. Did he take the time to discuss any potential complications with you?🤷😕

Sophia Brooks50 said:I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond. Tell me, did the pain subside significantly after the procedure, and if so, how long did the recovery actually take? Before they moved you into surgery, what kind of preliminary exam did the doctor perform—was it a rectoscopy or something similar? And regarding that anesthetic injection—is it as excruciating as people say, or perhaps less painful if they apply a topical numbing agent first? I ask because, quite frankly, the prospect of the pain is weighing heavily on my mind. Furthermore, is that anal dilation absolutely necessary? We’ve heard whispers about its side effects, which is rather unsettling. Also, regarding the cauterization—is that specifically for a fissure, or is it used for hemorrhoids, seeing as you mentioned undergoing both? Do they let you head home the very same day, and what does the follow-up process look like? I find myself needing to be thoroughly informed, especially since I am not from New York City. Thank you.

And one more thing... how long had you been struggling with these issues before you finally pulled the trigger on the surgery, and how long does the actual operation last? I realize you dealt with both issues simultaneously, so the total duration might be a bit skewed, but I was just asking a friend who underwent the traditional excision under general anesthesia.