Posts by Karen Thompson10

Karen Garcia6 said:Like I've said more times than I can count—personally, using creams gives me some relief for a little while, but then everything just comes right back to square one. That's why I'm seriously considering just getting this fixed surgically once and for all. Does anyone have a specific method they’d recommend, or perhaps a specialist who could at least step in to give me a solid diagnosis to start with?

Karen Garcia6, I'm not sure where you're located, but since I'm based in Chicago, I can personally vouch for Dr. Ivanovic and Dr. Kocman (they both practice at Mercy Hospital), though Dr. Ivanovic also sees patients over at the Arthur clinic.
Both of them are truly top-tier doctors; from my own experience, and hearing from plenty of others, they are incredibly skilled and genuinely care about their patients.

When it comes to hemorrhoids, the DG HAL (RAR) procedure is hands-down the best way to go, and honestly, it's the only method that offers a permanent fix. You just can't compare it to those old-school surgeries or even laser treatments. Sure, in a tiny handful of cases, things might recur, but if you undergo the procedure again, they are gone for good.
For over 90% of patients, a single procedure does the trick.

In the Chicago area, the clinics performing this specific method are Arithera, Arthur, and Mercy Hospital!

If you're dealing with a fissure instead, those same doctors can handle that with a much smaller surgical intervention.

There has been so much discussion about DG HAL RAR on this thread that you really need to scroll through the previous posts to get a real sense of how effective it is.

I also feel like I need to mention something... I don't want to call anyone out specifically, but there are certain names in Chicago that carry a lot of weight as "experts" in this field, yet they still cling exclusively to outdated methods that have left many patients feeling disappointed. When you sit down with a proctologist, ask questions; if the doctor doesn't take you seriously or fails to show they are up-to-speed on modern techniques, you should probably steer clear.
Standard hemorrhoid surgery and ligation are just old-fashioned ways of doing things that offer no guarantee that your symptoms won't return. Plus, the recovery time for those traditional surgeries is notoriously long and painful.
Fissure dilation... if you're dealing with a really tight sphincter, that method simply isn't going to work for you; the fissure might heal temporarily, but a new one will likely pop up down the road!

Just read what other people are saying... it's not rocket science. You essentially have a few reliable, permanent options versus a whole bunch of temporary fixes that come with a high risk of the problem coming back.
Creams are only useful if you're in the very early stages; if you've been struggling for a while, they aren't going to do anything for you.

I know most people feel terrified when facing these kinds of issues (believe me, I've been there myself), but that's exactly why it is so vital to choose a method that allows you to move on with your life without looking over your shoulder.
Personally, I would much rather undergo one successful DG HAL (RAR) procedure and have peace of mind than deal with a surgery that leaves the door open for the problem to return. It just doesn't make sense to do otherwise.

cosmicmoose2 said:From what I understand, an anal fissure should hurt when you go to the bathroom, feel like it's burning, or cause bleeding and stuff like that.

But I don't have any of those symptoms at all; I just have this constant pressure or dull ache lasting all day long, regardless of whether I've used the restroom or not.

Is it even possible that this could be a fissure if I'm not experiencing the classic signs? If it isn't, then I'm right back to worrying about potential prostate issues.

And how do you even treat a fissure anyway? To be honest, my thought was to just leave it alone for now and focus on the prostate issue, then if things start hurting or bleeding, maybe deal with the fissure through some kind of surgery—I don't even know anymore. It’s honestly terrifying to think about seeing a doctor; I feel lost and don't know who to turn to, it's just overwhelming...

After everything that happened, I am genuinely scared of undergoing any kind of rectal exam...
Is there anyone out there who performs fissure diagnoses under local anesthesia, so I can be 100% sure that's actually what we're dealing with?

I don't have any of the typical symptoms of an anal fissure, but my specialist told me I have a small wound near the colon. Could that actually be a fissure, and if it is, how is it handled? Is there a doctor who can perform the exam painlessly using local anesthesia?

cosmicmoose2, check your inbox! 😉

For everyone else who might be wondering about this:

- In its early stages, a fissure usually hurts during bowel movements, but after a while, that pain can become much more frequent and last for hours (sometimes even entire days) and becomes absolutely unbearable; people often describe it as a sharp, stabbing sensation, almost like someone is slicing them "down there" with a razor blade.

- It is entirely possible to have a fissure even if you only feel a dull ache, which is often just the beginning stage; however, ONLY a doctor can give you a REAL diagnosis; please don't try to diagnose yourself or self-treat because you might actually be dealing with something completely different than what you've imagined, so definitely GO to a doctor.

- Speaking from my own experience (I've been examined by two different doctors), I can tell you that examining a fissure DOES NOT hurt, and the doctor won't even need to touch you because the fissure is visible as soon as you get positioned, so there's no need for physical contact (examining hemorrhoids is a totally different story though!!!).

- If you aren't confident in the first doctor's diagnosis or they just don't seem trustworthy, you absolutely must seek a second opinion, a third, a fourth, and so on...

- A fissure MUST be treated, and if it hasn't cleared up after about six weeks, the chances of it healing on its own are minimal or nonexistent.

- There are two surgical options: dilation and a standard operation (where a tiny incision is made above the fissure); dilation isn't a permanent fix and in most cases, the actual surgery is the more effective route.

- And one more thing: don't ignore fissures, because while we can mostly manage hemorrhoids in their early stages, the pain from a fissure can absolutely break you; those pains are incredibly intense and sharp, so please make sure you get it taken care of!

Good luck to everyone! 😉

Karen Garcia6 said:Well, is it possible that the treatment just didn't sit right with me and that's why the breakout happened?
Doesn't Medicare cover any of those specific methods at all?

I feel like I've said this a hundred times already, but the Merkur Basketball Club over in Washington, D.C. offers the Kate Allen35 method—you just have to make the trip up there to order it and you're all set! 🙂

Dulcolax is honestly such a lifesaver and works way better than those hyped-up brands you see everywhere! 👍
If your hemorrhoids are acting up and causing pain, I’ve found it’s best to take it about 15 to 20 minutes before you have a bowel movement because it just makes everything pass much more smoothly. That’s exactly what my doctor suggested to me after my surgery, and let me tell you, it really does the trick!

Melissa Morris68 said:I figured I’d jump in and share my own experience with this topic! I’ve been dealing with some really heavy issues lately—hemorrhoids, prolapse, bleeding, and all those other miserable symptoms that just come along for the ride with hemorrhoids. Two days ago, I finally went under the knife at Merkur Hospital with Dr. Ivanovic. Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about him and the entire medical staff there; they were truly wonderful. The pain was absolutely brutal on that first day, almost like hitting a wall, but since I was getting plenty of injections, I’m actually feeling okay now that I’m two days post-op. To make matters even more intense, I actually traveled from Washington, D.C. to Miami the very next day after the surgery—which, let me tell you, is something I wouldn't recommend to anyone unless they have nerves of steel! I haven't had my first bowel movement yet, so I can't really comment on that part of the recovery process just yet. If anyone needs any specific details or info, please feel free to ask! Best wishes to everyone!

That's fantastic news! I am honestly just so thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience with Dr. Ivanovic and the rest of the medical team up there! 🙂
Maybe you could also mention how long you actually had to wait in line for your surgery, because honestly, quite a few people have been hitting me up in my private messages asking about it, and I’m just sitting here without an answer. It’s like trying to navigate a fog without a map, you know? Just last year, the wait time was roughly two months, but things always seem to shift.

Eric Martinez53 said:Hey Kirst, I actually just headed over to Arither for that D-hal & RAR coverage this past Tuesday, which, by the way, definitely comes with a price tag. $3.25I just want to add that last year, within a mere four months, I had to undergo three separate classic surgeries following the Morgan-Milligan method—which, if that doesn't paint a clear enough picture of the nightmare I was living through, I don't know what will. I really don't want to scare anyone, but honestly, for the amount of money they charge, I feel like they act incredibly irresponsible toward their patients. It’s easy for me to say because I’ve already been through the wringer three times now; I practically have the pre-op and post-op protocols memorized by heart. But for someone facing this for the first time, feeling terrified and vulnerable? No one is going to walk you through the process unless you practically beg them for answers. I actually ended up emailing my surgeon today because I am beyond frustrated with how things look down there; my rectal mucosa was essentially protruding before, and even though they promised me it would be fixed, it looks exactly the same as it did before. To make matters worse, I haven't had a single bowel movement in five days, even after trying everything they suggested, like castor oil and dried prunes. I even wrote to him telling him that I don't even feel like I actually had surgery because there's zero pain, which isn't exactly the "success" you'd hope for. I’m probably just venting because I'm exhausted and desperate after all this struggle, but my honest advice to everyone is this: whatever procedure you decide on, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Research everything and talk to people who have actually survived the experience to hear how it really went. I realize nobody can give you a 100% guarantee in medicine, but you owe it to yourself to be prepared. Wishing you all the best.

That honestly sounds absolutely terrible. 😢
At the local butterfly shop, Kate Allen35 is selling D-hal for 8 bucks. $0.00It’s honestly like hitting the jackpot because the doctor actually performs two procedures at once for the price of one, which is just incredible value. On top of that, the staff is so incredibly kind and attentive that it feels surreal; they truly wrap you in care and look after you every single second you're there. Plus, the doctor doesn't just rush through things—he takes the time to walk you through every little detail you could possibly ask about, and he stays completely available to everyone throughout the entire recovery process if anyone needs him.
So, if you happen to be living in Washington, D.C., I truly believe your absolute best bet would be either the Merkur Basketball Club—specifically looking for Dr. Ivanovic or Dr. Kocman—or perhaps heading over to the Leptir clinic to see Dr. Ivanovic.
Listen, I’m telling you once more—trust your gut during that first consultation with a doctor. If you walk out of their office feeling unsettled, anxious, or just plain uneasy about how they treated you, then run; honestly, that physician isn't the right fit for you, and I say that because I've been exactly where you are.
Honestly, you should just go for as many consultations as it takes until you finally find a doctor who actually earns your trust—someone who genuinely puts in the effort to walk you through everything. Thank God there are still people like that out there. 👍

Laura Booth3, if I were in your shoes, I’d at least head out for a second opinion with a different physician; because if this current one actually messed things up, believe me, there is a huge chance they'll never admit it, and they might just drag their feet to keep you in the dark indefinitely.
Unfortunately, we've seen plenty of stories like that pop up on this forum before. 😢

Drew Reyes5 said:Does anyone have a solid recommendation for a proctologist? I recently visited Sun Clinic, but honestly, I’m really looking for a deep dive from a specialist—someone whose expert opinion I can truly lean on—and I'm just feeling a bit lost on which doctor to trust with this! 🤷
Thanks so much!

Dr. Ivanovic and Dr. Kocman over at the Merkur Basketball Club. 🙂

shadowsailor10 said:I really think you're onto something there, and honestly, I need to go out and get some more second opinions myself because my surgeon—who’s just a general practitioner—might have been totally thrown off by the fact that I've been battling ulcerative colitis for ten years now.
It makes me wonder if he even bothered looking for a fissure in the first place since he was so focused on my other issues.
Anyway, I've been on Augmentin for six days already, and I'm thinking about picking up another round.
The bleeding has calmed down to just a few drops, and I'm only running a low fever of about 99 degrees every couple of days,
but man, the pain when I walk is still brutal; after just a little bit of movement, I find myself limping heavily on my left leg.
Right now, I'm sticking to a conservative routine: cleaning up thoroughly after every bathroom trip, using Hemopropin ointment, staying hydrated with plenty of juice, and soaking flaxseeds in water for twelve hours before eating them.
Thanks to everyone for the advice, and a huge thank you to Karen Thompson10 for being such a support.🙂
p.s.
The absolute worst part is that nobody actually gave me a real diagnosis; they just handed me a prescription for Augmentin and basically told me, "Here, enjoy this," without explaining what's actually happening.🙂
Between your guys' help and whatever I can dig up on Google, I'm doing my best to manage this.
Best wishes to everyone,

Don't mention it... 🙂
To be honest, I don't see how your other diagnosis would cloud things, because a fissure is usually pretty obvious once a doctor actually looks; you shouldn't even need to touch anything to spot it.
Everything you're doing right now is great and definitely helps to manage the symptoms, but please, do me a favor and find a really solid specialist as soon as possible—don't just sit around hoping things will magically improve on their own.
There are plenty of us here who made the exact same mistake, telling ourselves, "Oh, it's just hemorrhoids, no big deal," only to end up going through absolute hell because we didn't take it seriously enough at the start.

Hang in there, and I truly hope you feel better soon! 🙂

You’re absolutely right about that. A fever can be triggered by all sorts of things, but from what I can tell, that sharp, stabbing pain is the classic hallmark of a fissure... I’ve dealt with both hemorrhoids and fissures at different points in my life, but a fissure is in a league of its own. It feels less like general discomfort and more like someone is constantly dragging a razor blade across you right at the bottom. It’s hard to put into words because they both hurt, but the sensation is just fundamentally different. 🤷
I bet I looked like a total wreck, honestly, because everyone—even my primary care doctor—kept asking if I was running a fever, and all three of them were genuinely shocked by how long I’d waited to get help. I am definitely never putting off a doctor's visit ever again... 🙄

shadowsailor10 said:I wrote a bit ago about the issues I was dealing with back in May of last year, and honestly, I felt like I was hitting that same wall again during Christmas, so once the holidays were over, I went looking for some expert help...
My primary doctor sent me off to digestive surgery, where a surgeon performed a digital rectal exam... and then just passed me along to a gastroenterologist. There wasn't even a single mention of a fissure in the report!! They basically said my situation doesn't require surgery at all, instead focusing entirely on mucosal issues and inflammation, and so on and so forth—not to mention how uncomfortable the actual exam was, I thought I was going to flip out...
So now I’m just spinning my wheels, feeling totally lost. Are "proctologists" actually surgeons? Because right now, I feel like I'm back at square one; my gastroenterologist can't find anything concrete in the results and wants me to wait until the inflammation settles before seeing a proctologist again, but believe me, I am really not in the mood for these exams every single month. lab: WBC 16.7 CRP 80

thanks in advance

I honestly don't know what to tell you. Everything I shared with you was exactly what my doctor told me, especially regarding the fever. I saw two different doctors, and it was the exact same story.
To be fair, they also told me my mucosa was incredibly sensitive, though they did spot a fissure as well. It’s possible you really are dealing with a completely different diagnosis.
The specialist I saw was a general surgeon, so I have no clue if every proctologist is also a surgeon by default. 🤷
Honestly, just find a new proctologist; switching doctors was the best thing that ever happened to me. One was just selling me a bunch of empty promises, while the second one actually cured me.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all of this, it’s that you should ALWAYS seek out a second opinion. A doctor who is a hero to one person might be a total nightmare for someone else.
And look, none of us are exactly thrilled about having to deal with these exams constantly, but when you're in pain, you do whatever it takes to get relief... 😁

Jessica Thomas said:Can someone please point me toward a solid private clinic in NYC where they perform proctological exams and DG HAL RAR procedures?
What I really need is to hear from someone who actually had a great experience with a specific doctor or a particular facility.

Thanks

Mayo Clinic with Dr. Ivankovic. 🙂
If you take a look back at my very first posts, I’ve laid out my whole journey there in great detail.

That said, I know some people have dealt with symptoms coming back after their treatment with Dr. Ivankovic. It feels like there's a real balance in the community—just as many people feeling relieved as those who aren't quite satisfied. Personally, though, if I were grading the way they treat patients, I’d give them a perfect score, and honestly, everything else was top-notch too.
Of course, everyone's journey is unique, and others might have had a totally different outcome, so if anyone else wants to share their story, it's always helpful to get a broader perspective. From where I'm standing, I can't say enough good things about them... 🤷

Maybe someone else has a recommendation for a different specialist as well.

Jesse Castillo9

If you just pop "dg hal rar method" into the search bar right here on the forum, you'll find a ton of threads about it, and most of them are actually pretty recent and relevant.
Besides the dg hal rar approach, the THD method is also a solid option, though you really have to meet certain criteria to be considered a good candidate for that one.
Down in Washington, D.C., you can get the dg hal rar method done at Wells Fargo, but otherwise, you’re looking at going to a private clinic.

Best of luck! 😉

Michael Diaz4 is absolutely right; there’s been way too much misinformation floating around this forum, which often leads people to just stay silent about wrong conclusions. That honestly helps nobody.
Nobody means any harm, but there is no way your friend could have gone in for a NASA procedure twenty years ago—not to mention that this specific method only started being used recently in the US, and even now, only a handful of doctors actually perform it.

The only thing I can't get behind is the idea that this method works perfectly every single time. I've read quite a few medical articles on the subject, and while it's highly effective, they list the success rate at around 95%. If you happen to fall into that unlucky 5%, you might have to do it again, BUT once that's done, you're set.
One woman on here mentioned that her doctor told her straight up that he couldn't guarantee her hemorrhoids wouldn't return after pregnancy, though he expected them to stay away. At the end of the day, nothing is ABSOLUTELY certain, especially when we're talking about the complexities of the human body.

Even the top-tier surgeons make mistakes sometimes. Now, I know I'm being subjective here because my own doctor was the absolute best and I've never experienced such kind, compassionate care, so feel free to disregard my bias if you want. 😁

Komarac just had bad luck. Either that, or something went sideways—who knows? But if you're going to point to just ONE person whose symptoms returned after the procedure, why leave out all the rest of us who are incredibly happy with the results?
The reality is that there are far more satisfied patients than those who had issues. Please, let's not spread unverified info around; we're dealing with people's health here. 🙄

Edit: It would actually be really helpful if the people who did experience a recurrence could speak up and share what their doctor said, why they think it happened, and what the next steps were.

Elizabeth Price85 said:Karen Thompson10, I eat tons of veggies and stay super hydrated with water and green tea, but things still feel sluggish.😠 Because of that, I’m honestly terrified that my hemorrhoids are going to make a comeback. :Paranoid: 😁

Personally, I’m not even worried about hemorrhoids returning because if they ever did—like during a pregnancy, for instance—I’d just head straight back for another NASA procedure without a second thought.
But man, I have this massive, overwhelming fear that my fissure will come back, which absolutely terrifies me because I never want to go through that kind of pain again, so sometimes I get totally obsessed with making sure my digestion is perfect. 🙄

I really think you shouldn't lose sleep over the hemorrhoids, because from what I've gathered, if the surgery wasn't successful, they usually show up almost immediately, within a month or two, by which point we'll already be well on our way to recovery. 😁

Elizabeth Price85 said:Karen Thompson10, which kind of nuts are we talking about—almonds, walnuts, or cashews? I absolutely live for cashews; I was snacking on them constantly last year while I was dieting, but man, they can really break the bank.😁
I'll give those a shot too, thanks!

I can't remember if I mentioned this, but I actually had a colonoscopy back in July, and everything came back totally normal (just "thin, long, and winding intestines"). So, it looks like all that discomfort was honestly just a big nothingburger.🙂 🙂

I'm always mixing things up; every single day I'll have a little cup of, say, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, or pistachios, and I have to admit, it's made a massive difference for me. And now, chestnuts are finally in season! 😁
I'm not much of a vegetable person and don't eat them nearly enough, but I make sure to have carrots on my plate every day. I also go through quite a few apples and sip on peppermint tea (which people swear is amazing for digestion).
These are just some small tweaks I've made to my diet since that whole ordeal... I know I could be eating way healthier, but even with these little changes, I've definitely noticed some progress...

Jeremy Kern, I am seriously so happy to hear you're feeling better! 🙂
I'm not sure if you've already given this a shot, but when it comes to dealing with really hard stools, I've found that eating plenty of nuts can actually make a huge difference... 🤷

steelangler7 said:Calling this experience "inhumane" is actually an understatement... Looking at everyone else, it seems like the only people who get decent treatment are the ones sliding envelopes under the table or bringing extra gifts. It’s like the whole cast is just a collection of outliers on both sides!!
That’s exactly what I’ve heard too... taking Fact for a fissure... it's just evil... so why on earth would anyone suggest it..?!?!
... And now what am I supposed to do..?! Especially when their opinions are totally clashing. One doctor says one thing, another says something completely different.. It's a total disaster!!
.. Based on everything I'm hearing.. I'll probably have to head over to a big city like Chicago.
I guess I'll just scrape the money together and go if I can't get a straight answer from anyone else..
Lucky are those who stumble upon good doctors by chance.... because if you're already feeling miserable and then you end up struggling with them too.. it's just awful. Honestly, the luckiest people are the ones who don't even need to see a doctor at all..

Listen, I didn't bring any gifts or cash, and I was actually blown away by how patient and kind they were to me. Not everyone is corrupt, and honestly, I think the best way to learn is just through verbal communication—you pick up so much more just by talking.

And hey, why not make the trip to a major clinic like Mercury? You won't necessarily need a ton of money just to get a solid diagnosis. You don't even have to go to my specific doctor; you could check out someone like Kocman—there was a girl on this forum before who gave him a glowing review.
What really struck me was that while I was at Mercury (just twice), the patients (mostly older women and a few men) were singing the doctors' praises, which is something you almost never hear in a waiting room.

As for those conflicting opinions... well, doctors will always disagree, but you should just choose the one you personally click with—the one who treats you like a human being rather than just another medical case.
I don't know how to put it, but there's a certain intuition involved, a gut feeling. With my doctor, I felt safe and like I was in capable hands; it doesn't matter specifically which doctor it ends up being for you, as long as you find your person as soon as possible....

Regarding Fact... I wouldn't take it if I were you... stick to things like fruit, veggies, grains, and keeping your meals really light and easy on the stomach.... I'm not sure what else I can tell you.... 😢

steelangler7, this is just appalling. Honestly, hats off to the good doctors out there, but this kind of behavior is downright inhumane and disrespectful. It’s painfully obvious that he views his patients as nothing more than entries on a spreadsheet.
I honestly don't even know what to say... if I were in those shoes, I probably would have stormed right out of that exam room on the spot.
And you hit the nail on the head—you should NEVER, under any circumstances, see a doctor you can't trust or someone who just doesn't click with you.

I can't quite recall where you're located, but please, do some digging and ask around until someone can recommend a solid surgeon. I just can't wrap my head around it—what kind of person tells a patient to just keep applying creams when they KNOW the condition isn't going to clear up on its own, especially knowing the person has been struggling with it for years? It's absolutely revolting!
His entire job is to provide care, not to dismiss sick people and send them home while acting all high and mighty by throwing around medical jargon.

Sorry to go off on a tangent here, but I know how much courage it takes just to walk into a doctor's office and put your health in their hands, only to be met with something like this. Even my dog gets better treatment from the vet than that. 😠

p.s. I'm not an expert, but one doctor once told me to stay far away from using Fact on a fissure (that's what I used to use), and both doctors ended up recommending just a basic baby cream and nothing too aggressive.

Jesse Green13 said:Uffff! This is way too much to read through. It looks like some of you are dealing with some really intense issues. I truly feel for you guys.
I'm going through something similar.
Ever since I was a kid, my bowel movements have been a struggle. While that part isn't as bad now, I’m dealing with serious issues around the anus. I get pains that can linger for up to half an hour, and I've even felt them after sex. These days, there's a stinging sensation after every bathroom trip, and I have this little wound in the fold between the anal canal and my scrotum that just burns constantly. Even washing with just water causes a stinging feeling, and the itching around the area is unbearable. I've tried all sorts of creams and ointments—right now I'm using Hemeroprotect—but nothing seems to work. I read somewhere that CANDIDA might be the culprit behind all this, so I've started a regimen of baking soda tablets. What do you all think about this approach!?
Thanks!

That sounds like a textbook fissure! If you search that specific term right here in this thread, you'll find a ton of posts from people dealing with the exact same thing.
You really need to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and a real treatment plan, but in the meantime, try using Pavlovic's cream—you can pick it up at any local pharmacy—just to take the edge off that itching.
A fissure usually won't just clear up on its own, so you'll likely need to look into a minor procedure to fix it (definitely read through the other posts on the forum to get a better idea of what to expect).

Good luck! 🙂

Sophia Brooks50 said:Hey, I’m not quite sure why you thought I was the one who had a rectoscopy for hemorrhoids? For me, a surgeon actually insisted on a rectoscopy during my exam, but I honestly got so spooked that I went to a private specialist instead. He ended up performing an anoscopy under local anesthesia—those injections were absolutely brutal, they hurt like crazy. He told me he wouldn't even touch a rectoscopy while a fissure is already causing this much pain, whereas the hospital doctor pushed for it after a digital rectal exam made me wince. Anyway, I actually scheduled an appointment last month with the specific surgeon I wanted for the procedure, but I ended up getting sick and had to cancel, so now I’m back to square one trying to reschedule. To make matters worse, I struggle really badly with constipation; were you dealing with that too back then? And does that play into the fissure issue? I’ve been relying on laxatives constantly, though it's been a habit for a while now.

I think you might have me confused with someone else because I didn't go through a rectoscopy—just an anoscopy, and let me tell you, that was painful enough on its own.
Just be honest with the hospital doctor and tell them you aren't ready for that right now, but that you're totally willing to follow through once the surgery is done and the fissure has finally healed.
Regarding the constipation, it can definitely trigger a fissure, though I personally didn't deal with it until the fissure showed up; once it happened, I struggled with it constantly, but a lot of that is psychological. It becomes this vicious cycle where people avoid using the bathroom because the pain is just unbearable, and then when they finally do go, it’s even more agonizing.

Using laxatives every single day isn't a great long-term solution; you really need to focus on regulating your system through a healthy diet.
Unfortunately, even if you start eating perfectly starting today, that little wound isn't just going to vanish into thin air on its own without medical intervention.

Jason Vaughn482, you might want to try approaching them from that angle to see if they'll agree.
It’s almost like how when you go in for a quick checkup, they just perform a rectoscopy right there on the exam table immediately before the procedure starts, and just like that, it's done.
But honestly, I really don't think they're actually asking for that specific type of examination when it comes to treating fissures.