Question:
Has anyone ever had this?

I am embarassed - but this is a support net. I am 2 months pre-op. I had a fissure repaired surgically about 10 years ago. Recently, the symptoms are back - itching, bleeding, burning. I am debating about whether to go to a surgeon about this now or wait till after the WLS. Has anyone experienced this. Do you suppose there is any chance that the WL surgeon would do both - so I only have to go under once. I have a hunch that these things do not repair themselves. I consider it yet another co-morbidity. The excess weight cannot help this situation. All you brave people who do not blush easily - please reply    — Peggy S. (posted on April 8, 2001)

April 8, 2001
Peggy, I never blush at anything related to body functions. Why the stories I could tell...but I digress, back to anal fissures: nasty, painful little puppies. The positioning required for surgery would likely preclude you having both at once. And, the good news is that mostly they will heal up by themselves if given the chance. The key is finding the cause. Anal fissures can happen from a variety of things such as vigorous anal sex (OUCH!) to inflammation and then tearing of tissues from too much acid content food and excessive gas build up from held back farts. Sometimes they just occur from build up of hard poop. The key is to determine what is causing yours and then do the appropriate thing, for instance, add soft fiber like psyllium instead of hard fiber like wheat bran (which goes through me like schrapnel and invariably causes a small fissure or two). Drink plenty of water to keep your stool soft, see a doctor for anti-biotics if they are severe, eliminate anything with high acid content like orange juice or tomato paste, and reduce gas build up. (I am assuming I don't have to give any advice about the sex thing...). I hope this helps. I developed an anal fissure after having the surgery when I tried to eat wheat bran bread. I can still get symptoms if I do things I shouldn't that cause symptoms. Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

April 8, 2001
Hi peggy! well, i would think that you would have to be positioned on you stomach normally for this but i did have surgery to repair lots of damage from a birth 8 years ago. my procedures were (1)sphincterotomy and (2)rectacele. in the process a fissure was also removed. i was able to lie on my back for this because my obgyn and my colon rectal surgeon were both operating and i was kinda fileted down the center.....but my point is...if i could lie on my back maybe you could to. however, i don't think most surgeons would put you through both procedures at once!! i thought the previous answer could be really helpful, regarding diet. i still have problems with a fissure that has come back but if i change my eating habits and have soft stools it quits bleeding....mine is on the inside though but i don't think that makes a difference except i don't have to endure any itching-thank the Lord!!!!!! :0)
   — [Anonymous]