Patient 49

Subject: thank you!
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2003 14:04:29 EDT
To: jackfaf6.arc.nasa.gov

Your website has been very helpful to me and I am now pain free, but some of the advise offered by your readers put me through hell. I want to tell you my experience to share how you have helped, and also to warn desperate readers to be cautious in trying some of the remedies. I have been afflicted with bad hemorrhoids twice in my life. Both cases were mainly due to a high protein diet for weight loss. Can't over emphasize the need for fiber, fiber, fiber.

The first time was 3 years ago, and I got relief from prescription cortisone suppositories. This last time however, I also had a fissure, and after two months, this treatment had not worked. Five weeks ago, I found your website. There were many great suggestions, and with my vacation just a few weeks away, I was ready to try the "instant" remedies. This is where I give warning. Some of the topical remedies seem to have worked well for others, but for myself, it turns out that the fissure was near the surface. I tried the Tinactin, and it wiped me out! It began burning shortly after application. I damaged something, because the area became so painful that I could not sit or stand for any length of time, experienced spasms, and a lot of bleeding. I spent the next 3 days either in bed or in the bathroom. In short, I was miserable. Thinking it was just that ointment, I also tried Dr. Christopher's and Neosporin which also burned, and I removed immediately.

What did work? Epsom salt soaks several times a day and a Metemucil "cocktail" twice a day. Kondremul helped the most by preventing re-injury, which in my case was the key to healing. I used a lot the first few days, 1-2 teas. after breakfast and 6-8 teas. at bedtime. The bleeding stopped completely within 24 hours. After 4 days, BM was only mildly uncomfortable, and I took 4-6 tsp. at bedtime only. It took about a week before I was completely pain free, and functioning normally. I now take 1-2 tsp. of Kondremul only if I feel I need it. I had a great, symptom free vacation and continue to do well.

One more thing I would like to recommend. I used a soothing product which really helped during the months of soreness, and the only thing that lent relief during that horrible flare up. It is a non prescription lotion called Balneol. Not all pharmacies carry it, and some keep it behind the counter and you have to ask for it. It is a perianal cleansing lotion. A small amount can be dabbed onto some folded TP to finish cleaning during those times when TP feels like sandpaper. It can be used for comfort anytime. It is cooling and soothing.

Thanks for your website and all the helpful information you have gathered. Hope my experience can help someone else.