Subject: AF cured-no surgery
To: jack1
faf6.arc.nasa.gov
faf6.arc.nasa.gov
Dear Jack,
To make a long story short, 5 years ago I developed an anal fissure shortly after the birth of my first child. Having gone through 2 completely natural childbirths, I feel qualified to say that the pain was excruciating. My first week with the fissure I had to call my husband to come home from work to hold the baby while I cried hysterically whenever I had to poop. You get the idea.
Luckily I was diagnosed correctly and the doctors said that it would clear up in time. After several months, they wanted me to have surgery. No way after reading your website. I used to read your website weekly for guidance and support, thank you. I tried everything, including Dr. Christopher's cream (which burned like fire---don't try it!), without avail. After the first couple of months, I would be fine for several days or even weeks and then something would trigger it and I would start bleeding (and crying) again. I started drinking tons of water and keeping a food, exercise, and lifestyle diary and continuing to read your website for inspiration. Two things kept going through my mind: 1) my OB/GYN said that you have to be regular and have BMs with the consistency of toothpaste in order to heal, and 2) the GP Surgeon that couldn't wait to cut me open compared anal tissue to lip tissue (how pleasant!).
This gave me my own healing plan - eating 1/2 cup of baked beans every night before bed (the food that consistently gave me the nicest, softest BMs) and Vaseline applied rectally (rubbed on the outside). At first I used the Vaseline first thing in the morning, before and after BMs, and at night. It is kindof sticky but you get used to it!
Immediately I began to get better and I have been completely fissure (and Vaseline) free for FOUR YEARS now. As a note to other mothers, my biggest fear in having a second child was that my fissure would return. It didn't!!
I have been meaning to write this email for four years now, but have been afraid to jinx my success. If you could post my Baked Bean/Vaseline advice, I would appreciate it.
Please do not post my email address on your website.
Thank you!
Another person sent this message after following the above advice.
I just wanted to write to thank MOM 6 for writing to your page and telling of her baked bean advice. It has saved me! I have suffered for a couple of days from a reoccurring A/F and the baked bean advice has helped the most. Anyone reading this - when you A/F re-occurs go on a diet of beans - you will be so pleased you did.
Thank You