Patient 42

Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 10:32:14 +1000
To: jackfaf6.arc.nasa.gov
Subject: A new sufferer

Hi Jack,

Having had a "pain in the ass" now for about 2 years- on and off, I was amazed when I came across your web site.

Any way, having tried just about everything for relief, I rang my surgeon and agreed too go ahead with the lateral sphincterotomy. O f course, there is a wait list, so I was determined to do as much as possible to relive the pain in the mean time.

I decided to make up a "potion" containing everything I knew relived pain, was anti-inflammatory, healed and soothed. I used zinc cream (healing), aloe vera gel (soothing and healing), topical anaesthetic, Vit E (healing), Retin A (tissue strength), 1% Hydrocortisone (anti Inflammatory) and Tinct. Benz. Co. (sticks tissue together), and the GTN ointment. Applied with a 2cc syringe with the sharp end cut off and smoothed with a nail file - about 1 cc each time. After 1 application - pain relief from about Level 9 (on a scale from 1 - 10, 1 being least and 10 being unbearable) down to level 3. After 2nd application, pain down to 1. Used again before bed, NO pain next morning in bathroom (serious - NONE). After 1 week of 3-4 applications daily - the fissure has gone. Honestly! And this was a new one! I had only just got over the last one after 4 months of GTN alone.

Some of these things may be hard to come by, but most are easy.

Heres the "recipe"

In a clean small jar,

• 1 teaspoon 1% hydrocortisone cream
• 1 Teaspoon white zinc cream (I just used sun block out stuff)
• 1 Teaspoon aloe vera gel
• 1/2 teaspoon Betacaine (it's a topical anaesthetic and you can buy it over the net)
• 1000 units Vit E (squeeze the contents from Vit E capsules)
• 5 drops (only) of Retin A (get the "Anew" line eraser product from the local AVON lady)
• 10 drops of tinct benz co. (from the drug store - also called Friars Balsam)
• about 1 and 1/2 inches of the GTN ointment.

Mix thoroughly; warm it slightly if you need to.

Beg a 2 cc syringe from your MD. Cut off the sharp pointy bit that the hypodermic needle normally sits over and smooth the end with a nail file.

Fill with about 1 cc and gently insert the syringe angling away from your really sore spot, and squirt in the potion.

Use 3-4 times a day, especially after a BA and before bed.

Make up a fresh batch every 2-3 days.

Also, I found taking magnesium, calcium and zinc oral supplement a great help. (reduces spasm in muscles)

Good luck

Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 21:39:32 -0600

This is my story, condensed:

Had excruating pain after bowel movement. Thought it was a hemorrhoid, too embarrassed to go to doctor. Suffered and was nearly homebound for a year. Used Preparation HE, no help. Finally went to doctor. She prescribed Nitro BID. I have heart rhythm problems and the Nitro really aggravated it although it did somewhat lessen the pain. Doctor suggested surgery. I failed to see how an incision would help a tear. Went to another doctor, she prescribed Diltiazem 2% cream, stool softener, fiber and recommended sitz baths 3 times daily. This didn't help.

I started researching fissures and came across your web site. It was a God send. I tried patient 42's recipe. I used a syringe and an application tip from Preparation H tube. I started to read more about Magnesium. This is the key to recovery. Not only is Magnesium used in almost all body functions but it is also the mineral that unclenches your muscles. This is very important because the spasm of the sphincter muscles is where most of the pain comes from. I found that my body was depleted of Magnesium due to the medications I take regularly. Started taking liquid Magnesium (www.Kornax.com). My heart rhythm stabilized and I was able to use the Nitro BID in small doses with less effect to my heart. I continued with the Nitro, the recipe and sitz baths. I am much better now but am always aware of the fissure and how important it is to eat fiber, use a stool softener and take the Magnesium. I also still take a sitz bath after a bowel movement.

These are a few more helpful hints:

1. Magnesium also helps to keep the bowels regular.
2. You can buy a low cost stool softener at Walmart(equate stool softener docusate sodium 100 mg)
3. Wheat germ oil, wheat grass and vitamin E are great to promote healing of the fissure. These should be taken orally and also added to the recipe
4. Butchers broom and horse chestnut promote circulation which is very helpful for healing the fissure and hemorrhoids
5. The anal muscles will relax if you press gently on the anus right before a bowel movement
6. Use baby wipes with aloe instead of tissue
7. Other benefits of Magnesium for me are fewer migraine headaches, less allergy problems, regular heartbeat
8. Pain relievers can cause constipation
9. The headache and bad effects of Nitro are lessened if you wipe the excess away
10. Do not strain to get rid of gas, this will cause a hemorrhoid just as straining during a bowel movement will