Newcomer --- discussion about anal stretch, cauterization

Thanks for your feedback, Janet. I will surely follow up with my
doctor to make sure the injection site hasn't become abcessed. Have
you had such an experience with Botox yourself?

Everyone,

I visited a surgeon a couple of hours back. (she was referred to by my
previous doc who did the botox treatment). She is suggesting I go for
what is called an "anal stretch". It is process wherein the sphincter
muscle is forcibly stretched by hand (under general anesthesia of
course). This causes the muscle to relax and stay that way for a few
weeks, thus allowing the fissure to heal on its own (pretty much the
same principle as the botox treatment).
During this "anal stretch" process, she would also analyse the fissure
and "cauterize" it if required.

She said LIS would be the next step if the stretch does not work, but
that seems to her to be highly unlikely! As with most doctors/surgeons
she has sounded the most convincing and has given me hopes anew:
--- apparently in my case, the sphincter was not so tight, so she
could insert her pinky finger (although that hurt really bad!)
--- I could potentially feel better right after the procedure!
--- The muscle will remain relaxed for a few weeks, enough for the
fissure to heal on its own
--- If the fissure has become worse enough to be called an ulcer, she
will cauterize it
--- No more threats of flatus/fecal incontinence than with Botox
--- I will need to continue with stool softeners and sitz baths for
some time after the procedure
--- no more ointments, no more pain!
--- I wanted to plan on pregnancy(and I was waiting to heal this damn
fissure first), and I can go for it within a few weeks after!
--- sure sounds too good to be true!

Obviously due to my previous experience and I more nervous now and
want to be sure this does not backfire.

I was also surprised I had not heard/read of the anal stretch as much
as I had of the other surgical procedures. Do any of you know about
this/recommend the same?
Do you know about cauterization? Are there any risks involved?

I would really appreciate hearing your views on this.

Regards,
Shruti

On 6/26/06, Janet Beamenderfer <dramamama57yahoo.com> wrote:
&gt;
>
&gt;
>
>
>
> Return to DR to make sure the injection site hasn't
&gt; become abcessed. Janet
>;
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I had Botox and felt it contributed to healing my
largest, most painful fissure. It got a little sore at
the 2 injection sites but did not get infected. I
believe 2 people here did develop abcesses from it-
that's why I said you should have it checked,
especially if the pain seems worse than before the
injections. Janet

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