Anal Fissure????????

Hello, Everyone. I am new here and I am for information. I have not been diagnosed with cancer; however, I go see a colorectal specialist on the 12th. Well, back in 2008, I had some rectal bleeding to the point where all the water in the toilet bowl turned red (no pain).This happened for about a week before having a colonoscopy which found diverticula and small hemorrhoids. Recently, well, about three months ago, I suddenly began bleeding with lots of rectal pain (also changing the water). I had a CT Scan that showed a soft tissue structure; however, the report stated it could have also been stool. I then had a colonoscopy that found no diverticula or anything else for that fact. He said only a couple small hemorrhoids. Another CT Scan (this is due to unbearable pain)that showed nothing; however said I have an enlarged liver. I am so frustrated at this point. The idea now is that I may have a anal fissure; however, I had no cause for such to appear out the blue. I have been using nitroglycerin cream, but with only minimal effect. The best thing for me is to not have any bowel movements.I have movements two -three days in a row, the pain returns with lots of bleeding. Am I over-reacting? I'm just thinking back to 2008 with the first round of bleeding which we never found a cause for and now again 5 yrs later in full force with pain and bleeding. Also, I did have a digital exam by an ER doctor; however, he referred to the specialist I am going to see. Anyone have anything similar?

Confused

Comments

  • sephie
    sephie Member Posts: 650 Member
    u r not overreacting
    keep trying to find a reason. many docs misdiagnose anal cancer as hemmy or fissure ( as mine was for 1 year)..but it does seem that you have had CT 's and there is nothing . probably you are fine but bleeding is scary. good luck. sephie
  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 493 Member
    Colo Rectal Surgeon
    Have you seen a colo rectal surgeon? If not I might suggest you see one. They are more trained to diagnosis anal cancer.
    Mike
  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    Colo Rectal Surgeon
    I agree with Mike. You need to keep following through and most doctors just don't know what they are looking at until a tumor gets pretty ugly. For one thing, you have to resolve your pain issues one way or another. Pain is unacceptable in this day and age.

    You are in my prayers.

    All the best,
    Sandy
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    Persistence
    Try not to worry, but go to see a colorectal surgeon. I was misdiagnosed for 5 years.
  • Confused1972
    Confused1972 Member Posts: 6
    sephie said:

    u r not overreacting
    keep trying to find a reason. many docs misdiagnose anal cancer as hemmy or fissure ( as mine was for 1 year)..but it does seem that you have had CT 's and there is nothing . probably you are fine but bleeding is scary. good luck. sephie

    Mixed Findings with CT Scans
    Thanks for the support. I see the colorectal surgeon on the 12th. The CT Scans had mixed findings. One showed a soft tissue structure; however, didn't state for sure what it was. That CT scan was with contrast. The other CT scan took images, and then they later added contrast. Not sure how this works. I guess I am most concerned since I had my first bleeding episode with no pain in 2008 and they never found the cause. Hopefully the specialist will go ahead an biopsy the area. The nitroglycerin helps minimally, but I have been sucking down miralax and metamucil to hopefully keep the pain minimal. Not to bee to graphic, but it was so bad that even if I passed gas while on the toilet (no bowel movement) the toilet bowl would be sprayed with blood. I hate the pain, but it motivates me to keep pushing.If it weren't for the pain I would probably blow it off as a hemi. Oh, yeah, even when I had the last colonoscopy, no mention of a fissure, and only a couple of small hemis. He was actually going to band the, while he was doing the procedure.
  • Confused1972
    Confused1972 Member Posts: 6
    sandysp said:

    Colo Rectal Surgeon
    I agree with Mike. You need to keep following through and most doctors just don't know what they are looking at until a tumor gets pretty ugly. For one thing, you have to resolve your pain issues one way or another. Pain is unacceptable in this day and age.

    You are in my prayers.

    All the best,
    Sandy

    On the 12th
    Thanks, Sandy. I see the specialist on the 12th. I will post an update after my visit. My prayers are with and all here, as well.

    God bless!

    Catina
  • Confused1972
    Confused1972 Member Posts: 6
    Marynb said:

    Persistence
    Try not to worry, but go to see a colorectal surgeon. I was misdiagnosed for 5 years.

    Symptoms?
    If you don't mind, what were your symptoms?
  • torrance
    torrance Member Posts: 118

    Symptoms?
    If you don't mind, what were your symptoms?

    symptoms
    Boy, the list you will get may drive you over the edge. It is amazing how varied the symptoms are for all of us. Don't read too much into what you hear here or find on the internet. Get yourself to that colorectal surgeon and get some clarity.

    For me, some bleeding with bowel movements, no pain, a LOT of itchiness. Then a couple days before my scheduled surgery a little lump started to protrude. HTH

    Joanne
  • Confused1972
    Confused1972 Member Posts: 6
    torrance said:

    symptoms
    Boy, the list you will get may drive you over the edge. It is amazing how varied the symptoms are for all of us. Don't read too much into what you hear here or find on the internet. Get yourself to that colorectal surgeon and get some clarity.

    For me, some bleeding with bowel movements, no pain, a LOT of itchiness. Then a couple days before my scheduled surgery a little lump started to protrude. HTH

    Joanne

    Pain has subsided, but continuing to bleed
    Thanks, Joanna. Was the lump hard? I have checked back there and notice when I push, part of my anal verge skin rolls out and is pointed (hope I am describing this right). It is not painful to touch and is soft. For the last few days, I have noticed the pain has subsided, but I continue to have a lot of blood. When I try to do #2, seems it doesn't want to come out and my bottom is having to stretch more than what feels like normal. I took more miralax and metamucil just in case I may be constipated. Thanks for sharing.

    You are in my prayers.
  • lizdeli
    lizdeli Member Posts: 569 Member

    Pain has subsided, but continuing to bleed
    Thanks, Joanna. Was the lump hard? I have checked back there and notice when I push, part of my anal verge skin rolls out and is pointed (hope I am describing this right). It is not painful to touch and is soft. For the last few days, I have noticed the pain has subsided, but I continue to have a lot of blood. When I try to do #2, seems it doesn't want to come out and my bottom is having to stretch more than what feels like normal. I took more miralax and metamucil just in case I may be constipated. Thanks for sharing.

    You are in my prayers.

    Symptoms
    I hardly had any symptoms, just a spot of blood, literally a spot about once a week over the course of 4 weeks. No pain, no bowel issues. Needless to say I was shocked when I received the diagonosis of Stage IIIa. As others have said the symptoms vary greatly. Hopefully in your case it is not anal cancer. But you are doing the right thing to get checked out thoroughly so that you have peace of mind.

    Please keep us posted.
    Wishing you the best,
    Liz
  • Confused1972
    Confused1972 Member Posts: 6
    lizdeli said:

    Symptoms
    I hardly had any symptoms, just a spot of blood, literally a spot about once a week over the course of 4 weeks. No pain, no bowel issues. Needless to say I was shocked when I received the diagonosis of Stage IIIa. As others have said the symptoms vary greatly. Hopefully in your case it is not anal cancer. But you are doing the right thing to get checked out thoroughly so that you have peace of mind.

    Please keep us posted.
    Wishing you the best,
    Liz

    Thanks
    Will do and thanks. Really panicked today, the most blood I have seen since this has started--no pain at all. This is not something I feel comfortable talking openly about. I am happy I found this blog. Thanks for the support.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Confused 1972
    I don't believe you are overreacting at all and I'm glad you have an appt. with a colorectal specialist on October 12th. I hope you'll get some answers then. Please ask for an anoscope exam. It can be done right there in the CR doctor's office and no prep is necessary. It is specifically for viewing the anal canal, which is often overlooked on colonoscopy exams. I am concerned that you are in so much pain and bleed so terribly. Anal tumors are often missed by doctors, either on colonoscopy or with digital rectal exam. My first doctor told me I had a bleeding hemorrhoid! My CR doctor took one look at me with the anoscope and told me I had cancer. I hope in your case you don't hear those words. Unfortunately, the CR doc was right in my case.

    Please let us know what you learn on the 12th. I hope there's nothing sinister found.
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    mp327 said:

    Confused 1972
    I don't believe you are overreacting at all and I'm glad you have an appt. with a colorectal specialist on October 12th. I hope you'll get some answers then. Please ask for an anoscope exam. It can be done right there in the CR doctor's office and no prep is necessary. It is specifically for viewing the anal canal, which is often overlooked on colonoscopy exams. I am concerned that you are in so much pain and bleed so terribly. Anal tumors are often missed by doctors, either on colonoscopy or with digital rectal exam. My first doctor told me I had a bleeding hemorrhoid! My CR doctor took one look at me with the anoscope and told me I had cancer. I hope in your case you don't hear those words. Unfortunately, the CR doc was right in my case.

    Please let us know what you learn on the 12th. I hope there's nothing sinister found.

    Misdiagnosis
    I wonder how many of us were misdiagnosed and how many have died because of lack of skill or knowledge in the medical community. I was misdiagnosed for years. First, by my primary care MD, who told me that it was hemmorhoids for years! She even acted annoyed when I brought it up at every annual exam. Years. Finally, she referred me to a Gastrointestinal specialist. I saw hom for months and he never even examined me. Really. He told me how to treat the hemmoroids. I saw him for 6 months. Now this was not just any doctor. He got doctor of the year award in the state and is the chief of gastro. At the hospital, and a distinguished professor at the Medical school. Unreal. His nurse got snippy with me when I called after months of treatment to tell her I was in pain and it was getting worse. At that point I went to a colorectal surgeon and he got me into the hospitzl right away for biopsy. Unreal. Years went by. I wonder how we can increrase awareness of this dreadful cancer. i am sure there are unnecessary deaths.
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    mp327 said:

    Confused 1972
    I don't believe you are overreacting at all and I'm glad you have an appt. with a colorectal specialist on October 12th. I hope you'll get some answers then. Please ask for an anoscope exam. It can be done right there in the CR doctor's office and no prep is necessary. It is specifically for viewing the anal canal, which is often overlooked on colonoscopy exams. I am concerned that you are in so much pain and bleed so terribly. Anal tumors are often missed by doctors, either on colonoscopy or with digital rectal exam. My first doctor told me I had a bleeding hemorrhoid! My CR doctor took one look at me with the anoscope and told me I had cancer. I hope in your case you don't hear those words. Unfortunately, the CR doc was right in my case.

    Please let us know what you learn on the 12th. I hope there's nothing sinister found.

    Misdiagnosis
    I wonder how many of us were misdiagnosed and how many have died because of lack of skill or knowledge in the medical community. I was misdiagnosed for years. First, by my primary care MD, who told me that it was hemmorhoids for years! She even acted annoyed when I brought it up at every annual exam. Years. Finally, she referred me to a Gastrointestinal specialist. I saw hom for months and he never even examined me. Really. He told me how to treat the hemmoroids. I saw him for 6 months. Now this was not just any doctor. He got doctor of the year award in the state and is the chief of gastro. At the hospital, and a distinguished professor at the Medical school. Unreal. His nurse got snippy with me when I called after months of treatment to tell her I was in pain and it was getting worse. At that point I went to a colorectal surgeon and he got me into the hospitzl right away for biopsy. Unreal. Years went by. I wonder how we can increrase awareness of this dreadful cancer. i am sure there are unnecessary deaths.
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    mp327 said:

    Confused 1972
    I don't believe you are overreacting at all and I'm glad you have an appt. with a colorectal specialist on October 12th. I hope you'll get some answers then. Please ask for an anoscope exam. It can be done right there in the CR doctor's office and no prep is necessary. It is specifically for viewing the anal canal, which is often overlooked on colonoscopy exams. I am concerned that you are in so much pain and bleed so terribly. Anal tumors are often missed by doctors, either on colonoscopy or with digital rectal exam. My first doctor told me I had a bleeding hemorrhoid! My CR doctor took one look at me with the anoscope and told me I had cancer. I hope in your case you don't hear those words. Unfortunately, the CR doc was right in my case.

    Please let us know what you learn on the 12th. I hope there's nothing sinister found.

    Misdiagnosis
    I wonder how many of us were misdiagnosed and how many have died because of lack of skill or knowledge in the medical community. I was misdiagnosed for years. First, by my primary care MD, who told me that it was hemmorhoids for years! She even acted annoyed when I brought it up at every annual exam. Years. Finally, she referred me to a Gastrointestinal specialist. I saw hom for months and he never even examined me. Really. He told me how to treat the hemmoroids. I saw him for 6 months. Now this was not just any doctor. He got doctor of the year award in the state and is the chief of gastro. At the hospital, and a distinguished professor at the Medical school. Unreal. His nurse got snippy with me when I called after months of treatment to tell her I was in pain and it was getting worse. At that point I went to a colorectal surgeon and he got me into the hospitzl right away for biopsy. Unreal. Years went by. I wonder how we can increrase awareness of this dreadful cancer. i am sure there are unnecessary deaths.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Marynb said:

    Misdiagnosis
    I wonder how many of us were misdiagnosed and how many have died because of lack of skill or knowledge in the medical community. I was misdiagnosed for years. First, by my primary care MD, who told me that it was hemmorhoids for years! She even acted annoyed when I brought it up at every annual exam. Years. Finally, she referred me to a Gastrointestinal specialist. I saw hom for months and he never even examined me. Really. He told me how to treat the hemmoroids. I saw him for 6 months. Now this was not just any doctor. He got doctor of the year award in the state and is the chief of gastro. At the hospital, and a distinguished professor at the Medical school. Unreal. His nurse got snippy with me when I called after months of treatment to tell her I was in pain and it was getting worse. At that point I went to a colorectal surgeon and he got me into the hospitzl right away for biopsy. Unreal. Years went by. I wonder how we can increrase awareness of this dreadful cancer. i am sure there are unnecessary deaths.

    Marynb
    Your story mirrors so many others. It is truly sad that doctors continue to diagnose people with "hemorrhoids" with no visual of the area taking place. How the hell do they know what it is without seeing it? My internist diagnosed me with a bleeding hemorrhoid upon digital rectal exam, exclaiming "there it is!" as if she had found a gold nugget or diamond. Oh, it was there alright--a freaking cancerous tumor! Luckily for me, I was overdue for my first screening colonoscopy and the colorectal surgeon to whom I was referred by the internist for "hemorrhoid treatment" did anoscopy on me in her office on my initial consult after hearing of my symptoms. She told me right then and there that she was 99% sure I had cancer, which was confirmed 2 days later by biopsy during my colonoscopy. The old hemorrhoid diagnosis has been done to death--literally for some. I don't believe that doctors, as a general rule, like to deal with that part of the human body--like they're suffering from "analfobia" or something. Any doctor that will not do a simple DRE on a patient who has rectal bleeding should have become an attorney instead of a doctor. To me, it's part of the job, whether they like to do it or not. Okay, off the soapbox for now!
  • sephie
    sephie Member Posts: 650 Member
    Marynb said:

    Misdiagnosis
    I wonder how many of us were misdiagnosed and how many have died because of lack of skill or knowledge in the medical community. I was misdiagnosed for years. First, by my primary care MD, who told me that it was hemmorhoids for years! She even acted annoyed when I brought it up at every annual exam. Years. Finally, she referred me to a Gastrointestinal specialist. I saw hom for months and he never even examined me. Really. He told me how to treat the hemmoroids. I saw him for 6 months. Now this was not just any doctor. He got doctor of the year award in the state and is the chief of gastro. At the hospital, and a distinguished professor at the Medical school. Unreal. His nurse got snippy with me when I called after months of treatment to tell her I was in pain and it was getting worse. At that point I went to a colorectal surgeon and he got me into the hospitzl right away for biopsy. Unreal. Years went by. I wonder how we can increrase awareness of this dreadful cancer. i am sure there are unnecessary deaths.

    misdiagnosed also
    told hemmy. over a year , i had a dozen DRE from proctologist... and a colonoscopy by same procto. he kept saying "HMMMMM you are bleeding but it is not cancer... Farrah Fawcett has anal cancer but this is not what this is. hmmmm. " i finally got smart and went out of town to colorectal surgeon,... he did biopsy and here i am. alive and well , so far. thanks sephie
  • Ottawamarc1234
    Ottawamarc1234 Member Posts: 148 Member
    Me too Misdiagnosed by Colorectal Surgeon..

    Told it was a 'Large Hemmi' biopsy said HPV Stage 3 Anal Cancer...Feel like 'suing' the surgeon. Lots of delays until treatment began...now post 28 days with horrible painful Fissure...life is never going to return to Normal!!!

  • annie4145
    annie4145 Member Posts: 218 Member

    Me too Misdiagnosed by Colorectal Surgeon..

    Told it was a 'Large Hemmi' biopsy said HPV Stage 3 Anal Cancer...Feel like 'suing' the surgeon. Lots of delays until treatment began...now post 28 days with horrible painful Fissure...life is never going to return to Normal!!!

    I hope that life will

    I hope that life will eventually return to normal or close to it for both you and I.  I haven't gone through treatment yet, but I am anxious to do so. (Getting in has been a lot slower than I would like.)  I am only 51, and also stage 3.  I know that my body will never be exactly the same and I may have long term complications from the radiation and chemo therapy, but I am still hopeful of having many happy years to spend with my 10 year old and my 12 year old.  You are only a few years older than I am, as I recall from an earlier post.  I know that we aren't 20 anymore and do heal slower than we used to, and so we will both have to struggle through this.  Try to get the doctors to help you, and if they won't, is there any other doctor that could help you?  Hopefully in a few years we will be able to look back on this as a bad period in our lives, but hopefully life will get back to normal or close to it for us eventually.  We are with you on this struggle.  (I couldn't stop crying and beng anxious, so I have to admit that I have sought help for the first time in my life from medications to assist with that (anti-depression and anti-anxiety).  I won't stay on them long, but they do seem to help in the short run.  My clue that I needed them was crying for a whole morning straight.)  Hopefully you can get help from whatever resource(s) that are available to you to help you make it through this difficult time for you.   I also had a doctor which scheduled me for a colonoscopy after I presented with symptoms, but didn't do a DRE, and as a reuslt more than six weeks elasped before my colonoscopy.  I wish now that she had taken seriously my complaint of bleeding.  I think that she just thought it would be something else. 

  • Ottawamarc1234
    Ottawamarc1234 Member Posts: 148 Member
    Thanks...Fissure Slow and Difficult to Heal...

    ....in a bad moist male area...hurts as I type...went for a couple long walks today...need to sit now and then...butt cheeks seem to irritate the fissure when walking. Taking hot baths now now that the Rad burns have healed better. Nifidipine Lidocaine Bactoban Compound cream after every poo and bath...high fibre 7 grain bread and Metamucil every 2nd day.

     

    Again...this is if it is a Fissure and 'not' a Hole from Rad Treatments. Need to verify this with the Colectrial Surgeon on the 13th...Post 29 Days... Thanks