u/G1n-a

I had a fissure that became chronic and eventually developed into a fistula, which required surgery (fistulotomy) in November 2023. After recovering, I was fine for 2 1/2 years. (Occasionally I'd have a tiny bit of bright red blood here and there, possibly related to haemorrhoids, but never any pain/other symptoms)

Three weeks ago, after having had several BMs over two days (I commonly have 2 in the mornings, sometimes more during the day depending on what I ate or if I'm on my period). I started to experience discomfort after BMs again, lasting all day, making it uncomfortable to sit and stand. It then improved to only lasting for a few hours after BM, but it hasn't resolved. It feels very much like what I experienced when I had the fistula, except this time there aren't any other symptoms (no discharge). There's no sharp pain, bleeding or anything else, and my GP couldn't see anything - just noted that the internal sphincter was very tight and that the area where surgery had occurred was a bit red.

I started using GTN a week ago to help with reducing the sphincter spasms that might be causing the discomfort. But it's still not resolved/things aren't really changing/progressing, which has me quite anxious. I've been referred to specialists but seeing someone/getting properly assessed could take months - and not knowing what's going on/why this is happening/whether it will improve on its own or whether I'm gonna have to deal with this for months to come is really weighing on me.

Has anyone had a fissure or fistula surgery, been fine for years, and then developed this sort of post-BM spasm/discomfort without any other symptoms? If so, what was it, what helped it?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's experienced something similar, thanks!

I had a fissure that became chronic and eventually developed into a fistula, which required surgery (fistulotomy) in November 2023. After recovering, I was fine for 2 1/2 years. (Occasionally I'd have a tiny bit of bright red blood here and there, possibly related to haemorrhoids, but never any pain/other symptoms)

Three weeks ago, after having had several BMs over two days (I commonly have 2 in the mornings, sometimes more during the day depending on what I ate or if I'm on my period). I started to experience discomfort after BMs again, lasting all day, making it uncomfortable to sit and stand. It then improved to only lasting for a few hours after BM, but it hasn't resolved. It feels very much like what I experienced when I had the fistula, except this time there aren't any other symptoms (no discharge). There's no sharp pain, bleeding or anything else, and my GP couldn't see anything - just noted that the internal sphincter was very tight and that the area where surgery had occurred was a bit red.

I started using GTN a week ago to help with reducing the sphincter spasms that might be causing the discomfort. But it's still not resolved/things aren't really changing/progressing, which has me quite anxious. I've been referred to specialists but seeing someone/getting properly assessed could take months - and not knowing what's going on/why this is happening/whether it will improve on its own or whether I'm gonna have to deal with this for months to come is really weighing on me.

Has anyone had a fissure or fistula surgery, been fine for years, and then developed this sort of post-BM spasm/discomfort without any other symptoms? If so, what was it, what helped it?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's experienced something similar, thanks!