WARNING: This blog entry will include words like sphincter and anus and may be “too much information” for some readers. So, if that’s the case, feel free not to read on.
I am writing about (yet) another side-effect. Most people don’t like to discuss issues that relate to the bowels. But when I started this blog, I decided that I’m not going to be embarrassed by issues of biology that I can’t control. I can only focus with how I deal with them. So in this case, the issue relates to the anus.
About two weeks ago, I started experiencing a lot of pain during bowel movements. It pretty much felt like I had eaten broken glass and was passing it. Some of these movements were accompanied by some blood. So last week, I went to my regular physician to see if, perhaps, I had a hemorrhoid problem. He couldn’t diagnose it but thought it might be an “anal fissure” so he referred me to a specialist.
The specialist was the same doctor who did the colonoscopy that discovered my cancer last fall. He was also the guy who had the unfortunate task of telling me I had cancer (which must be a tough thing for doctors to do). In any event, I went to him today. His exam concluded that I do have a fissure which is doctor-speak for a tear in your sphincter. Pretty unpleasant.
There are three therapies for anal fissures. First, there is a cream you can try which helps promote healing. The next choice is a shot of botox in the anus (which I think would mean I would look a bit like Angelina Jolie if you catch me at the right angle). Lastly, there are surgical options. I’m starting with the cream as a shot in the rear sounds rather unpleasant. If I do have to go that route, I would need to go back to my colonectomy surgeon for it.
In any event, anal fissures are evidently not that uncommon and whether my chemo treatments (which reek havoc on your digestive system) were a cause is inconclusive. So at the end of the day, this issue is just another pain in the a** that comes with the territory.
Tomorrow is round 9 of chemo so I’ll fill my onc in on what’s going on and see what he thinks. I hope you all are well. BB
I am writing about (yet) another side-effect. Most people don’t like to discuss issues that relate to the bowels. But when I started this blog, I decided that I’m not going to be embarrassed by issues of biology that I can’t control. I can only focus with how I deal with them. So in this case, the issue relates to the anus.
About two weeks ago, I started experiencing a lot of pain during bowel movements. It pretty much felt like I had eaten broken glass and was passing it. Some of these movements were accompanied by some blood. So last week, I went to my regular physician to see if, perhaps, I had a hemorrhoid problem. He couldn’t diagnose it but thought it might be an “anal fissure” so he referred me to a specialist.
The specialist was the same doctor who did the colonoscopy that discovered my cancer last fall. He was also the guy who had the unfortunate task of telling me I had cancer (which must be a tough thing for doctors to do). In any event, I went to him today. His exam concluded that I do have a fissure which is doctor-speak for a tear in your sphincter. Pretty unpleasant.
There are three therapies for anal fissures. First, there is a cream you can try which helps promote healing. The next choice is a shot of botox in the anus (which I think would mean I would look a bit like Angelina Jolie if you catch me at the right angle). Lastly, there are surgical options. I’m starting with the cream as a shot in the rear sounds rather unpleasant. If I do have to go that route, I would need to go back to my colonectomy surgeon for it.
In any event, anal fissures are evidently not that uncommon and whether my chemo treatments (which reek havoc on your digestive system) were a cause is inconclusive. So at the end of the day, this issue is just another pain in the a** that comes with the territory.
Tomorrow is round 9 of chemo so I’ll fill my onc in on what’s going on and see what he thinks. I hope you all are well. BB
6 comments:
Wasn't Anal Fisher the girl that was running around with Joey Buttafuco?
Keep your chin up!
Brian
I am sure this cannot be funny, but I think you'll get a lot of butt comments. Did you know that the cream that is sometimes used is nitroglycerin. That should give you a blast. You will be your own homemade bomb.
Seriously, my neighbor who had prostate cancer also experienced this from the radiation. He was in agony, but is fine now. Hope your chemo is easy today. Love, Mom
Little Alex had one when he was beginning to use the toilet. Now there is something that will hinder toilet training!
Hey Howard Stern talked all the time about his anal fisher but he got paid a hell of a lot more to share those expereinces. Perhaps you should call him for advise.
Brian
That's Roger Maris. I remember seeing him play. Thought you could fool me! Love, Mom
Judy had one and I think they did laser to repair it - I could be wrong. Let's face it, I'm already SO wrong by sharing her info on your blog, but hey, that's what sisters (in the medical field) do! Hope the cream works...
Vicky
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