Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Cramps And Blood In Stool Caused By Anal Fissure

Posted on Thu, 7 Jul 2016

Question: I'm a 33 year old female, 275lbs 5'3". I have been diagnosed with anal fissures. I started treatment using a specialized compound but lost my insurance and can longer afford the medication. I had a colonoscopy almost 2 years ago. Many polyps were removed from my rectum. No crohns or colitis was discovered. My stomach still was half full even though I followed the pre colonoscopy diet to a t. I had a digestion test done where I had to swallow radioactive material and time how long it took to digest. Everything turned out normal.
For over 5 years I have been dealing with bloody stools, blood in and around my anus, stomach cramps and pains that start when I wake up and last all day 3 days a week, my anus is constantly itching, sometimes I get tarry stools, and I have almost a dozen little bumps or skin tags or polyps right inside and around my anus. I don't know what to do. I don't have insurance and don't know if this is just something to do with a crappy diet. Please provide me guidance and answers.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Needs work up and management

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. You have basically two problem, one is of anal fissure and other of rectal polyps. Both of these can contribute to bleeding per rectum.

Anal fissures need supportive care most of the time, treating constipation, sitz bath, saline bath, good bowel habits, use of laxative, regular exercise and minimal straining helps. Use of fibrous diet and a lot of fluids help too. If all supportive measures fail then next step is anal dilation.

The polyps however needs yearly followup and monitoring and evaluated and analysed for histopathology to rule out any sinister causes. You will need another colonoscopy if the blood in stool is there, they will find the cause of the bleed, evaluate any new growth in polyps and see if it helps. Let your surgeon decide best next step for polyps management.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (7 minutes later)

Are polyps/skin tags on the outside of the anus common? These are new and I'm concerned. Is this like a hemorrhoid? Will preparation h or something like that help or harm these? I had used suppositories before and they made my situation worse. I currently use an over the counter hydrocortisone cream to help relieve the itching and pain.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs permanent cure

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me

Fissure of today is polyp of tomorrow. So yes these can cause such protrusions. Polyps can be inside too. That is why i said you need work up and examination. it could be hemorrhoids mistaken for polyps, hemorrhoids and fissures can be common together and can explain your blood in stools. Only a complete clinical correlation will figure things out.

I hope it helps.
Regards
Khan

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar