rectocele,anal fissure,internal sphincter muscle treated with Botox!

Submitted by erielady on June 26, 2006 - 4:01pm
Body: 

Hello!

I am not certain where these all fit but here goes...I was diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) in 1990 following a colonoscopy. I have managed to make a life around it. Had hemorroids,etc but recently developed a very nasty anal fissure that was eventually treated with Botox injections by my colorectal specialist. Been dealing with a rectocele for several years never realizing what it was until the Botox and fissure came into play. Due to the manipulation I use in order to empty completely, the doctor was not optimistic that the fissure would completely heal but I am working on it. Supposed to meet with him again in early July and just wanted to know what I should be prepared for as he is going to give me some options. I have read some of the postings and feel that I have not even given the conservative measures a try before I would or should consider surgery. Even with the IBS I do not eat as well as I should. I have never taken a fiber supplement and do not know a good one to try. I do not have urinary incontinence, painful sexual intercourse or anything protruding from the rectal area (other than hemorroids and a skin tag) nor have I had a vaginal delivery (my daughter is adopted) but I know the straining of the IBS has taken a toll on that area. I do have the feeling of not emptying completely and have to return to the bathroom. But again this is sporadic.

Now that I have the rectocele information, I would like to know if there is hope of ever having a bowel movement the old fashioned way without manipulation and without surgery? Thanks!

rosewood

June 27, 2006 - 12:36am

I don't know how to answer your question, but I wanted to give you the info that flax seeds are awesome for regularity. I buy them in bulk at the health food co-op, and grind them in a coffee grinder (now a seed grinder) and put them on my rice with some stevia (sweetener). I love them. Put a little water in with them as they are very dry without a little bit of liquid.

I also recommend eating as little processed food as possible. I don't do sugar, caffeine, dairy and eat tons of apples. I know this helps my prolapse.

Some other recommendations. I would run to find a good teacher of the Alexander Technique. If you're unfamiliar with it, email me and I'll send you my teacher's website. At least from there you can get and idea of what it is. Start the postural work right away. And, then work with an Alexander teacher to help you get the concept and undo bad habits.

Finally, I recommend looking at naturesplatform.com as an alternative way to eliminate.

There's other things you can try. on and on.

Get Christine's book and read about the surgeries prior to having them. Once you've had them, there's no turning back.

Sounds like diet is a good first step for you. Go for it.

Blessings.

Marie

Christine

June 27, 2006 - 10:46am

I so urge people in your position to consider the progression of chronic disease. These conditions do not show up for no reason, and it is only through re-winding the tape that they might be resolved naturally and without extirpating surgery. That means paying very careful attention to diet, just like Marie has expressed, as well as all the other lifestyle changes we are talking about here.

I say this with all compassion and only to illustrate a very important point, but it’s difficult for me to understand why someone with a diagnosed disease would not take greater measures to improve her diet? There is a deeply ingrained attitude in our culture that our bodies are like machines and when they break down we can just take them into the shop to get fixed. The truth is, all these medications we take to simulate hormones from crashed glands, and surgeries to attempt to recreate normal anatomy, take a terrible toll on the body over the course of the average lifespan. To believe otherwise is to be closed to very obvious reality. Look at our elderly population. Medicine certainly has its place, and an increasingly necessary one as our society has less and less access to the things that bring true health, but it is only reasonable and rational to first try to support ourselves back toward natural strength and vigor.

Sorry – a little digression there – be careful of the fiber trap with IBS. I would avoid insoluble fiber from bran and increase soluble fiber from such sources as granny smith apples and beans cooked with seaweed.

erielady

June 27, 2006 - 2:19pm

Christine,

Thank you so much for responding to my posting. I am literally at my wit's end. You are truly correct...I know some of the things I should be eating but with a very hectic lifestyle sometimes just eating what I have cooked for my family is easier. While I know they should be eating healthier also, it is a hard sell as my husband seems to be able to consume anything he likes, and stay healthy and my daughter (11 yrs. old) does eat vegetables,meats,doees not eat alot of sweets and in general is not a large eater. I was not raised with fried foods, carbonated beverages, chips,etc., or large portions of food. All that changed when I combined lifestyles! I do know dairy products do not agree with me. Anyway, my doctor moved my appointment to tomorrow. He is meeting me at the hospital as he doesn't understand why I am having so much pain even with the Botox. This morning I had a very bad episode involving the rectocele but since the anal fissure seems better was somewhat successful in manipulating the BM. Left me with severe spasms. Motrin didn't help (his suggestion). I have not eaten much of anything lately and wonder if that is why the rectocels is holding stool. I have been drinking alot of water but he does not suggest good things to eat - just eat! I have been trying oatmeal, apple sauce, apple juice, toast, tea, rice,baked potatoes, vegetables and some baked chicken. I am almost afraid of food at this point and have lost about 15 pounds (I can afford to lose it as I was at almost 154 lbs and have never weighed that much in my life!) The doctor did not know about the rectocele before he injected the Botox. I am hoping that this is not the source of all my pain. I would really like to avoid surgery as at 48 yrs old I don't like the sound of some of the side effects. I am going to research soluble vs. insoluble fiber and talk with him about it tomorrow. Again, thank you and I will keep you posted.

erielady

June 28, 2006 - 2:40pm

Marie,

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my dilemma. I used to use Millers' Bran on my cereal all the time and it helped and actually purchased ground flax seed at our local (and excellent!) whole foods store but realize it won't work sitting in the refrigerator. I have to get back on track. Saw my doctor today and talked to him about the naturesplatform type of elimination as I tried the position with success. All he would say that possibly the pressure on the abdominal walls could help - sometimes doctors are just not open to the "bigger picture". If you would like to e-mail that website, I am at [email protected].

Your words of encouragement meant alot to me. I think this is going to be a slow process...but as Christine said, it didn't just happen overnight. Thanks again.

Take Care

Jory

Wendy06

June 28, 2006 - 3:49pm

Hi there, I haven't visited the site much lately as I've been busy, and I'm also pleased to say I've not been suffering from prolapse or haemorrhoid problems nearly so much since following all the advice in Christine's book and on this website, so I hope that serves as some encouragement!

I originally came here because I felt that prolapse and haemorrhoids were related, but it was the rectal problems that were really bothering me. I can only reiterate what everyone else has said - keeping a "light bowel" is crucial. I gave up caffeine, alcohol, cut right back on sugar, and I don't eat processed foods. I eat lots of fruit, veg and fibre in the form of beans, pulses, whole grains etc. And I drink a lot of water and/or herb teas: dehydration leads to constipation which leads to straining, which is the worst thing for haemorrhoids, anal fissures etc.

Another change I've made is to adopt a slightly lower position on the toilet (but not a full squat, which Christine pointed out somewhere isn't quite right for supporting prolapse). I make sure I'm leaning forwards with some weight on my feet. Personally I find the best thing is to lift the seat up and sit on the toilet itself, as that puts me at the right height, whereas "hovering" over the toilet creates a bit too much strain, though that might work for some people.

I also do a lot of exercise, and find that essential to feeling well. I saw the rectal surgeon just the other day, for follow-up after some tests (which ruled out problems higher up the colon), and was able to report that dietary/lifestyle changes had been of huge benefit. I did consent to having my haemorrhoids injected, to shrink them, as it's quick and non-invasive, and I hope that single treatment and the continued lifestyle changes will prevent them being a major problem in the future.

I hope you find the advice on this website as useful as I did and that making changes to your diet brings rewards. Good luck!

Wendy