Merry christmas to me... I had a couple of digital rectal exams today (GI *and* surgeon) and the surgeon noted that I have a small fissure. I had felt some burning during a BM over the weekend that was pretty bad as far as these things go, but I had also eaten a spicy meal so I thought it was that. My first BM after the rectal exams was a lot more painful, I'm guessing it got irritated from the exams

In any case, he said it was small enough that he would just recommend sitz baths and not anything else. I'm doing that as well as laying off of spicy foods for now (normally I don't have a problem with them).

So what's the deal with fissures for j-pouchers? Is it true that they're caused by cuffitis? Could it be from eating too much fiber? How long will it take to heal? Will I always be susceptible now that I've had one?

I haven't used barrier cream in a while, will that help? I tried looking and I can't see it myself so I assume it is internal.

Any other tips welcome!!