Hello. My name is Riss, and I’m 28 years old. I’m not someone who typically asks for help, especially financial help, so I completely understand if you are unable to help or simply don’t want to. That’s okay.
For over a decade, I have suffered from severe digestive issues, starting in high school. I cannot remember more than a few days at a time where I’ve been able to use the restroom without experiencing some sort of pain, discomfort, or complication. The lovely healthcare system in America consistently determines that “everything is normal,” even when everything is clearly not normal. I value nutrition and health very highly, and especially within the last few years I have completely cleaned up my diet, stopped drinking alcohol, and even eliminated caffeine in an attempt to solve things naturally—all to no avail.
I’m going to share my recent painful experience and explain why I am asking for help.
Warning: very TMI ahead.
In 2022, I had a Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS) surgery for a severe anal fissure caused by my digestive issues. Prior to surgery, I had already tried multiple creams, Botox injections, and various other remedies, so surgery was the final option. The procedure involves cutting the muscle to release it from tight spasm, allowing blood flow to reach the area so it can heal. Recovery was semi-painful but tolerable, and I experienced three years without fissure symptoms (though the digestive issues persisted). Unfortunately, all it took was a few days of poor hydration and a few too many dairy-binding mozzarella sticks as a treat at a baseball game to completely turn my world upside down.
In July 2025, I began experiencing fissure symptoms again, this time amplified, so I immediately made an appointment with my previous doctor. He confirmed that I had developed another fissure and determined that instead of wasting time trying methods that had already failed before, we would proceed with a second LIS surgery. This procedure can only be done twice in a lifetime, as further cutting of the muscle would likely result in lifelong incontinence. While waiting for surgery, I was in agony, telling myself, “I just have to hold on a little longer, and the surgery will make everything better like before.” I wish that had been true.
A few days post-surgery, I developed a fever and chills along with a new kind of pain I didn’t know was possible. After contacting my doctor, it was determined that a gumball-sized abscess pocket had formed within the fresh incision in my anus. Talk about torture. Multiple rounds of antibiotics followed, along with another surgery to place a “seton” drain to allow the abscess to drain properly. I thought the worst was over after enduring three months of a zip-tie–like material rubbing against the incision, using a portable bidet, and replacing medical gauze every few hours for cleanliness. However, the recent removal of that drain has proven that I shouldn’t speak too soon.
During my third and most recent surgery in early December, performed to cut the external sphincter and remove the drain, it was discovered that the abscess pocket had actually tunneled another inch into my buttock. As a result, another incision was made and a temporary Penrose drain was placed so the pocket wouldn’t refill under pressure and restart the entire process.
I’m sorry for writing such a long explanation; I just wanted to clearly communicate why I would ever need to ask for financial help. I am currently unable to work due to the round-the-clock wound care required for this condition. Because it is muscular and located in such a sensitive, bacteria-heavy area, it takes an incredibly long time for scar tissue to fully form and provide relief. I have no idea when normal life will resume, as many others with this condition struggle for years to heal.
I had initially enrolled in the Vet Tech program at Genesee Community College this fall to pursue a career working with animals, whom I love dearly, but I was forced to withdraw due to the pain and inability to sit or walk properly. I haven’t been able to sit upright comfortably in months, so most of my day is spent lying in bed. I even had to obtain a handicap placard for my vehicle to reduce walking distances while grocery shopping—which I can only do very minimally, as sitting in the car to drive is also painful.
My insurance does not cover the hundreds of dollars already spent on 24/7 gauze usage, nor does it cover the immunotherapy I will be trying to help my body fight infection and heal. I have exhausted my entire life savings paying bills and buying nutritious food, and I’ve had to move back in with my parents, who are nearing senior age and living on a more fixed income.
I don’t expect this goal to be reached, honestly. I would truly appreciate anything given at all while I recover, so I don’t fall into financial stress or debt while trying to stay hopeful and heal.
Thank you so much 😊
