anal fissure and laxative abuse

Hi all,

I read some posts regarding the above two problems, but looks like the solutions are very personalised. So I thought I will ask about my problem in a new post.

Problem:
For about 2.5 years, I have had issues of chronic constipation. Earlier, I used to have it once in 2-3 months, and now it has become regular (everyday). The problem usually stars with hard stool which leads to anal fissure, with bleeding. Now if I am not taking any laxative, I have to really force out the stools, which obviously leads to anal fissure.

I started taking stool softner, and when they were not helping, moved towards laxative... Now I am addicted to a strong laxative (milk of magnesia). Have been taking that off and on for about 1.5 years. This includes taking it 4-5 times a week for the last 3-4 months. Weaker laxatives or stool softners do not help. The only other solution that is suggested by allopathy is surgical.


I usually eat and drink healthy (low fat). I usually eat vegetarian, but eat meat occasionally. The last 6-7 months I moved to a new city and did not eat very healthy. It wasn't particularly unhealthy but I wouldn't call it a very healthy diet either. Also the anxiety level was high... all of it leading to the problem becoming worse. Otherwise, I also try and exercise regularly. As for my temperament, I am a cheerful guy, but have a high metabolic rate. As a result I sweat a lot. I feel uncomfortable in warm climates/seasons. As for food, I love food. I have strong cravings for sweets. I love dairy, in particular milk. I drink a lot of water (3-5 liters), but I also feel very thirsty. I have had a regular bowel movement for the last 25-27 years, with no other digestive complaints. Even with the anal fissure problem, I try and go the toilet daily. I sleep very sound. My age is 27, height is 5'9'', and my weight oscillates between 73-77 kgs.


Possible causes that I am thinking now:
- Low fat diet (I started that when I came to US, about 5 years back)
- Irregular timings of meals and irregular portion sizes.
- Now chewing the food well enough.
- Sitting for nearly 6-10 hours everyday (I am a computer scientist)
Anyways, the problem has become significantly worse because of my laxative abuse.

What am I doing right now?
- Taking no dairy (I am told that dairy is constipating).
- Trying to eat very healthy (whole wheat bread, vegetables, oatmeal, salad, fruits, clarified butter), drink lots of water
- Taking aloe Vera gel and almond oil.
- Trying to chew the food properly and have timely meals.
- Trying not to sit that much at a stretch.


Also, for the last 2-3 years I have also seen a rash develop on the left side near by waist region. It is like blood clot under the skin about 15-18 cm in size. I think it is because I sleep sideways (on that side), but not sure. Other than this, I have never had any health issues.

Can you please help me get off the laxatives? This is making me very tense.