What do anal fissure and bleeding hemmies feel like?

Hi, all, looking for some wisdom from those who have dealt with these!

Recently while going to the bathroom, I was straining a bit and felt what I can only describe as a sensation of splitting right at the anal sphincter. That sensation has happened a few times since, and I have also felt a bit of lingering pain or tenderness there after going to the bathroom for awhile. I'm now seeing bright red blood on the toilet paper and the surface of the stool.

I don't know if it could be anal fissures/hemmies or I'm flaring again. Or both. Can anal fissures and hemmies occur without actually being in a flare, or do they indicate that you're flaring?

Any tips or suggestions for helping heal a fissure or hemmie? Medication, things to watch, etc.? Does using Preparation H help? I've read increasing fiber helps, but I'm scared to add too much for fear it'll exacerbate a flare if I'm not already flaring.

I've been dealing with a significant amount of work stress and anxiety, along with general fears about catching Covid or my elderly, high-risk mom catching it, even though we're both vaxxed and boosted. I know that doesn't help matters, but I can't seem to get a handle on it despite doing all things you're "supposed" to do to help with stress and anxiety.

Many thanks for your help and wisdom!

Thank you, Quincy.

How are fissures diagnosed? Can they do it by symptoms or do they need to do a physical exam? Does it require a procedure like a flex sig? I ask because it's difficult to get a quick appointment with my GI, though he is fairly responsive by his patient portal. I do have a regular checkup scheduled for next month.

If I sat in a bathtub and kind of spreaded my cheeks and it was painful, it’s probably a fissure. Just even having water to use it would hurt. I put bag balm on mine.