I have not used a hot water bottle or ring pillow by I swear by hot baths. Some days I take two or more. The cream should help and yes it does burn a bit at first. I find rectiv the best or fissures but often get an instant headache and my heart races a little after applying it as it enters the bloodstream pretty fast. Those side effects do lessen with more use.
My husband often allows me my space when I am suffering. He knows there is not much be can do and understands when I am in pain. On a positive note, I do have good periods. That's what has held me this long from going for the ostomy. I am in a good place right now where Canasa suppositories have helped but it changes so frequently unfortunately. Hope he feels better soon.
I forgot to tell you the other thing they may suggest is a mucosectomy with pouch advancement. This cleans away the remaining dusease in the small cuff and I believe anal transitional zone. After the mucosectomy, they detach the pouch to drop it lower and hand sew it. Hope he feels better soon.