Recovery after 3rd degree...experiences?

[Louise2013]

Hi all,

I am four weeks post delivery in which I had a third degree tear from a forceps delivery.

On the whole, i feel things have healed well and I have most, but not all, of my sensation in that area back, but I have a little way to go feeling 100% in the bladder and bowel department (no issue with needing to go and can hold it all in without any problem, but once I start to go I can't stop 'midway' like I could before etc. so assuming this will return with much more pelvic floor exercise!)

However, I have two dissolvable stitches ( of the many many I was given!) left that haven't fully dissolved. Doc says it's because they are the knots of the sutures so are thicker and will take more time, but they are very painful to the touch and I can feel they are sharp beneath the skin. They are external, on the perenium, so I want them gone asap as I am keen to get back to full normality on the bedroom department ( after six weeks of course!) but doc says these may take some time to dissolve yet.

I don 't know if they would actually interfere with sex (sorry, tmi) due to position but I just want them gone now so I can start feeling 'whole' again.

I also get the odd twinge down below, which is more of a bruising throb feeling that catches my breath which I imagine is a combination of healing and returning sensation?

What was everyone else's experiences recovering from third degree, or fourth, tears etc.? Not necessarily in relation to the above, just experiences in general so I know if I am actually doing okay or not!!

Thanks ladies xxx

 

[T84]

Hey I didn't have 3rd degree tears. I had grazes right the way down and needed 11 internal stitches again the back passage wall and also one on my labia. I'm 8 weeks pp and even now get pain dtd. Everyone is different tho, I would say just take it easy and invest in some lube!

I'm not sure about your stitches, I know my one on my labia took about 4 weeks to come away and caused me no end of pain and irritation beforehand x x

 

[Melanie3103]

Hi there,

I know how you are feeling.... My LO is 7wks old, i had a natural water birth and suffered a 3rd degree tear, I needed 30mins surgery to fix/stitch. I was really sore after. As far as i know the stitches have dissolved and i'm tons better than i was.

But like you.... I feel things have healed and I have most, but not all, of my sensation back. It doesnt hurt to go - again like you i have no issue with needing to go and can hold it all in, but once I start to go I can't stop pooing 'midway' like I could before etc. - i assume will improve with much more pelvic floor exercise, at least i hope so!!!

I had my 6/8wk check with GP yesterday and she didnt check anything down there which surprised me. Ive HV coming out later this week will ask her.

I want to start exercising again - do you know if i can? Ibforgot to ask doc... As the only issue is stopping bowel movements midway presumably id be fine to swim or start gentle running, you think ? I need to keep up with pelvic floor exercises daily of course.

Hope you feel better soon and thoses stitches go.... Xx

 

[Michell]

I'm only 9 days post delivery, but also have a 3rd degree tear, the hospital booked me a gynecology appointment for six weeks time to check everything down there

 

[Melanie3103]

My 6wk postnatal appt with GP was this week but they didnt even check stitches. Ive got an appt at hospital (endoscopy suite!) at the end of july which will be nearly 4months after birth!

Apparently that appt involves a camera to check all has healed inside and out!!! Obviously looking forward to that NOT!

 

[Toria111]

I had 3rd degree tear with my first baby 8 years ago. It did cause me quite a few issues. Internally I had sharp pain whenever oh and I dtd. It still causes me pain now, but not sure if I'm used to the pain or if it's dulled a bit. I had to have 6 months of physio to stop me weeing and pooing myself. But all back to normal in that dept.

Re stitches. I had c-section 13 weeks ago. My last disposable stitch came out at 6 weeks. I never thought it would go!

 

[JD.Deedee]

My 6wk postnatal appt with GP was this week but they didnt even check stitches. Ive got an appt at hospital (endoscopy suite!) at the end of july which will be nearly 4months after birth!

Apparently that appt involves a camera to check all has healed inside and out!!! Obviously looking forward to that NOT!

That's optional! I only consented to a quick check up to see if it healed and quickly during that I got cramps in my buttcheek. Think that was my body telling me that's enough entering the exit as it is! If any trouble see a Fysio first sorted me out!

 

[Louise2013]

Hi there,

I know how you are feeling.... My LO is 7wks old, i had a natural water birth and suffered a 3rd degree tear, I needed 30mins surgery to fix/stitch. I was really sore after. As far as i know the stitches have dissolved and i'm tons better than i was.

But like you.... I feel things have healed and I have most, but not all, of my sensation back. It doesnt hurt to go - again like you i have no issue with needing to go and can hold it all in, but once I start to go I can't stop pooing 'midway' like I could before etc. - i assume will improve with much more pelvic floor exercise, at least i hope so!!!

I had my 6/8wk check with GP yesterday and she didnt check anything down there which surprised me. Ive HV coming out later this week will ask her.

I want to start exercising again - do you know if i can? Ibforgot to ask doc... As the only issue is stopping bowel movements midway presumably id be fine to swim or start gentle running, you think ? I need to keep up with pelvic floor exercises daily of course.

Hope you feel better soon and thoses stitches go.... Xx

Hello lovey, sorry for a late reply, you know what it is like with a newborn!

I was told six weeks before gentle exercise like swimming and walking, but five months for jogging/running or aerobics etc. which may stretch/impact the pelvic floor, but that is the first time I have heard that. I always understood it would be six weeks, but saying that I am not far off six weeks now and still a bit sore ish so wouldn't fancy anything more than a walk or swim anyway! i am going to start swimming next week with the little one too.

How did you get the appointment for the camera investigation etc.? I would actually be keen for one, not because I feel anything is wrong but I like to have things confirmed that all is well etc.!!

Xxxxxx

 

[Melanie3103]

The camera appt is the surgeon's way of signing me off apparently.

Im not sure about restarting exercise yet - some days i'm fine, other days like today less so (still aches and feels pulling/tight)... So i dont know.

Currently (at 8wks) walking only...