Had a 3rd degree tear and episiotomy almost 3 weeks ago. Saw midwife today and she said she couldn't even see where my stitches had been, and I feel soooooo much better this week as opposed to the first 2 weeks, which is amazing! So I'm assuming my stitches have dissolved and all is going well, I was a bit dazed during my appointment though so didn't ask the following questions that I probably should have done!
- would I have had internal stitches as well as ones on my perineum? I did Google some 3rd degree tear diagrams but can't work out if the tear would have been internal as well as external too?
- When can I resume normal activity? Been for a couple of short walks this week but want to try and start doing some ab work etc (if I can find the time!) but I really don't want to do any damage and add any pressure down there... So don't think I'll start exercising yet, but any ballpark ideas when might be good?
- I am pretty sure I have thrush (had it alllllll the time for 6 years), don't want to take oral pill as it never works and am breastfeeding, but don't want to put anything up my vag for a long old while... Wondering if I did bite the bullet and do so, should that be ok? (Don't need advice on other treatment options, I know them all, ha! Thanks)
- when should I stop taking my painkillers and laxatives? Hospital sent me home with 2x laxatives, 2x antibiotics (course has finished), paracetemol, ibuprofen and iron (iron has run out too). I want to start weaning myself off the remaining painkillers and laxatives but DH doesn't think it's a good idea! I do keep forgetting to take some of the painkillers throughout the day though and seem to be fine, it's more the laxatives I'm concerned about as I was on them throughout pregnancy too and so don't want to do it too quickly and get constipated, what with my traumatised perineum!
I read a couple of threads on here with people saying it took them 6 months ish to get back to normal!!!