Faecal Incontinence and third degree tear - any good consultants?

[GillRuth]

Hi,

Had 2nd child 4 months ago.Tore badly and was restiched by SHO (since found out should really have been someone more senior).Perineum sore /pulling from scar tissue I presume.Also anal incontinence in the fact I have to run when I need and if any liquid poo! it leaks.

Have been referred to womens health physio and colorectal surgeon but awaiting both appts.Does anyone have any advice?Has anyone seen Mr Sultan who on the web seems to be the top specialist in this or anyone else they would recommend?

Saw the problems often get worse as you age which is really depressing.Feel tearful after researching this all.

[cornflakegirl]

You poor thing

No advice I'm afraid - but bumping for you.

[controlfreakyturkeyandstuffing]

ditto. bump

[Tumblemum]

Kings College, Denmark Hill London have a perineal clinic that specialise in these sorts of things. I had difficulties for about 10 weeks after my son was born I was under the team at Kings but by the time I got to see them I was back to normal. They are supposed to be excellent

[lulumama]

might find some info and support on this thread

[clevergirl]

hello, i hope you get an appt soon. I remember that a few weeks ago there was a feature on radio 4 womans hour....will have a quick look....

[clevergirl]

yes on 10th november...if you do a search you should find it.

[spudballoo]

I'm so sorry to read this xx please do email me at [email protected]. I suffered similarly, you will find my tale of woe on the thread linked on this post by lulumama. Very happy to chatter on email, there are at least 2 other mumsnetters that I know by email with similar problems.

Looking forward to hearing from you. x

[bananaboo]

I had a fourth degree tear in June and I am still experiencing similar difficulties. I am attending physio but that does not seem to be making any difference. They are now talking of refering me to a surgeon. Does anyone have any advice.

[GillRuth]

Thankyou for all your replies .
I have checked the links and emailed spudballoo.
Any other advice particularly in relation to surgery as bananaboo notes?

[VersoWassailWassail]

The consultant at St George's Hospital in Tooting is brilliant (she is wonderful - really kind and compassionate). Her address is michelle dot fynes at stgeorges dot nhs dot uk

She made me feel clean and normal again and cared for, when I felt terrible after the birth of DD and subsequent bowel incontinence.

I Googled her months later and discovered she is quite a well-respected expert in her field. In any case, the fact she had a box of tissues and gave me pizza and chocolate when I was a weeping wreck says it all I think!

If you want to CAT me about this, please do. You're so not alone.

[GillRuth]

Thanks,
I really want to talk to someone for more advice so will try the consultant you recommended.It has been really great to get some sympathetic responses and good advice from the mums who have posted.
I will CAT you if I can when I have got in touch with the consultant(s) - chasing up NHS referrals to women's health physio and colo-rectal surgeon also tommorow.Thanks again.

[Izmum]

Gillruth - really sorry to hear about your problem. I had similar 2 years ago - forceps, undiagnosed 3rd degree tear resulting in damage to sphincters with inevitable consequences. I tried to find some similar experiences here and elsewhere but got nowhere - i thought it was one taboo too many, so its amazing - both heartening and depressing - to hear all these stories now!
Just wanted to know if you've seen the consultant and what was the advice?
I saw a colorectal surgeon who left the decision whether to have surgery up to me - said that maybe 50% of women with this opt for surgery, and he can improve things in around 70% of those. But amazingly, after several months of inconvenience, lots of physio appointments and being careful what i eat/drink, my problem is pretty minimal now so have decided to wait and see what happens with time - as you say, have been told it gets worse with age.
BUT my major issue now is - do i have a C-section next time, as the colorectal surgeon insists would be best? Is there anywhere out there where the gynae and rectal people actually communicate?
Lots of luck to you. Avoid curry and coffee!

[2ndtimeround]

Hi quick message. I had similar problems, still some remaining. Am under Kings for urinary incont but they referred me to Rectal team at St MArks, the country's best team I understand. Christine NOrton is the professor and team leader. I am v pleased with their service, as I went from pillar to post locally without much help.
Good luck
Please email if you want any further advice.