Re-stitch after third-degree tear - any advice?

[lfhirh]

I'd really appreciate any advice if anyone's been in a similar situation.
Had DD in early Feb after long labour ending up with a ventouse delivery, episiotomy and third-degree tear. It hasn't healed properly and I'm still in considerable pain 9 weeks on. I've now discovered that the stitches were done too tight and in the wrong place. This wasn't helped as I got an infection as there was a 10 day gap in mid-wife's appointments after getting home and the stitches were taking such a long time to dissolve the GP tried to take them out with no pain relief.
Hospital aftercare wasn't good and it was only after a referral from my GP that I saw anyone. They are now being as helpful as they can, but are busy and over-stretched.
I decided to get a second independent opinion last week as I felt as though I wasn't getting any straight answers from anyone. The consultant has said that the only 'solution' is a re-stitch - has anyone else gone through this?
The whole experience has been really traumatic and it's been a struggle to try and keep positive whilst going through it all as well as trying to enjoy the first weeks of motherhood.... Any thoughts would be so welcome

[mears]

Did you have stitches in that had knots on the outside? Usually stitches are under the skin and are absorbed. Depending what material is used, it can actually take up to 42 days.

Have you had a swab taken to make sure that you have been given the correct antibiotics?

The midwife should have come to see you in your own home after delivery - that has nothing to do with appointments. I would complain about that.

Who did you get a second opinion from? Have you seen your 'own' consultanat?

Restitching is not often done - a wound will heal itself if the edges are aligned and it is clear of infection. Depends what bits are involved to be honest. There are 3 layers involved in a tear - depends what level has not healed.

My first episiotomy broke down when the top skin layer burst. It healed on it's own in a couple of weeks.

[sleepysooz]

You poor thing, I can only offer sympathy though, no personal experience, my first child I could walk for 3 months, then it was still painful, so good luck and I hope you get sorted, and that you have some support from your midwife/hv! keep smiling and remind yourself of the little miracle you have produced, I know its hard when you are in pain!

[sleepysooz]

I meant I couldn't walk for 3 months

[lfhirh]

Thanks for the replies - v much appreciated!

I haven't seen my assigned consultant at the hospital but am seeing someone else on the team - don't think it matters as I didn't see him during the pregnancy/birth.

The other consultant I saw was private - I'm afraid money was thrown at the problem! He said that the edges hadn't been aligned correctly and it had been sewn up too tightly - hence the pain and need to re-do the whole thing. This confirmed what one of the midwives had said when they examined me about a week after the birth....

[mears]

Sorry - I am not so sure about private consultation. I am afraid I am a bit of a cynic. I would want to see the consultant in the NHS before parting with any money. Is it a consultant in the NHS you have seen? Normally someone in the team is more junior.