Episiotomy after pains

[shockedtohell]

hi ladies

I had my DS 4 weeks ago and had an episiotmy. Doc says it's healing well and external stitches are gone. But I'm getting this strange twinge where my scar is my bum ( sorry tmi) and also in my private. It's can be very intense the pain is this normal?

[KellyKettle]

I found the pain from my episiotomy to be pretty shocking tbh. It healed well but I had shooting/stabbing pains on and off for a while.

Do you have pain relief? Are you staying on top of it?

[shockedtohell]

Thanks for your reply Kellykettkd. I take panadol but that's about it. Was there anything you did to help?? How long before it got better?

It's terrible I would rather go through labour again then this pain.

I'm due at doc's in 2 weeks and dreading it cause of the pain.

[KellyKettle]

Oh I might be an extreme case but I had pain for 18 months (sorry). I eventually massaged it with almond oil and that helped sort the pain in about a week so perhaps my scar healed tightly.

Yes, completely agree that I'd prefered to have laboured twice than have episiotomy pain.

Have you tried using lavender and tea tree oils in the bath? That really helped me actually.

I also used ice packs for the perinuem, I used to put them under a pad - ice directly on the skin was a bit intense. They were quite expensive but apparently condoms filled with water and frozen work as well.

[shockedtohell]

Wow 18 months, that's painful. Havent had a bath yet but will try that. Will also get some almond oil and hope that will make it better.

It's odd as it feels like it's deep tissue were the pain is coming from, but it's odd as some days it's not there and other it's like wow thats really sore.

I'm sorry to ask this, and I totally understand if you don't answer but was sex painful after? And did these pains cause a problem in the area?

Thanks again xx

[KellyKettle]

It was for a long time but I think some of that was caused by fear too - not all of it (like the GP suggested it was all in my head). My episiotomy extended into my bum in a 3rd degree tear so I felt a lot of pain in my rectum too. Mostly I just didn't feel sexy and that caused more of a problem then any pain from the tear really so hopefully you'll be fine.

My doctor told me that some of the pain is nerve damage and that takes a while to recover but 2.9yrs on I am pain free and expecting DC2 in a few weeks.

Definitely go for the essential oil baths. I think you mix them in milk and then tip them into the running water. I can't remember the ratio but I am pretty sure I just made it up as I went along.

Are you booked to attend perineal clinic?

[KellyKettle]

Oh and I saw a cream recommended on a thread the other day. I keep meaning to buy some for post-birth just in case. I'll find out what it was....

[KellyKettle]

hypercal

I haven't tried it but believe Holland & Barrett stock it so I'm going to see if I can get some tonight. It sounds like it would be a good thing to use.

[shockedtohell]

Thanks so much for replying, mean so much. I just hope this pain goes soon. I wanna enjoy my bubs without this pain.

I don't think we get that class in Dubai. But I'll check. Will see if I can find that cream here if not I'll get my MIL to bring some over!

Congrats on you 2nd I wish you all the best and hope your recovery is quick.

[KellyKettle]

No problem, I remember how awful it was going through it and the trial and error-ness of finding ways to cope.

It does get better, good luck shocked and congratulations on the birth of your DS!

[scarletfingernail]

Ouch. I recovered quite quickly from my episiotomy. I think I was more or less back to normal within 6 weeks and completely ok within 3 months.

The midwife advised me to spend as much time as possible in the bath (hard with a newborn I know) and to put lavender oil in it. I had a bath every day from 3 days after the birth onwards and I really think that must have helped.

Go back and see your Doc if it continues to show no sign of improvement. Hope you're feeling better soon.