3rd degree tear - 3 months later

[CJsMummy93]

Long story short, I gave birth 3 months ago and ended up with a 3rd degree tear, which got infected and tonight its really started to hurt again, to a point where I wanted to go to hospital - but I can't get there otherwise I would but I'm probably just over reacting that's what they'll say anyway they always do
Has anyone else experienced this before? I'm so tired and want to sleep but I can't ... I wouldn't mind being able to walk properly too without waddling too..

[cravingcake]

Phone your out of hours gp in the morning once you have had some sleep. I had a 4th degree tear which took till about 6-7 months for me to feel 'normal' again. However what i thought was normal isnt, i have spent the last 3 months ish (DS is now 12 months) in pain but have been taking painkillers for back problems so didnt really notice or rather tried not to think about it an block it out. I finally saw my gp this week who straight away said i have growth on the scar tissues and a defect and i've been referred back to gynae consultant, who i'm waiting to get my apoontment with.

I guess what i'm trying to say is it probably isnt nothing and you should get it checked. I also had infection following the birth & had to hae a second lot of anti-biotics but i dont think this is connected.

[ICompletelyKnowAboutGuineaPigs]

I would get it checked it out. I had a 3rd degree tear 6 years ago (gosh where did the time go ). About 2-3 months later I was in pain and did go to the hospital where they said it had slightly opened again. They ummed and ahhed about further surgery but thankfully, as it was Christmas eve, they said they would wait and see but give me some antibiotics. It did settle down but definitely worth going in.

It took about a year to feel fully normal, though the problems were not as acute by then, but after that I have had no problems at all. Hope you feel better soon x

[CJsMummy93]

I still hurt nothing works!

[cravingcake]

Have you been to see your gp?

Also, what pain killers are you on? You can take ibuprofen and paracetamol while breastfeeding. You have to take it by the clock, not just when you remember or are in pain to get proper relief.

[hiviolet]

I would say it's normal to have some pain/tenderness three months later - the consultant told me that the stitches wouldn't have dissolved yet - but sudden pain like yours is worrying. Were you given an appointment with a gynae after the birth? I'm not sure a GP would be much help.

[CJMummy993]

I'm just on ibuprofen, I'm allergic to almost everything else in the way of pain killers

[hiviolet]

Have you been to see a doctor?

[How2GetItOut]

So sorry.

I don't think it is normal at all to have pain three months afterwards. I was told my stitches would be dissolved within 10 days. I healed up very quickly, even though I have some residual problems as a result of my tear (mild incontinence).

I would make myself a pest and call everyday to try and get an appointment as soon as possible with the consultant. Sometimes the doctors do get things wrong. I had a friend who didn't get stitched properly (she'd actually only had a 2nd degree tear) and kept having pain. She ended up having to have a subsequent operation to fix it and she didn't get this resolved until her baby was almost 8 months old. She had also kept being told it was normal by numerous medical staff until someone finally realised there was a problem. You shouldn't have to deal with regular pain while trying to look after a new baby. It is not normal. Hope you can get it checked out and resolved by the right people soon.

[MasterOfBuggerAll]

I had a 3b tear, which is some tearing to the sphincter muscle.

3 months later I was most definitely not in pain. In fact I opened my bowels the next day and it did not hurt. It turned out the professor who ran the team was a pioneer in the surgery of repairing damage from childbirth. I thank my lucky stars (and the team) that I am ok.

What I am trying to say is do not put up with this. Something is not right, and do not let anyone fob you off.

I hope you can get some pain relief soon