Stitches bringing me down

[user1479669774]

Hello,

It's been 9 days since I gave birth and I am feeling really down about my episiotomy.

At the 5 day check i was told that the top level stitches had dissolved but I had an infection. I've been given antibiotics and pain killers.

I thought it was getting better but today it has been so sore I've been sobbing. My stitches are now hanging down (over an inch in length) so I'm scared the next layer has now pulled apart.

I'm getting checked again tomorrow but I'm so scared it's never going to heal. I just want to be able to get on and enjoy my son without pain. Im reluctant to leave the house in case it makes it worse.

My partner has been amazing and running around for me but he goes back to work next week so I will need to be more active.

I guess I'm looking for some reassurance that this isn't forever. How long were you in pain for?

Thank you

[dementedpixie]

Have you tried ice packs?

[Serenrose]

Some of my stitches came loose on day 5 and I remember the pain well so you have my sympathies.

Within a week of them coming loose I found the pain had lessened a lot and I was more mobile and I stopped all painkillers completely within about 7- 10 days ( can't remember exactly but it was definitely before I was discharged from community midwife)

What painkillers can you take? As I was breastfeeding I was only able to take paracetamol although they did give me some oramorph when it first happened. I would have tried codiene had it not been for BF. One of the midwives suggested I sleep without a pad and just on a towel to try and prevent any additional discomfort.

It will get better, promise, and I hope it does so for you very soon.

[manglethedangle]

It was 6 weeks at least before mine stopped hurting and I felt able to go out. Still get occasional twinges now to be honest.

[charlie13032017]

Hope you're feeling abit better today!
My little boy is now 5 months and I'm completely fine! I have a it of scar tissue inside but I am completely pain 3 and could probably run a marathon if I had the lungs!
You have my sympathies though! The first 2/3 weeks was the worst of me. Try not to bath to much as I did and my stitches broke down and ended up leaving me slightly open and having to heal naturally. I didn't leave the house for 6 weeks until I hate to get lb registered!
Keep up with painkillers, odd bath with lavender oil, you can use cold packs under pad. Some people put witch hazel in a pad and in the fridge for a little while and then use them.
I only stuck to baths ans pain killers.
It may feel like you'll never get over it but I can assure you, you will! You'll fabulous in no time!
I remember writing on her balling my eyes out about my episiotomy thinking I was one of the unlucky ones but it's fairly commen recently! But you can do it! It will 100% feel better in no time!

[oatybiscuits]

I had no infection and no issues but I was also sobbing with pain from my episiotomy on day 9, I think particularly because I hadn't expected to take so long to recover. I felt much better after 2-3 weeks and pretty normal by 6 weeks. Congratulations on your baby 😊

[Orangebird69]

I found with my stitches that thick maternity pads made it worse. The Boots ultra slim maternity pads made a world of difference to my comfort.

[chocolatesa]

It's horrible isn't it I wasn't pain free until about 6 weeks after having my little girl x

[mintich]

I felt down too but it passes! It took me 11 weeks to feel completely pain free ( I had a tear and a separate cut though!)

[Megha22]

Hello, they wont always stay, give it some time and have all your antibiotics because they will help speed up the healing process , there will be time you will be able to move around in a few days infact have some patience it eventually heals up!

[Naomi2007]

8 weeks hunni before I felt "normal" in that I mean not uncomfortable anymore. It's awful I know but my midwife said tea tree oil and lavender oil in a bath every day! I never got an infection so swear by that. Also massively soothing so maybe give that a go . Also yes as a previous poster said thick maternity pads can rub against the stitches and make them worse. X

[GreenGoblin0]

DD2 is now 4 months. had episiotomy and in some ways recovery was harder than for c section I had with dd1 as stiches came out at skin level so everytime I went for a wee I was weeing on an open wound. it really isn't nice I do feel for you. my midwife recommended a solution from neals yard called hypericum /calendula - you put drops in the bath and it helps with healing. you can also try lavender oil. it does seem like it you will never get back to normal again but you will. even when your partner goes back to work just take it easy ' lots of cuddles with baby with you feet up.