Anyone else still have trouble pooping? TMI content

[Itsallgonesouth]

Hi all

So just a warning this is disgusting up top.
I had my LO in dec 14 by forceps and ended up with the episiotomy equivalent of a 3/4 degree tear. After birth I was given antibiotics and laxatives etc to help things along but things have never really gone back to normal.

Essentially 95% of the time I need to poo I have to at least put pressure on my peranium/fingers inside vagina to push it out and at most physically pull it out with my fingers. It is more often the latter than the former
It is horrid and unhygienic and so embarrassing. This isn’t normal right?
After LO I suffered badly with PND which lead me to clam up about everything and when I eventually mentioned this with my old GP when I LO was 9 months old to be told this is normal and I should get used to it. I have done everything I can think of to help: high fibre diet, laxatives, squatty potty (which is actually amazing but still not a solution) etc.
I should note that I do pelvic floor/keegals religiously as I had kidney problems as a child so had physio to learn to do them properly when I was 12.
I have recently changed GP and I am wondering if it is worth me going to see her or if she is just going to tell me the same. Is this the disgusting norm that no one talks about?

Thanks for reading this far. I haven’t spoken to anyone about this since that gp appointment as too ashamed so please be honest.

[MillieMoodle]

That sounds awful You need to speak to your GP, it doesn't sound like something you should have to put up with.

[Pebblespony]

I had DD a year ago. Just cutting down on the stool softener now. The putting your fingers inside prob means you have a prolapse, a rectocele. Get a referral to a women's health physio or a gynacologist. This is what I have but it is manageable. Don't be embarrassed. It's common.

[Pebblespony]

The GP is a twat for telling you that.

[BrutusMcDogface]

This definitely sounds like a rectocele, which is a prolapse of the rectum. Was your gp a man? Would he like to have to stick his fingers up himself to pull out a shit?! I'm on your behalf! You need to get a referral to a gynaecologist. I have a mild rectocele but I saw the gynaecologist and we both agreed it wasn't bad enough for surgery (it's nowhere near as bad as yours is! Mine is just a bit of a bulge).

you DO NOT have to put up with this!

[BrutusMcDogface]

I've just reread. Maybe (hopefully) your new female gp will be a bit more understanding. Definitely go back and don't be embarrassed. Tell her you think you have a prolapse.

[Jestem]

I certainly don't think this is the norm, and you shouldn't have to put up with it. Definitely see your new GP. Makes me so angry that women's health issues like this are totally dismissed by the NHS.

[Fifahello]

Hi! No, this isn't the norm.
I had a forceps delivery which saved my baby but did a lot of damage to me. One consequence is a prolapse and if I don't take osmotic laxatives (once every other day is enough for me now, used to be every day once a day) I end up with hard stools/constipation which cause haemorrhoids.
I would ask to be referred to a pelvic floor clinic if possible so they can assess all your pelvic floor and core muscles.
GP might give you different laxatives and your medical history might guide them as well.
If you're not heard, keep changing doc until you find one who listens. Bladder and bowel UK might be able to help. The MASIC foundation is new but they can help too.
There's also a Facebook group called Birth Tear Support (I think) for women who have suffered serious tears and you may find other women who have experienced the same.
I hope your situation improves quickly.

[FartnissEverbeans]

I had to do it a bit after a ventouse delivery.

I think it's more common than many people realise but that does not in any way mean that you have to accept this as your new normal. Your old GP is a twat. There are definitely treatments for this. Do a search on mumsnet, I'm sure you'll find similar queries.