3rd degree tear.

[lmj25]

Had 2nd ds a month ago and ended up in theatre with a 3rd degree tear. Past 2 weeks I've been having problems with the toilet sorry for what will be tmi but I'm honestly at a loss been to the GP and she seems to think it's my stitches healing. I'm only 22 and feel like I've ruined my body, I've the school run to do everyday with my other ds, night feeds, housework etc. Everything I eat goes straight through me I literally cannot keep anything in unless I take tablets the doctor prescribed me which then block me up and cause intense pressure so I can't win either way. I haven't had a solid Bowel movement since I gave birth it is pretty much water, will this resolve has anyone else been through this? Once the feeling comes over me I have to get to the toilet and once I start I could end up in the bathroom 10 times throughout the day, it's draining I'm starving and pretty much running on empty which isn't easy with 2 kids to look after. Please tell me someone else has been through this

[Bobojangles]

You need a proper assessment and referral to a women's health physio, go back to your gp and demand it

[lmj25]

I have an appointment with a physiotherapist on the 19th. I just feel at a loss the GP didn't seem to realise the seriousness of it at all

[Blondiemama]

You really need to insist on follow up treatment and your hospital should give you a scan in a few months time to check everything has healed. If they don't you must follow it up - I've learned this the hard way!

[Hauskat]

That sounds awful, I am so sorry! Not at all an expert but I went to the gp because I suspected a prolapse and had some minor urinary incontinance and she referred me to a gynaecologist first who checked I was healed ok and then to a woman’s health physio (who I am still seeing but who has been amazing and makes me believe I will be totally healthy soon). I hope your physio is as amazing and you have the health you deserve soon.

[cornyunicorn]

Doesn't sound like it's due to the stitches, since your bowel output's erm, consistency, is determined inside your bowels not when it comes out! Sounds more like some kind of bowel infection, or possibly stress related, I know a few people who get the runs like this for weeks when they're stressed out over something! Or could be an allergy or intolerance that you developed? Hormones are crazy things.

[Makeitchange]

@Imj25 Hi, I'm sorry you're going through this. Sadly it is not uncommon for healthcare professionals who should know about these injuries to know nothing or not very much and some even to pass the symptoms as normal. None of it is normal. A third degree tear is a serious injury. Keeping stools loose is important postpartum because constipation could do more damage.
Seeing a physio is important but the best care is to ALSO have an endoanal scan around 3 months after birth. Your physio might organise this when you see them.
Personally if you could get maximum support for the foreseeing future I think it would be best.
You can find other women going through the same on Facebook. The group is called Birth Tear Support.
Do do your pelvic floor exercises religiously 3x a day until you see the physio.
Big hug

[costacoffeecup]

Are you taking anything like antibiotics that could be messing with your bowel? I had a third degree tear but had the opposite problem, this sounds like maybe something coming from your stomach?

[lmj25]

@costacoffeecup I was pumped full of antibiotics in theatre. Then for a week after I was on metronidazole and another antibiotic can't remember the name I have wondered if I've upset my stomach with the amount I had to take

[costacoffeecup]

Could well be? I had tonnes of antibiotics in labour too and developed IBS but not til about six months after the birth, gastric consultant I saw said it wasn't related but now I think about it i do wonder. They can play havoc with your stomach.

[Kissel]

OP-I was told this would be a risk before I went down for theatre for repair after my third degree tear. Were you warned by your surgeon?

[Bees1]

Do you have a follow up appointment with colorectal surgery? I had a grade 4 and they saw me about 4months post partum. I wonder if it’s worth giving the department a call and asking for some advice of if you could bring any follow up appointment forward. Good luck!

[LupinsNotBluebells]

I had a 3rd degree tear and also had diarrhoea in the weeks that followed. For me being stuck sat on the sofa made it worse as I was feeding all the time but mine righted itself at about 6 weeks. I took a probiotic as well, which helped.

[Tfoot75]

Doesn’t sound normal and I wouldn’t say related to your 3rd degree tear specifically. Faecal incontinence is a potential complication but not watery diarrhoea. Could be caused by antibiotics or could be something picked up in hospital, or another drug you’ve been taking? After my first 3rd degree year I was prescribed what I thought was a fybogel type thing as it was a flavoured drink, but discovered on first night home from hospital it was actually a strong laxative. Didn’t take in again! Second time round had straight forward lactulose.

[lmj25]

Just an update for the past 2 weeks or so everything has been back to normal thank god. Had physiotherapy also and she's happy with my pelvic floor considering what I went through. Looks like it may just have been to do with the tear and now it's healed things have straightened themselves out