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General health

Vaginal reconstruction

24 replies

Emmsi · 15/12/2012 16:02

Please can anybody assist me? I have gone into a lot of detail as I am not sure of the correct medical term of the procedure in which I require, hopefully, if you have been through the same as me you will be able to help me.

I gave birth to my first child in May 2012 who weighed 9lb 3oz - the baby was stuck so i had to have an episotomy with a forceps delivery and i also tore the perineum and vaginal wall. Following delivery I haemorrhaged and lost 4 pints of blood which required a transfusion, I believe this did not help me with my recovery. I was stitched but it came undone on day 2. I also got infected which required antibiotics. The MW advised that I didn't need to be restitched but they would not sign me off from their care and continued to came out to see me for the following 3 weeks after child birth. The last MW I seen was concerned at how I was not healing correctly and referred me to see a specialist at the hospital.

The specialist advised that everyone heals at different speeds and due to the labour, unfortunately mine recovery was taking just a little longer but everything would heal in time (granulate), she booked me in for further appointments and on her final appointment I was given a general anaesthetic and they cauterised where I had over healed. I mentioned to the specialist that when I moved certain ways a vacuum of air would be sucked up and then consequently out of my vagina making a noise. The specialist made an appointment with a further specialist who did a small procedure to make sure I did not have a fistula (where the back passage is connected to the vagina). I mentioned to this specialist that I had not been able to perform martial duties since the birth as I couldn't get my head around the idea, I had seen the state the labour had left my vagina in and found it hard even washing myself down there. I asked if they did find a fistula could they possible perform some kind of construction to rebuild the part of the vagina (perineum) which was left to heal open without stitches. Fortunately, the procedure did not find any fistula's but this specialist stated that they would not be able to perform a procedure for the aesthetics of a vagina and only if the scaring (which they said may cause me pain during intercourse) caused a problem. He then went on to state that surgery is not without its dangers, there is no certainty and it could make more problems in the long run and this is why they would not offer surgery at this point.

They have referred me to a councillor to see if talking about my issues would help, which I am willing to try but I must also find out if anybody has had the same procedure done and if the outcome of that surgery was positive or negative?

If you have gone through the same experience as me or if you have had surgery following childbirth I would very much appreciate hearing from you. Thank you very much

OP posts:
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ArrunsMum · 15/12/2012 20:08

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NinthWavingAtTheSnowman · 15/12/2012 20:16

ArrunsMum WTF kind of response is that? Hmm

My friend had a repair/reconstruction done on the NHS after a difficult birth, she tore twice and had an episiotomy. She had an operation about 6 months after the birth, went on to concieve DC 2, and was able to have an elective section form the second birth. Can you get a second opinion?

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Footle · 15/12/2012 20:34

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Quejica · 15/12/2012 20:44

I have reported it.

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ThePathanKhansWitch · 15/12/2012 20:53

Op really hope you get the help you need.

arrunsmum, do you think your reply might be viewed as unsympathetic and cuntish (no pun intended) in the extreme?

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digerd · 15/12/2012 21:56

Terrible what some of us women go through in child birth. I had just 2 stitches externally, but other women also had them internally.
I was really shocked at arrunsmum comment. Why would another woman say such a thing?
So sorry OP you have been through so much.

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ShotgunNotDoingThePans · 15/12/2012 22:06

Arrunsmum has form...

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CajaDeLaMemoria · 15/12/2012 22:14

Yes, Arrunsmum is a Honda driver.

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ChiefOwl · 15/12/2012 22:16

Do you mean a fentons procedure?

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fengirl1 · 15/12/2012 22:28

OP - there are plenty of women out there just like you. Go to see a gp ( if you have one you can talk to, so much the better) and tell them how you feel. Everyone is entitled to a sex life if they want one! Ask for a referral to a gynaecologist. Good luck.

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MikeOxardInTheSnow · 15/12/2012 22:33

I had mine re-fashioned. Very similar story to you OP, forceps, episiotomy, too much stiched together came open, got infected and eventually healed in a ridge on my perinium. Gynae was very sympathetic and agreed to surgery. I regretted it at first because it was painful for longer than I thought it would be and I began to suspect it would permanently be painful! Eventually it was fine though and then I was really glad I had it done.

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FergusSingsTheBlues · 15/12/2012 22:37

You poor thing, that sounds so painful. Insist on a referral.

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Shakey1500 · 15/12/2012 22:39

Op, sorry to hear this Sad

I had a fourth degree tear and underwent 4 operations. Exactly the same as you, my stitches broke down, had an infection (which took ages to clear) and had granulation. It took me ages to convince the (second) consultant that there was a genuine pain on an inside wall (a stinging pain, no rush of air like yours). They recommended I try everything else first (dilators, gels, counselling etc) which i did, but to no avail. Finally I had a "modified Fentons procedure which fixed it.

I totally understand about the appearance. I sobbed for about two hours straight when I first plucked up the courage to look.

My advice would to be very detailed about the issues and persistant that it is causing pain, distress and marital stress. We didn't have sex for two years. I even drew a picture for the consultant before going down to surgery.

All the very best

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Footle · 15/12/2012 23:24

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Emmsi · 16/12/2012 00:26

Thank you very much for your response

I have not been able to view ArrunsMum' comment as it has been removed but this is the society in which we now live, unfortunately, I wish Arrun a happy life with his mum!

I have not really discussed this with anyone, not even my partner until recently so when i was writing this a lot of the things I was describing were being said for the first time, it was difficult but easier than saying it to someone?s face

I never expected to be the same down there after childbirth but nobody tells you that 7 months after giving birth you will still be having to visit the hospital for follow ups. I am the eldest of four children and my mother never went through any of what I did with any of hers so there are some unfortunate labours and some far worse than my experience.

I need to look into this further as I really don't wish to make things worse for myself so I will check those other posts which you have all highlighted, thank you very much for you time and assistance I truly very much appreciate it.

Its been very reassuring that I am not the only one and others have came through the other side from this very debilitating time. All the very best for 2013. x

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saripan · 16/12/2012 10:59

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ShotgunNotDoingThePans · 16/12/2012 11:03

Oh fgs!

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Sunshinenow · 16/12/2012 11:05

Reported.

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Wishfulmakeupping · 16/12/2012 11:08

Hope you get the care you need OP all the best

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ChiefOwl · 16/12/2012 12:52

Op you can pm me if you want, but I had a fentons procedure and very glad I did. I also opted to have dc2 by elective section (otherwise I would not have had another child) i actually asked when I had the op, so well before I was even thinking about number 2 and te consultant said yes without hesitation if We wanted more dc I could have a c section.

Also I must tell you that there was no comparison between my 'natural' birth and my section. My elective section was the most amazing, beautiful experience my physical recovery was so much quicker and more importantly it left me in a very positive place mentally .

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RarelyUnreasonable · 16/12/2012 12:56

Exactly what chiefowl said! Feel free to pm me.

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LonelyLinda · 16/12/2012 15:24

I too had to have a repair operation after an enormous baby and forceps delivery, episiotomy etc.

The episiotomy didn't heal, over-granulated (extra lumps and bumps growing) and also needed stitching up where it hadnt healed at all.

Feel absolutely free to pm me if you want to chat further.

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Soubriquet8 · 19/08/2019 13:53

Hi - I had a 3a degree tear and poor advice and aftercare. I was sewn up by a junior and no consultant saw me.

Had varying diagnoses and worsening symptoms as well as generally feeling sexually incapable and depressed about it

I’ve tried private physio, Courses, electronic devices, consulted with a plastic surgeon (who told me with his finger inside me that I was ‘no good, no good.’) and I’m unsure what to do

The introitus isn’t sewn up well enough and I have cystocele, rectocele and other problems with a compromised pelvic floor

I want to have this ‘sewn up’ to the point where I’m functional and feel at least like I’ve any grip at all down there - but I don’t know where to go

It’s been 5 years since I have birth now.

If you have an update or if anyone has experience I’d love to hear from you. Did you get surgery? If so with which private group (I’m in 🇬🇧)

Thanks in advance and all the best

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AngelaScandal · 19/08/2019 14:48

Soubriquet, that sounds so difficult. Maybe start a new thread as this one is quite old and might get overlooked?

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