dreading 6 week check with consultat........please tell me to pull myself together!

[Mummy2day]

i have a postnatal check with consultant tomorrow and i am dreading it! well so much that thinking about it makes me shake, feel sick and cry! I had a pretty traumatic delivery with a very extensive episiotomy plus 3rd degree tear following forceps. things feel ok down there but still tender and the thought of them prodding and poking really really scares me! as does simply assuming the 'position' they need you to! I have a absolute phobia of internal exams after a past experience of a practice nurse being incredibly rough during a smear cos she was in a rush!!!!!!!!! and the VE was the worst thing about my labour before the epidural and even then............urgh!!!!!!!!!!!,

any advice or experience of what they will check? how much of an exam is needed? my rational brain wants to know that things are ok but my other brain just wants to not turn up!

cant take partner as he needs to watch the DC! will be going alone and really worried i am going to turn into a sobbing mess or clamp my knees together!

Oh my goodness, poor you. i had a nasty tear and the doctor was VERY gentle with me when I told her that I was really frightened of the 6 week check because of being very sore/traumatised. Remember that you dont have to do anything like be examined, but it really would be best to get yourself checked out in case there are any problems with the healing or stiches. I am sure they will be sympathetic, and if your consultant isnt, then you can tell him or her to STOP and request someone else. Although you have probably been signed off by your midwives now, could you ring them and ask what the procedure is likely to be?

take care - I really feel for you.

Ive got mine next week and am a bit anxious. Could you let me know what they have to do please.

With my first I had an episotomy and with the second a tear. Never had an internal after this, just a quick glance by the midwives. So you may be worrying for nothing.

I was very similar to you - extensive episitomy, followed by infection and breakdown and subsequest repair surgery - believe me at six weeks I was not healed and ready for further probing!

But honestly, it was gentle and unintrusive (well, so far as is possible!) - please don't worry compared to what you have been through it is nothing :)

thanks for your posts! i went and it was fine! i had visions of scary big handed man etc but it was a lovely lady who was so nice and was very gentle! just had to look externally at stiches she then did a quick internal check which was ok! good news is all healed really well! so anyone else worrying.................dont!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh I'm pleased it went well for you. I was hoping as I read through that the reality wasn't as scary as the expectation.

Brilliant that you're healing well. Congratulations! Be extra kind to yourself, sounds like you had a tough time.

Glad it went well. There really is nothing to worry about. In mine, I was asked if I would like an examination. When the doc looked, I didn't have to assume the 'smear test' position, legs akimbo, I had my knees together and to the side. There was no internal examination, and I had had an episiotomy. The doc said 'That looks lovely actually' - not even DP has ever described that part of my body as 'lovely'!!

I had mine today with male doctor, he asked me a few questions and did my blood pressure. Didnt ask me how i was down there tho...wouldnt have wanted him there anyway but thought he might have asked.