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Original poster

Third degree tear, sinus, stubborn stitches and a possible re-stitch...help!

15 replies

Rosy10 · 04/12/2011 20:43

Hello, After 9 weeks of waiting for my third degree tear to heal I have been back and forth to various consultants. The verdict is that I have a sinus (a small hole leading to a bigger cavity behind) that hasn't knitted correctly. Due to a risk of infection I have been offered a re-stitch. Also the stitches at the bum end are still not dissolved as more and more seem to be erupting out of the skin (a bit like ends of fishing line). Anyone had a sinus that healed on it's own? Or opted for a re-stitch that worked a treat? Or regretted it? Or stitches that took forever to dissolve?Feeling a bit confused as to what to do as ultimately it's my choice. Advice please!...

OP posts:
cravingcake · 05/12/2011 08:36

I have not had the same but didnt want to read & run. If it was me i would probably opt for the restitch, as if it hasnt healed after 9 weeks then this could be more problematic in the future, or not heal properly at all. I had a 4th degree tear six weeks ago & am still in a lot of pain (but am seeing doctor today).

Imnotaslimjim · 05/12/2011 09:20

I would opt for the restitch too tbh, after 9 weeks its most likely healed open so will need a bit of help

As for the stubborn stitches, massage theme as often as poss, its the movement that causes them to break up

HandMini · 06/12/2011 12:43

I had stubborn stitches that took longer than expected to dissolve / settle, but they had by 9 weeks.

I would go for the restitch, and after it's done, get them to draw you a clear picture, showing where the stitches are and noting down which should dissolve (I think sometimes you have ones that just stay in and settle and soften), then you can check them yourself.

Hope it all goes well.

Zimbah · 06/12/2011 21:45

I had a stitch removed at 7 weeks pp as it hadn't dissolved and had emerged from my skin, very painful jabbing into me especially at night. Having it removed was fine tho, it stung a bit after but what a relief!

Best wishes that you will start healing soon.

Iggly · 07/12/2011 11:04

Have you had a go at pelvic floors? I did these from day 1 with my third degree last time as apparently the exercise helps blood flow to the area and with healing too. I don't know how long the stitches took to dissolve though!

lukewarmMulledWhine · 07/12/2011 11:07

I didn't get a restitch (episiotomy stitches came apart completely, and left to 'heal' naturally, took over a year and a lot of dull pain), as I couldn't face going through yet more pain. But 2.5 years on I'm wishing I had. I would get it sorted now if you can.

Catspersonalbanker · 08/12/2011 14:21

I has a 4th degree tear in March. I would say I'd opt for a re stitch too if mine had not dissolved . Have you seen these guidleines?

I'd agree on the pelvic floor exercises too

www.rcog.org.uk/womens-health/clinical-guidance/third-or-fourth-degree-tear-during-childbirth

Original poster
Rosy10 · 08/12/2011 18:20

Hi everyone, thanks SO much for your replies. I went back to the consultant today and while the sinus has healed significantly I am booked in to have the stitches removed in 2 weeks and he'll check the sinus again then. It does seem to be healing on it's own, and am doing pelvic floors all day. Thanks ladies!

OP posts:
Junebugjr · 08/12/2011 20:44

Hi rosy,

Brilliant news it's healing, you maybe fine if it carries on. Just from my own experience, be very vigilant about any signs of infection, mostly more pain in the area as this can effect healing. I had a small tear, midwife said it was between a first and second degree, as very little muscle was affected, unfortunately I had an infection which was undetected even though I was back to the gp's every few days, and now I have to have a restitch in a couple of weeks. Let us know how you get on, best of luck.

Original poster
Rosy10 · 13/12/2011 18:34

Ok, so a little update...sorry to go on, but I've started spotting again, just a tiny bit of bright red blood in my knickers. It happened about three weeks ago and went in a few days, but it worries me a bit that it's happened again. Any ideas what it may be before I trawl back down the hospital again. Such a bore with little one in tow.

OP posts:
Junebugjr · 14/12/2011 09:54

I had this rosy, and it was an infection. Get them to swab you, and cover you with antibiotics, until the results come back. Could you get an emergency appointment for gynae?

Original poster
Rosy10 · 14/01/2012 22:29

So I did go back to the doctors who pointed out that it was my period. der. Felt a bit stupid to say the least but a good warning that I might get pregnant again if I'm not careful. Apparently it's a total myth that your periods always stop when you're breastfeeding (which I am). And btw sex after a third degree tear is nothing to fear...yay!

OP posts:
Debgoo · 31/03/2018 08:36

What was the outcome of it all? I know its an old thread but i had a third degree and a sinus has developed so its the same situation...thanks x

Batterseapark · 31/03/2018 16:08

@Debgoo Hi, just to say that if you get no luck here, you can try the Facebook group called Birth Tear Support Flowers

Debgoo · 31/03/2018 17:43

Oh thanks i will do !

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