Post birth checkup with specialist tomorrow

[TeacupTempest]

I gave birth nearly 11 weeks ago. Ended with failed ventouse, forcep delivery, epistiotomy, 3rd degree tear and broken coccyxs.

Quite nervous as I am not sure what to expect tomorrow. Will I have to have an internal examination?

I had a similar birth 17 weeks ago (forceps, epi, 4th degree tear). What specialist will you be seeing? I had a Gynae Consultant appointment about 12 weeks after the birth where she did have to check how my tear was healing (which involved a finger in the backside due to 4th degree tear) but that was it. I was nervous but the consultant was really good. She explained how my injuries would affect future births (which I didnt expect) and gave me info about what could happen and her recommendation of elec c-section (which is a huge weight off my mind).

That was about it, so hopefully nothing to be too worried about but I can completely understand your nerves.

Not sure who I am seeing tbh. I have a name but have searched on hospital website and found no mention of them...

Really not looking forward to it!

Why not phone the Gynae department and ask? There will probably be someone there who can tell you. I'd expect an internal and then it's not a shock if you do. You can say no to one of course if you really don't want one.

I had a forceps delivery with 3a tear, my 6wk check with the GP consisted of him asking 'are you ok?' (that was it!) and I'd been given the letter for the specialist check when I was on the PN ward still - the appointment was about 6mo later by which time of course I'd lost the letter and didn't get a reminder (only found the letter several weeks after the appt!) so I can't give you much help!

Yeah my 6 week chek was the same, with a relived looking GP when I said I felt a bit broken but ok.

I am surprised I have not lost this appointment letter. Kind of wish I had!

The gynaecologist needs to know if you are having any ongoing problems, especially with bowel control. If you say my bowels are working perfectly, can control poo & farts as needed and I have no other concerns or discomforts, then may agree internal exam not necessary.Some people have problematic scar tissue preventing comfortable sex which might need remedial attention. Other people might need to see a physio for pelvic floor treatment or advice. Its basically an appointment to check everything has been put back as it should and has healed well and to discuss future deliveries.

I'm so sorry you have had such an awful time . I sustained damage to my coccyx when I gave birth, although I didn't break it. If I were you I'd get referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who can do a proper examination and give an expert opinion about your coccyx and if anything needs to/can be done. I've heard so many times from doctors/HCPs that nothing can be done in the case of coccyx trauma, other than a bit of physio. Not true. The orthopaedic person could also have a look at your symphysis pubis (pubic bones at the front) and see if those are OK - if you've damaged the back of your pelvis, you might well have a bit of trauma to the front as well).
Good luck with your appointment. I've had a lot of birth injuries as well as my coccyx damage. It's horrid and I really feel for you.

At my hospital follow-up for third degree tear I didn't have an internal, just questions about bladder and bowel function. Altho that may be because I burst into tears in the appointment . The idiot registrar had remembered me from a pre-birth VBAC appointment and made an inappropriate joke . I was extremely anxious about having any sort of exam and really didn't want to be touched, but, I had a stitch that was sticking out which I obviously wanted dealing with so he and the midwife looked to see if they could remove it.

If you're not having any ongoing problems then you may not need/want an internal exam. Even if you do need one, just make sure the doctor is aware that you are anxious and they should talk you through exactly what they're doing. If you really find it too much you can always ask them for another appointment for a few weeks time. Hope it goes ok. A broken coccyx sounds very painful especially on top of the tear as well.

Thank you for replying. Sorry to hear other have had less than ideal birth experiences too! Yes the coccyx is so so painful. I am hoping they will discuss the damage with me and implications for future pregnancy but would like to avoid internal if possible, makes me go cold thinking about it!

Ah well, not long to wait now!

Teacup how did you get on at your appointment, I hope it went ok?

Well I had to have an internal which was hideous but they reassured me that all seemed to e going well and that they saw no reason why I couldn't have another VB if I wanted anther child. ( though how they could tell the without being abe to see how my coccyx has healed I am not sure...)