Infected stitches following episiotomy

[whatsoever]

Day 12 post-birth and after an agony filled few days, I've been to the GP and I have infected episiotomy stitches and the infection means a few haven't healed so I basically have a gaping wound (no wonder it hurts like hell) right next to my va-jay-jay which needs to be re-stitched. Waiting for a call to tell me whether I need to wait until the anti-biotics have cleared up the infection to be re-stitched or whether it should be done straight away. Sounded like a gynaecologist would need to do it (so presumably a trip to hospital).

Anyone else experienced this and a) was this the end of the matter i.e. anti-biotics and some more stitches fixed you, or b) were more procedures/ medication required?

I had this - was back in hospital 7 days after having DS as my stitches were gaping don't think they were done properly to start with and infected. it was agony so you really do have my sympathy.

I had a consultant gynae specialising in reconstructive surgery do my re-stitching, it took about 2 hours under a spinal block (DH had to wait with DS on the day maternity ward as I was BF so couldn't leave him) and I went home the same day (they wanted to keep me overnight but I pleaded to go home and they relented once the spinal had worn off). They initially said they'd have to wait until the infection had cleared before re-stitching but once the consultant took a look he was happy to go ahead, although he did warn me that the infection might make it all come apart again.

In fact, it was amazing - I felt immediately more comfortable once the op had been done and the pain was so much more manageable. I was properly up and about within a few days and it just felt that it had been done properly iyswim. I think I had to take one set of antibiotics but that was it, no ongoing issues. I did have to go to a follow up appointment about 4 weeks later to have everything checked though.

Would thoroughly recommend the op if you know someone competent will be doing it this time around - I'd got to the stage where I could hardly walk and could only pee in the bath as it was too painful otherwise so really need it sorted. The thought of waiting for it to close up naturally, which I was told was the alternative, was unbearable.

Ooh, I had this too. The memories are still very vivid and DS will be 3 next month! Had a course of antibiotics and was restitched when DS was 2 weeks old. Was v paranoid though due to mass incompetence of midwives and had to go back to hospital regularly to be checked. Oh the joy, don't think anyone escaped seeing my bits, including the cleaner! Things have settled down now though and 'shipshape'. Good luck, best thing for it, will be over soon.

once they are re-stiched (if necessary) have a bath in which you have added a mug/cup or so of salt it helps the healing process.
may sting a bit lot at first though

I had the gaping wound thing but was never offered the option of a re-stitch. In fact I was told they prefer to leave it and let the scar tissue grow in the gap ("granulation tissue"). So I had 2 months of agony, ongoing pain 3 years on and a decidedly wonky looking va-jay-jay entrance (looked properly for the first time this week - yes it caused other "issues" in my head too).

So, my advice would be - taker the additional care and treatment, you don't want to end up like me! And make sure you get good pain relief - I was on diclofenac and it was agony when it wore off, esp as you're only allowed 3 doses a day - keep making a fuss until you get the relief you need, be wary of the "part and parcel of childbirth so suck it up" type attitudes you will inevitably come across.

Thanks all for sharing your stories.

After I posted this yesterday I got all sorts of different news. Community midwife came out to see me, took a look & said she thought I may not need re-stitching. Mentioned the granulation thing upthread but that doesn't sound too great...she thought if it did need re-stitching it wouldn't be for at least 6 weeks & the whole cut would need re-opening & re-stitching, not just the gaping bit.

Then got a message from the GP who'd consulted a more senior colleague & decided there would be no gynaecologist consultation unless I had ongoing problems. So I just have to wait until I've finished the anti-biotics & go back in if still in pain.

Not too sure what I think about all this. Didn't like the thought of re-stitching but I'm not sure scar tissue on my fanjo sounds preferable.

Anyway, currently lying on the bed knickerless and legs akimbo which the midwife told me to do every day to help the air heal it. In less pain so the anti-biotics must be a bit magic or a great placebo.

I had this - the wound was gaping and I had 4 courses of antibiotics in the end (and the resulting thrush - urgh) but it did knit together on its own. I had to bath in plain water 3 times a day (esp. after a bowel movement), keep my knickers off as much as possible to get air on it etc.

It was very difficult to walk - in fact I couldn't really walk without pain for 6 weeks after the birth.

I do have some scarring and as I'm nearly 39 weeks pregnant with #2 at the moment, there is some swelling and discomfort in the same place. My midwife is unconcerned though, she says just to tell them when I get into hospital and they'll have a look at it while they're down there anyway ;)

Hope you heal quickly and neatly :D