Episiotomy Problems

[Kat113]

Hi all,

I gave birth on Monday and had an episiotomy. The stitches are fine, but there's a little open sore between the stitches and it is absolute agony.

The midwife said that they can't restitch until 6-8 weeks after the swelling goes down, but I am really struggling and I'm in constant pain. It just feels like it's constantly stinging.

Has anyone else had this? I'm really desperate

Really didn't want to reply as my experience wasn't the best, hopefully someone comes along with a positive reply. I had episiotomy (was cut twice along same line, then a second separate cut equating to a 3rd cut if that makes sense?! Still gives me nightmares 5 years on) though have no advice as mines 'burst' open from the inside out around day 6 and was told they would not restitch I had to allow it to heal on its own, mines became badly infected and took a long time to heal. Mines was burning for weeks, in constant agony. Have only been told that now to help sort the pain now that they can essentially recut along the scar tissue and restitch. Not quite up for that though.

Hi Kat! I had an episiotomy which after a few days started to gape, and was painful, my midwife said that it would heal from the inside out and I'm pleased to say that she was right. After a couple of weeks the pain had gone and the healing had really begun! I'm 12 weeks on now and I don't notice it at all! I started putting salt, tea tree oil and baby wash in my baths twice a day and it really helped, I hope if you try it, it works for you. Congratulations too :) x

Midwife told me days 5/6 are the worst for pain and she was right. After that it improved a lot. Warm baths with lavender oil was recommended and helped too. It took me 6 weeks to be completely pain free though 😢

I had a really painful episiotomy around 3 years ago and I still remember the pain! Its the utter pits. My only advice if they wont re-stitch it is just to take as much paracetamol and ibuprofen as you are allowed and feel comfortable doing. No one is going to give you an award for enduring pain. Also bathing as recommended above and giving it a bit of air every day... It does eventually get better, but don't deny yourself pain relief!

Ugh. Be really careful. I ended up with an on/off infection in mine for around a month. Keep a close eye on it.

Daily baths with milk and lavender oil really helped. Also, be really careful you don't end up a bit constipated if you're taking pain relief for it. If you are, I'd start on a box of movical. It's hell trying to go when you're in pain with the stitches.

My midwife told me to put breastmilk on my thick maternity pad and I shit you not, it worked! Breastmilk is so healing

Had real problems with mine as the stitches were too loose, Which meant it reopened every time I walked. I found pouring warm water and tea tree oil over it every time I peed (sorry for tmi!) and letting air get to it as much as possible really helped. Hope it starts feeling better soon.

I really despair that in one of the most advanced countries in the world in the 21st century the best we can advise for treating an open wound in the genital area is old wives tales involving milk and essential oils.

Can you imagine if this was advised as the healing regime for any other surgical cut? Do they advise this for men when they have testicular surgery? I bet not and I bet pain relief is a whole lot better too.

I really don't know what to suggest as midwives advise non-medical, non-research based 'help' and continuously tell you this is what you are to expect after a baby (but isn't your baby so lovely blah blah) and GPs aren't interested. Good luck.

(My episiotomy burst open and I had to wait for scar tissue to grow across the wound. It was still bleeding at my 8 week check. GP didn't even want to look at it. It eventually healed but I'm still in occasional pain over 8 years later. )

When I had a very serious infection in my episiotomy which meant I had to be readmitted to hospital, the most useful and knowledgable HCP I met was the tissue viability nurse (I’ve since learnt that they are rarely called out for postpartum issues and that her presence indicated quite how bad things were - I’m glad I didn’t know that at the time). She prescribed Prontosan irrigation solution. Might be worth a try. Be hyper-alert for signs of infection (temperature, increased discharge, foul smell) and get medical help immediately if you spot any signs.