Hi All,
I used this website during my 5month recovery from birth as support and reading everyone's stories and questions gave me hope and comfort that I was not alone. I feel it only fair to share my experience to help others like me.
My Doctor found our baby boy's head was turned sideways upon pushing at 10cm's. The OB came in and advised 2 options: vacuum or c-section. He is my first child and I was determined to have him naturally. To get him out safely they gave me a 3rd degree episiotomy...I wish I went with the c-section. I was discharged from the hospital the following day with direction to have a sitz bath every 2-3 hrs to keep the area clean, but also try to air it out frequently...spread eagle style. I followed these directions very diligently and at my 1 week check up my doctor found all the stitching was torn apart, due to a nasty flu cough I had. He removed all the thread and could not stitch me back up because the tissue was too soft and damaged. I continued sitz baths, which really helped soothe the area. Fast forward 3 months and the wound seemed healed except some sore red fleshy tissue that was just on the seam. My doctor advised it was granular tissue, kind of like your shirt getting caught in a zipper. He used silver nitrate sticks to burn it off. It burned quite bad during the procedure and was tender and sore overnight. I found grey flesh on the pad in my underwear the following morning. 2 weeks later I went in and my Doc burned the remaining granular tissue. Again painful and uncomfortable but so worth it! Once it was gone I was able to begin Pernial Physiotherapy, which I was scared to do. I was just so done with being in pain!
I am now 6 month post birth and have had 2 physio treatments which are giving me the confidence to consider sex again with my dear patient husband. My vagina does not feel or look the same at all and I am learning to accept that.
I never thought I would ever see an end to the pain and healing but am nearly there. How was your first time? Any suggestions?
If you are reading this and have any questions or need support I am happy to share my experience more.