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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Episiotomy broken down

8 replies

10purplepansies · 16/07/2019 16:10

Just wondering if anyone has had an episiotomy where the stitches burst and they had an open wound?

It all was feeling ok then it burst and it's now so painful, was wondering if anyone has experienced the same?

OP posts:
greyby25 · 16/07/2019 16:24

I've never experienced this but I had a episiotomy with my first and my stitches were so so painful, I thought I'd ripped one out. So I definitely feel for you. When I was checked they told me that I had a small tear about a cm long that was causing all my discomfort, I had milk baths with lavender oil and witch hazel to soothe, seemed to help a bit. How long ago did you give birth ? Have yours been checked by a midwife ? X

NeverGotMyPuppy · 18/07/2019 18:35

I was you 10 months ago. It absolutely devastated me.

What I did:
I basically forced the maternity unit to examine me. A lovely lovely doctor took out all the loose stitching and cleaned me up. I had an infection which was why the stitches burst - you may well do too.

  • it felt much less painful once they were all out, there was no horrible tightening feeling.
  • have a warm bath every night for no more than 10 minutes with a little tea tree and lavender
  • shower GENTLY in the morning.
  • I also washed after I had a poo.
  • get as much air to it as you can. Cancel visitors, get your knickers off.

Mine had healed fully after 6 weeks. Honestly it WILL get better. It made me feel absolutely wretched at the time but your body is amazing and it will heal. In hindsight actually I think the stitches bursting made it more comfortable and it has healed beautifully.

So many hugs to you, if childbirth isnt lacking in dignity enough Sad

Kay1341 · 18/07/2019 21:07

Go and get checked, the pain can mean infection even you don't notice an obvious odor or discharge. For me antibiotics really helped with the pain, healing was slower but after 8 weeks it was already much better. Rinsing in the shower, airing the wound and taking things slowly all help.

Original poster
10purplepansies · 19/07/2019 01:15

Thank you all for the tips everyone. I'm 10 days pp now and still in discomfort but I think lessening. Have got antibiotics, doc said no infection but I'm taking them just to be safe. Midwife checked and said skin is starting to granulate, whatever that means and that's good so I'll take that as a positive jts moving in the right direction.. the doc has said there is nothing they can do until it is healed and have referred me to the perineal clinic in 6-8 weeks...

Thanks for your healing well wishes, fingers crossed it hurried up and gets better, just want to take care of my babies 💙💙 xxx

OP posts:
Ledehe · 19/07/2019 01:30

I had this with my first child 13 years ago. It was worse than the actual birth. Mine took 3 months to heal, but I'm sure yours will be quicker than that.

Some tips - use a jug of water poaring down to pee with. If this doesn't help go in the shower with the shower head rinsing away the stingy ness. If its sweaty and rubbing then put gauze in between.

Lots of washing and pants off wide leg air time. 10 days in you are still bruised and sore and the thought of an open wound down there just puts the fear of god into you. But you're not alone and it will heal

HelloPeopl3 · 19/07/2019 01:52

I was advised to put salt in my bath with lavender oil OH MY GOSH. I went from not been able to move/walk/sit to been able to get out and about in 3 days. It worked wonders!

TooInquisitive · 22/07/2019 09:01

Hi, I'm 8 days pp and having a nightmare with my episiotomy.

I got an infection a few days in so have been taking antibiotics which I think are helping. Had a look yesterday though (wish I hadn't) and it looks like all the stitches have come out. The midwife is coming by today to check but from reading online it seems they don't often re stitch.

I have got a great spray 'spritz for bits' that was recommended by my midwife and contains things like witch hazel and tea tree. It has made me more comfortable than I was.

Still immobile though - can just about get to bathroom and have to feed lying down.

X

checkeredredshorts · 22/07/2019 09:06

Soak some maternity pads in water and freeze them, then wear them once frozen it helps with the pain.

Have short warm salt water baths to help heal.

After a poo use sensitive wet wipes to ensure the area is completely clean.

Rest as much as you can 💐

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