Perineal Tear Re-opened

[Cmccc]

Hi everyone, I’m looking for any advice about my second-degree tear healing process following having a beautiful baby girl 3 weeks ago.

Everything appeared to be healing very well until about 6 days ago when I experienced some constipation, during which I felt a “pop” sensation, a lot of bleeding and a burning/extreme pain on my perineum. Unfortunately, I have re-opened about a 1cm of wound on my perineum leaving me with what looks like a small skin tag above. The wound looks healthy, is no longer bleeding and has no signs of infection, however, is extremely close to my anus (apologies for the TMI), the edge of the wound finishes as the perineal skin meets the muscle sphincter.

Generally, day to day the wound only stings/burns every so often so isn’t causing too much of an issue, however, I am petrified of having my bowels open for fear of the pain and agony I experienced when it reopened. I’m scared of making the wound worse as it may “open” more during a bowel movement due to its position and location.

I am currently taking Lactulose (15ml twice daily as a stool softener) and trying to eat well/keep hydrated. Upon the advice of a midwife, she said that as long as the site isn’t becoming more painful and with no signs of infection, they would expect the tear to heal “from the inside out”, however, if the pain increases, etc then I should contact my GP for further advice (which with the Covid-19 lock down I am trying to avoid).

Has anyone experienced this kind of healing process? How long does it take? Does anyone have any experience of this or any advice/tips they can share?

Thank you so much in advance!

Not sure if this helps, after dc1 was born I had an episiotomy which fell apart within 5 days....
Midwife noticed it, had to be checked out by a doctor but there was nothing they could do, it healed itself looking 6-7 weeks from recollection.

Speak to your midwife or health visitor and keep yourself spotlessly clean, I had to shower or douche after every toilet visit. I was also told to bath in lavender bath 2 x daily for 20 mins , although I seem to think that info changed

I do know of someone who had to go get restitched so def worth running past midwife (though yours doesn't sound as bad as theirs did). I'm sure they'll give you advice on how to manage and laxatives stc too. Hope it improves soon

Hi @Cmccc, what happened in the end? Currently experiencing the same thing 😫