Forceps/ Episiotomy

[MrsJ6921]

I had a forceps assisted delivery 10 days ago with an Episiotomy. I had a spinal block in theatre due to a failed epidural and lost 800ml of blood.

I was discharged with iron but also dihydrocodeine for my pain. However, this has now run out and I’m wondering if anyone has been prescribed anything further by the doctor?

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen aren’t cutting it for me unfortunately. I think naively I thought I wouldn’t still be this sore 7+days later.

With my first I had a two week course of diclofenac provided at discharge and then I just took paracetamol and ibuprofen after that. With my second I had more complications with recovery, I was initially also only given a two week course of diclofenac but I had to go back in for a review about a week later due to complications and was then given a 4 week course of dihydrocodeine, which I took more sparingly than prescribed so had a fair bit left over. I don't think I took anything after week 4.

The GP can prescribe you pain relief but they will probably be reluctant as if your pain is still so significant you may need a review by someone more specialist such as your midwife or an obstetrician.

I had a forceps delivery with episiotomy and 2nd degree tear. The recovery honestly took about 12 weeks for me. Definitely see if you can get something prescribed as I didn't and really regret sitting in pain for so many weeks. Also, a cushion with a hole in it was really useful (I only got one after about 6 weeks and also regret not getting this sooner!).