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Childbirth

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

Childbirth injury 28 years on

5 replies

Reallyembarrassedaboutthis · 30/12/2024 18:04

I had a difficult labour with my first baby 28 years ago. It was a ventouse delivery and I had an episiotomy. Not sure if I tore or not, but possibly. I had another baby four years later without any problems. About five years ago I started to have bowel incontinence issues. I went to to the GP and was referred to a colorectal consultant who basically said that I had a childbirth injury and there was very little treatment available apart from sacral nerve stimulation - I've not tried this. I've been to see a women's health physio and do pelvic floor exercises but I still have an incident of passive soiling once about every 2/3 weeks or so. There's not a lot of leakage - sorry tmi - but it's pretty horrible and I'm worried it's going to get worse as I get older. I'm in my early 60s now. I've learnt to be very careful with my diet and avoid fatty / oily foods and some fruit and vegetables. A beige diet is the safest option and I sometimes take an imodium if I'm going somewhere and feel a bit anxious about it. I'm posting this to see if anyone else has had the same experience and has any advice.

OP posts:
Apocalypselastyear · 30/12/2024 18:42

Hi op
I have this as well as IBS I follow a FODMAP diet and take an Imodium morning and night I still have occasional leaks and find incontenence pads useful if a bit gross when I have to be away from home.
Sorry you have to go through this Flowers

Reallyembarrassedaboutthis · 30/12/2024 19:36

I'm sorry you are too. The things that no one ever mentions about giving birth. Are there any foods that you avoid?

OP posts:
Apocalypselastyear · 30/12/2024 21:19

I avoid onions and garlic completely I'm also lactose intolerant and mostly gluten free but biscuits are my downfall!
I went on an exclusion diet with the hospital dietitian which helped a lot to identify what made things worse but I've never been totally free from leaks and sometimes get caught out!

Whattochoose1 · 31/12/2024 19:01

Did you go to a NHS physio or a private one? I had a childbirth injury and found that finding the right physio was really important.
If you have the means it might be worth a second opinion.

Reallyembarrassedaboutthis · 01/01/2025 08:38

I went privately. I thought I'd be waiting forever for an nhs physio. She's a specialist women's health physio. How long did you do the exercises for before you noticed a difference?

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