seven weeks after delivery still can't sit down properly

[fall08baby]

I was induced had a forceps delivery and an episiotomy. I also had bad hemmeroids, though I had them for the last trimester and they didn't bother me too much. Still now seven weeks after the birth when I sit down I can't lean back. I get a pain near my tail bone just at the start of my bottom. I sometimes feel as though something is moving back and forth inside me. I'm also in pain when I lie down. It sometimes feels like there is a lot of pressure and I have the urge to push (though I don't have to poo).

I went to an awful gynecologist who didn't examine me but insisted that I have sciatica. I've read about sciatica on the internet and it doesn't sound like that's the problem. I don't have shooting pain in my legs or back. The pain is centered near my anus not in my cheek (again not typical of sciatic? or is it?).

I have to go back to discuss the problem with my GP but I thought I'd ask if anyone has had a similar experience. I'd really appreciate any stories or similar experiences. I'm afraid I'll never be able to sit down again.

The gynae didn't even examine you?!!?!?

I'm sorry that you're going through this. I've had postnatal problems after a difficult delivery too, and I had to push for treatment. I felt quite awkward going back to my GP for a second opinion - like I was being pushy and wasting NHS resources or something - but it was the best thing that I could have done. Even after my second (recent) delivery, I went to the hospital for a check and had the OB tell me that as she could do an internal examination that I was OK, and then when DH and I pushed her she got her collegue (who is a gynae) who acknowledged the problem and is treating me for painful enlarged scarring with cortisone injections. So even in the same clinic you can get very different doctors!

Sadly, this board seems to be littered with cases like mine and yours where women have to really push for treatment as we're just not taken seriously. Luckily there are also a lot of stories of women who have eventually had a good outcome once they finally found the right doctor.

Hi fall08baby. I had a big baby, was induced and had an episiotomy too. I was unable to sit down properly for nearly 12 weeks! The hospital recommended a special cushion to use, like a rubber ring really, and it was the only thing that helped me. Im able to sit properly now but still dont feel 100% iykwim. Its still early days for you and im sure you will be able to sit down soon but best to always get a second opinion from another gp/gynae if your not happy.

That sounds like the pain I had in my coccyx/tailbone after DS. I couldn't sit down comfortably and felt like my tailbone was broken or moving around - it's a really weird horrible feeling, you have my sympathies! At my 6wk check I got a referral to a physio from my GP and she gave me various exercises to do, plus did ultrasound on my coccyx which really worked. I think it took about 5 sessions in all, but it started to improve after just a couple. There are various other treatments depending on how severe the problem is. I think your tailbone can take a real battering during labour - mine was probably as a result of lying semi reclined for hours with an epidural in, plus DS was 9lbs so his head was pushing against my coccyx with some force.
Good luck and hope you get some improvement soon.

Thanks for your replies. I'm not familiar with the British NHS MrsTittleMouse, but you'll be happy (!) to know that the Spanish NHS doesn't always treat the patient well either.

KentDee I'm relieved to hear that it may just be a question of time.

I'll have to see what my GP says. I was never sent for a proper 6 week check either which I'll insist on now.

Thanks again. BTW I have a lovely little boy who helps me forget (at least temporarily) the aches and pains!!

Hi there, sorry to hear you had a rough time. I sat on a ring after my first (forcep) birth, but wouldn't recommend it, as it increases strain and can reduce blood flow to the healing areas.

Much better to call the NCT and hire a "Valley Cushion" which has a groove down the middle and a pump on each side to get just the amount of air you want under each cheek. It gives you maximum support and blood flow without your bits being pressed. You'll need to get someone to pick it up for you from a local NCT lady. they come with sealed clean covers each time, so are as new.
NCT

I used it after a perineal repair op and it was amazing, before that I could only lie down - so it made any visits from people less embarrasing too...

I read on another thread it takes 3 months to recover from forceps I'm afraid. Try ice packs for no more than 20 mins a time. You could also ask your doc to prescribe some Instillagel - an antiseptic and anaesthetic gel for the vaginal area. I used this to massage my scar tissue from a few days post op to reduce the scar tissue build up and sensitivity.

Good luck.