Episiotomy recovery (will probably involve TMI)

[Mmmango]

I had what was called a 'moderate' episiotomy about 5 weeks ago, and seemed to be healing well - at 1 week check dr did examination and couldn't see the wound, and I haven't been in any pain. For the last week or so though I've felt a bit itchy/ uncomfortable, and have found the odd knot from the (soluble) stitches on the loo roll. This morning a stitch has come out, and it hasn't healed properly - there's no bleeding but it's a little bit open. It stings like buggery when I wee, this is how I discovered it. What to do? Antibiotics? Does it need to be restitched?

You need to go back to your GP - they will need to check it to be able to advise on the best course of action.

Thanks Mami, I know you're right but I'm not in the UK and am miles and miles away from the hospital I delivered in. There's a hospital closer where I'll certainly be given ab's (that's their solution to everything)... I suppose I just want to avoid the travel/ expense if I possibly can

You do need to go back to your doctor to get it checked and possibly swabbled to check for infection. Hope you're feeling better soon.

I used savlon on mine when similar happened and it healed itself and also very soothing (but if in doubt go to doctor)

My friend's split but she was recommended to take tea tree oil in her bath to help the healing and wasn't restitched. It depends how bad it is really. Sorry, I know that's not much help! xx

I was told it's too late to restitch anyway so not an option. I had a hole too and was worried, but midwife took a look and said it would heal fine... which it has.

Could you phone the hospital for advice?

Then if they tell you to be examined, you are doing as you are told, and hopefully not wasting your time/money

Phoning is a good idea, I'll do that today and see what they say.

Anna and decaf, do you remember how long it took to heal? It's been a week, and I'm not in any pain but it hasn't healed yet? Don't have a bsth so no tea tree, but i could get savlon, thanks.

Sorry if abrupt/ typos, am 1 hand typing while bfing

hey look, it's been 10 days - started thread last monday. Does that seem long?

Sorry I can't remember, I guess it was gradually... but I think it looked quite ugly for a while. You really should get someone to look at it, to reassure you if nothing else... Yes phone in and see what they say!

Mine took about 6 weeks, and tbh, got a lot worse before it started to get better.

I went back to hospital as I was in agony doc said it was normal to be like that and was a bit huffy tbh. (I'm not in the UK either, my Gp over here had checked me to see if there was a fever indicating infection but there wasn't)

Try arnica, tea tree baths/bidets lavender oil, and holding a hooooooooge wodge of loo roll when you wee or poo pressed against the scar.

I still have to sit on a cushion and dd is 6.

Called the Dr, he didn't sound concerned. We'd already booked my "6 week" check for early Jan (will be about 9 weeks post-partum, I think) and he'll take a look then but doesn't think we need to move the appt forward. So at least I don't have that niggle in the back of my mind that I really should have done something about this earlier.

Bucharest - that doesn't sound right, is there nothing they can do? Is it scar tissue that's causing the discomfort now?

I had a 'gaping hole' (MW's words, not mine! ) that they couldn't stitch as the flesh kept tearing. It did heal naturally, eventually. It took a long time though. Still bad at six weeks. Healed sometime before six months.

Thanks, think I may have to sit in the baby bath for a bit with some lavender oil - it's definitely no better. Doctor also mentioned contraception on the phone, made me - think abstinence will cover it for a while yet