Gynae appt re. Third degree tear. What to expect?

[Zwitterion]

I had a third degree tear whilst giving birth to DS (now 4 months). It was stitched in theatre and I was seen afterwards briefly by the physio. I've been doing pelvic floor excercises regularly and although can now control urine flow I'm suffering from fecal urgency and am unable to hold back wind.

Have a gynae appointment next week and feel irrationally nervous. Not sure I want some chap rummaging around! Although obviously need to be mature about this as want to get it sorted out.

What can I expect?

My appointment was fine! The very lovely doctor asked how I was feeling, any issues etc. Then asked if I would like to be examined. She was very gentle and just checked out how I had healed up. All over and done with in 10 minutes. Hope yours goes well.

My appointment was fine! The very lovely doctor asked how I was feeling, any issues etc. Then asked if I would like to be examined. She was very gentle and just checked out how I had healed up. All over and done with in 10 minutes. Hope yours goes well.

Thank you Anna, that's reassuring.

Hi zwitterion, I can offer you some advice about this as it happened to me too. I suffered a fourth degree tear and severed my sphincter muscle, i had this repaired but have remained faecally incontinent, my child is 8 now, you need to seek advice about a sacral nerve stimulator, it is a little pacemaker-like device that is put inside your bottom cheek and it is then programmed to send mild electrical impulses to your bowel area. It is not as brutal as it sounds, it has been a lifeline for me and has improved my quality of life so much. it has removed the urgency that was once there, i have the odd leak still but things are so much better. please seek advice about this, it could be the answer you are looking for. Please keep me posted and good luck.
I hope i have been some help to you.

I had a third degree tear repaired in surgery after delivery too.
In the follow up appointment the male doctor was chaperoned by a female nurse took a look at the area, but he did also check my sphincter control by inserting a finger.
I had an urgency to pass stools for a while, but it just got better in time and the uncontrollable wind still remains, or I blame it on that anyway!

Oh it is so embarrassing isn't it, the wind is terrible, that problem remains unsolved. Unfortunately i'm permanently incontinent but i am so grateful that i had the option of the sacral nerve stimulator otherwise it would have been a colostomy bag, at 29 that would have been a blow and a half to my already partially shattered confidence. My doc recommended charcoal tablets for the flatulence, have you tried them?

Ive had some very embarrassing moments, I've learned to avoid foods that make it worse but it still catches me out when I least expect it!

I will try the charcoal tablets, is it an everyday tablet?

I know, and they always seem to be colossal! Yes, i can recall vaguely taking one three times a day, but double check with the pharmacist. You should be able to get them at your local chemist, try them and see how you fare.

I had to have some kind of scan to test my sphincter muscles. Not sure exactly what it was but it involved some kind of probe up my bottom! Didn't hurt but a bit embarrassing. Afterwards the consultant discussed results and asked if I had problems with bladder/bowel control and flatulence. Basically I was ok but if I hadn't repaired as well I might've needed a c-section next time to prevent irreparable damage. You will be fine, OP.

Oh i remember that though it was some time ago now, feels strange and your dignity is certainly left at the door! It was a little balloon type thing that blew up inside you wasn't it? Was certainly an experience!Glad you were okay, must have been a relief for you, the last thing that's needed after a new baby.

I work with a team of blokes luckily, I either blame them or they fall about laughing.
Not so funny when you stand up after an important meeting and let rip

Sorry OP didn't mean to hijack your thread, you will be fine, it sounds routine to check you don't need anymore follow up.

Haha, that's handy! Oh yeah me too, hope all is well. let me know how you get on with the charcoal gaga, good luck.