Calling all Raggedies - the THIRD Ragged Bits thread. Childbirth injuries, sphincter problems, fistulae... all welcome.

[Jacksmania]

First thread here, May 2008 to June 2009.

Second thread here, June 2009 to Oct 2012.

Welcome everyone with ragged bits due to childbirth. We're sorry you had to find us, but we promise to hold your hand and listen.

There is no TMI here and nothing is too gross, too embarrassing or too horrible.

All welcome.

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone can help me.... I quite litterally have a pain in the arse. Apologies in advance for anyone eating breakfast.

Since DD arrived 5 weeks ago by elcs i've found going for a poo extremely painful, like i'm pooing glass. At first i thought it may just have been due to iron tablets for 2 weeks but i also took lactulose to help and i finished them nearly 3 weeks ago. I'll be due my 6 week check with gp within the next couple of weeks so will definitely discuss with her. In the meantime is there anything i should (or shouldnt) do? I've been trying to work out exactly where the pain is and its definitely internal but near the 'exit' and mainly concentrated in one small area.

hi! oh no . you were elcs, so the obvious thought of a fissure seems a bit less likely, although I guess not impossible. is it bleeding? i've had thrush infections that have felt like I'm sitting on broken glass. these have had no associated discharge, so I didn't initially think that it could be that.

if it's new and it's bad (and it sounds like it is!), I wouldn't wait for 6 weeks, make an appointment asap.

Oooohhh, thrush could be it as I've had 2 courses of antibiotics and normally this would give me thrush but with all the symptoms. I haven't any itching or discharge change that's noticable. Its manageable as generally only hurts when I'm on the loo but is slightly uncomfortable when sitting for a few hours afterwards. I'm unsure if its bleeding or not as I've still got small amount of lochia bleeding so still a bit messy.

I too thought ELCS should eliminate the chance of a fissure but as there was so much pressure from baby during the pregnancy I am wondering if this has weakened the muscle/sphincter (think that's what it is) and now all that has gone and my insides are returning to their normal position maybe its becoming apparent ?

mine didn't itch either. hmm. maybe it could still be a fissure?

Hi cravingcake! Sorry to hear you're still suffering It sounds like a fissure to me but I'm not a doctor so best to get it checked really. The pain relief tablets as well as iron pills can cause constipation. Only other thing I can think of is perhaps the scar tissue is inflamed?

How is the rest of your recovery going otherwise? Still easier than the 4th degree tear?

Thanks Neptuna. I've got an appointment with gp but not for a couple of weeks so will see how things go between now and then. If it gets worse or more painful i'll try to get an urgent appointment sooner.

The rest of my recovery is going brilliantly, much easier than a 4th degree tear.

So glad to hear things are going so well! Fingers crossed the pain goes away swiftly.

What about the smearing issue, has that improved?

Hi all, I.ve now had a sigmoidoscopy in search of fistula,none found, just internal piles. Still having gas from vagina and rectal bleeding during menstation I see colorectal on 20th.How did u guys get diagnosed?

No advice to give, as haven't had a fistula, but bumping for you.

XX

After seeing my gp yesterday she confirmed i have an anal fissure. I have some cream to use 3 times a day which should help it and she said to manage it with diet. This could be interesting as if i eat enough fruit to keep stools soft i still have smearing issues for hours afterwards but the gp said the cream will help. I'll see how it goes for the next week or two.

Sorry kianaidan i havent got the same thing as you and i'm not medical so dont know what to suggest, hopefully you will get some answers at your next appointment.

Oh bollocks. Did GP say anything about how long it might take to heal?

Which cream is it? There's a really good cream that people with fissures rave about (not paid much attention, so can't remember what it's called). I think Jacks might know which one it is.

Bollocks again . xx

Thanks both, going to see colorectal tom.

Have you seen a gynae specialising in pelvic floor repair? If colorectal doesn't give a satisfactory answer and you still have symptoms, this might be a good idea.

Good luck. X

Sorry to hear about the fissure cravingcake, the last thing you need with a newborn and recovering from a Cesar hey! I really hope it goes away quickly. Have you gone back to physio yet? This should help with the smearing I reckon.

kianaiden hopefully the colorectal can help you out, or a specialist gynae as mentioned above. I hope you get answers soon, not knowing is half the agony.

Hope everyone is doing well ((hug))

Been to see colorectal and they are going to do examination vaginally and rectally under general anaethetic! Bit nervous but at least I.m getting somewhere.

Well done. Did they say if there's anything in particular they are looking for? Do you have a date for it yet?

Not surprised you are nervous. But, yes, you are getting somewhere.

This is really the last thing I need or want but hey its life as a Raggedie I guess. I'm hoping it will sort itself very quickly, I've been given some good advice and am looking up magnesium gyclicine (sp) to order shortly as a stool softener.

Kianaidan - that's good news they are taking it all very seriously and you will have a proper 'investigation' under anaesthetic. Hopefully not too long to wait and hopefully they will find exactly what needs fixing - and fix it at the same time.

Hi both, already booked for 11/4. He referred me as urgent. I.ve done preop. There looking for fistula or endometriosis. I.ll keep u updated. Ps hope ur fissure heals soon Cravingcake

Well done. Will it just be day case?

Yes just daycase.

Good luck kianaidan please keep updating on here. I'm worried I have a RV fistula but too scared to see a doctor about it.
I'm also pretty sure I have rectocele.

Oh kianaiden good luck for your procedure, at least you'll be out to it so will have no memory. If they do find a fistula there are amazing reconstructive techniques these days, I'm sure you're in good hands.

Cravingcake hope the fissue heals soon. Be sure to let your GP know how it's going, you don't want to have to see a colorectal again if it gets worse! How's bub going? And how are you feeling emotionally about everything? I think I remember you said you had PND after the 4th degree tear and were worried about it coming back this time?

Xx

Muriel -I will do but also feel free to inbox me any questions u have. I have a minor prolapse too, not been told which type but think it may be rectocele.

Starting to settle down into a bit of a routine now, generally everything is going well and i dont feel any signs of PND. I can now fully understand just how bad things were first time around. It also means i can fully appreciate all the little moments with my DD that sort of flashed by in a blur with my DS.

I can manage the physical problems alright for now as i feel very confident in asking for the operations/treatment that i need (but not until i've finished breastfeeding and let my body settle down). Most of that has been from the support i've had from this thread, so a soppy thank you to all that have helped me.

That's fantastic you've no signs of PND again! Very positive! I understand the feeling of missing out on all the little moments with your DS. I don't remember much about those early months at all. It's kinda upsetting to see newborns now cause I can't recall that period at all, which is unusual for me as I've got a pretty good memory.

When you say you're feeling more confident in asking for the operations/treatments you need does that mean you're thinking of having a procedure done?

Glad to hear things are going so well!!! Hope they continue to get easier and easier