problems "down below" after ventouse/forceps delivery

[ecantona]

Had failed ventouse/eventual forceps delivery with epidural/catheter over five weeks ago and had to be readmited to hospital after a week with a kidney infection - doctors said the infection had started off as cystitis and tracked back to kidney - things is, due to lack of sensation in urethra/bladder area I had no idea I had cystitis in the first place (I've had it before and knew all about it then!) I have no idea when I need to go to the loo and have stress incontinence as well as the indefinable feeling that all is not quite rgight down below with a sort of a puffy feeling to boot. Has anyone experienced anything similar? I was supposed to see a gynae in hosptal but they were too busy to attend...maybe I just need to give it time?

First of all, congratulations on your new baby. Hope all is well.

I had exactly the same problem of not knowing when I needed a wee. I had a ventouse delivery with epidural and a catheter (very dignified!)so this lack of feeling must be because of all the fiddling about. I was lucky because I did get the feeling back within a couple of weeks. Have never heard of anyone else having it so thought it was just me!

Remember, it's not all about your new baby at the moment, you still need care and attention - any chance of a chat with a midwife/health visitor/doctor? I suppose you'll be due a 6 week check up soon?

I had a ventouse delivery and experienced the same thing (lack of feeling in bladder), though I don't think it went on for 5 weeks (more like 2/3). The midwives at the hospital told me that it wasn't uncommon for the bladder to retreat after a birth like this (but didn't explain to me exactly what this meant). I had swelling down below due to the stitches needing to settle down. It took a good couple of months for me to feel anything like normal down there, it just takes time. Have you seen your GP yet? They are supposed to check on you, visit you at home if necessary. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks both - was beginnng to feel a bit freaky! Am due to see GP Monday for 6 week check up so will give her a full run-down then...

DD is perfect - has gained nearly 3ibs since birth and was a bit of a size to begin with so this may have contributed to the mayhem down below!