question for anyone whose had vaginal stitches please.

[stillvicarinatutu]

i never had stitches with child birth but on monday i had to have an emergency procedure which has left me with 6 stitches. (they seem to be mainly inside)

ive been bathing twice a day but today they feel really tight and are pinching a bit.

is that normal as they heal? when will i be able to forget they are there?

I remember that feeling after an episiotomy!
Have you been given after care advice?

noooo, not really. just to bathe with water only (no soap or bubbles) and not to do too much for a couple of weeks.

I always find a few drops of witch hazel in the bath quite soothing and it's supposed to be antiseptic too.

Water as you wee really helps. That's all I did (I didn't bath so can't help with that).
Mine lasted a couple of weeks (they were gone within 3). I had them after giving birth, and I after a procedure down below.

Chances are they may have done the stitches slightly too tight. It's not uncommon that after childbirth you're a bit swollen, they stitch you back together and then the swelling goes down it makes the stitches a bit tight. It will improve.

Lavender and tea tree oil essential oils in the bath will aid healing. Or put some in a bottle,of water and douche yourself in the shower or over the loo.

48-72 hours post stitches is when you will feel the most inflamed and swollen. It should decrease after next day or so.
Take ibuprofen to help with the swelling.

I had stitches but I don't remember mine pinching. Do you feel that they're too tight to the point of pulling? I remember feeling uncomfortable but never any pinching (I tore in a 'T' shape too). water when you use the toilet helps (as mentioned by pp), and warm baths helped. Also arnica tablets to help with the bruising (recommended to me by a midwife). Perhaps get yourself checked out again if you're feeling too uncomfortable, OP?

Squirt luke warm water from a peri bottle on your stitches when you pee.
Be very careful getting up too fast or strenuous exercise til you heal.
I'd do showers til you heal a bit better , but that's just what I was more comfortable with.
I got one of those huge pads, misted it with some water and witch hazel, put it in the freezer and then applied gentle pressure to my bits to stop swelling
Sounds like they did them too tight ,

its not from childbirth so its not a tear. i was cut surgically to remove an abscess. (blocked duct)

only had op on monday so maybe just still a bit swollen....its just a bit .....hot? ? pinchy? itchy? i cant quite tell....just a little uncomfy but suppose thats to be expected.
ill take ibuprofen and carry on with the bathing.

peeing doesnt hurt btw.....were having a new bathroom fitted so no shower as yet.....baths only at min.

my smear is booked for next tues.....should i cancel?

Yes, definitely reschedule that for when the area has healed.

Is it for a routine smear?

I had a tear during childbirth and remember the stitches feeling a bit tight, and almost like they were "poking" me iyswim after a couple of days. Nurofen helped, and a cold pack slightly. Hope you feel better soon!

I had an episiotomy with DS. Definitely felt very aware of the stitches for the first week or so! I slooshed the area with salt water a couple of times a day, made sure I dried carefully after showers and tried to let things 'air' as much as possible, which seemed to help in my case as the stitches healed well and don't give me any issue now.

I tore badly with both births and had lots of stitches. I found that they were worst about 3-5 days afterwards. I understand what you mean about them feeling tight, felt sort of scratchy and irritating as well as sore. It settled down after a few more days.
I'd say definitely cancel the smear if it's just a routine one.
Are you able to have your Doctor/Gynae to do a quick check to make sure you are healing properly?

Yes tight and awkward feeling until stitches removed.

Shallow warm bath with 5-6 drops tea tree oil (bit more as it can burn and is very potent). Sit in it for 10 mins twice a day for a few days. Then lie on a towel on your bed and let the area air dry. Helps healing and pain and soreness. Had a LOT of stitches with both labours and this worked a treat.

Keep them dry. I used to put the hairdryer on cold after a bath to dry them

And 100% cancel the smear - postpone by at least 6 weeks.

I had stitches after child birth that were uncomfortable after a few days. When I mentioned it, the midwife snipped a couple of too tight ones out for me, during a home visit.

thanks all - feel a little more reassured - i think they are just starting to heal. they are dissolvable ones and dont need removal as far as i know. going for another dip in the bath!

I second the warm water poured over the stitches (or just general area) when you wee if it is causing you discomfort.

Absolutely postpone the smear.

jeeeeesus......so had op monday and today is friday.....are they meant to itch ? is it just the healing process?

Itching doesn't sound good. Have you got a mirror you can use to have a look?