A Bottom Issue

[bottomproblem]

Hi there, have changed name as I find this a but embarrasing (but it has nothing to do with that 'other' botom thread, no not in ANY way!)

I have 3 kids, and had 2nd degree tear with dc1, not with dc2 and 3rd degree with dc3 - (precipitous delivery). Theatre repair, all OK, no bother except the usual botty grapes I have had since pg with dc1. Dc3 is now 3.5.

I do loads of pelvic floor exercises, as my babies were all big and was warned by a physio after dc1 that if I didnt want to be incontinent at 40 I had to do kegels from NOW. So I did.

In the last 6 months I have noticed a tendency to 'leak' a little from the rear. It isnt much, but I do have some marks on my underwear some days (and I am deffo wiping properly), my arse is very very itchy and I can smell something although I am sure noone else can - dh says not.

I know I should go to the doctor, but I dont want to. I'm afrais it will involve surgery, which I really dont want. But I dont want to be wearing a nappy at 40 either!

Anyone else been here?

flip! that a bit not a but embarrasing!

if you dont go to the gp it could get worse, they will have seen it all before so i think the thought of going is probably worse than actually doing it

good luck

I have been attending phsio for this on and off since eldest ds was born (5 years ago!) they alsways prefer physio to surgery and will try that first. Be warned, some of the testing of the nerves and muscles in that area is VERY undignified. They still mention surgery on and off and i am due to go back in the next few months. it is worth speaking to your doctor, honestly

Don't ignore it, it could get worse. It may be a slight weakening of the muscle and a referral to a continence physio may help. Most kegels are designed to work on the vagina not the rectum so you may just need to excersise in a different way. My problems started just after childbirth and I have had surgery but a lot of women don't get the symptoms until later life as the pelvic floor weakens over time. You don't have to have surgery if you don't want but it may be worth seeing a colorectal surgeon and having an ultrasound just to get an idea of what is going on.

It's worth seeing if there's a Continence advisory service where you live, it's a nurse led service to which you can self refer.

If you can smell something abnormal deffo see your gp.You could have an infection,a fistula or if itchy have you checked for worms !