How were/are you doing 7 months PP 3rd degree tear?

[Mamabear04]

I was just wondering how you were/are doing 7 months PP after a 3rd degree tear?

I had a really bad tear and needed surgery after DS was born. I felt like things took a while to get better and wasn't until about 4 months PP that my tear stopped spotting blood when I went for a poo. Thought things were going in the right direction and started trying to build up my strength. I put DS in the baby backpack last week (he's a big lad) and went for a very slow gently walk maybe about 2km. 2 days later I done 20 min on the cross trainer at the gym again very gentle at level 3. The next day I put DS in the backpack and went for a walk with a friend up a local hill. That night I felt like my perineum was burning and ever since I felt that heavy dragging feeling coming back. I did see an NHS physio about 2 months PP and she was really nice but basically was just like "do you pelvic floor exercises" and had nothing else to offer. I try to do them 2-3 times a day children/mayhem depending. I'm feeling just pretty weak down there even though I've been resting since last week (as much as you can with a toddler and baby). I'm just feeling very deflated about my recovery and wondering if its normal or am I absolutely f*cked? I also had a look down there when I felt the burning sensation and I'm wondering if I have a slight problem with a prolapse or maybe I had one and haven't quite realised what the health professionals have been telling me or maybe I just have some kind of PTSD? Ugh I'm rambling now...

Hi OP, I had a 3c tear after giving birth and also needed surgery to repair. I had a follow-up appointment with a specialist at the hospital where they looked at how the muscles healed - have you had that done? I didn’t perfectly heal but I have no issues with bowel or bladder control which was my major worry! I’m 4 years on and do still get the odd feeling of ‘heaviness’ down there if I over exert but tbh I’ve been really lax with the pelvic floor exercises so if you’re on top of that it will help! Very common to have things shift a little bit down there as well. I think the pelvic exercises are key but if you’re worried about a prolapse I would definitely try to see the GP and maybe get a referral for physio. You sound like you’re doing great by the way, I think it’s all a normal part of recovery.

@Fauviandelight32 I had a 3 month check up at the hospital but it was with someone who I'm not sure was a consultant as she had to go and talk through our appointment with the head consultant (they were very busy apparently). She said it can take up to a year to heal properly but things seemed to be going in the right direction. She did examine me but tbh was more interested in trimming down my coil and talking about having another baby even though I 100% don't plan on having another baby. I've also not had any problems with leaking or any accidents but I just feel frustrated about still having to take it easy and I'm worried that this is now going to be a life long thing. OH thinks I should make an appointment with a private physio and get a mummy MOT to help but I'm not sure what else they could say other than "do your pelvic floor exercises!"

Hi OP, how are you doing now?

@Mumofonexo much better thank you! I went to see a private women's health physio who has really helped me and I've been so fortunate to be able to afford it. I started going at 9m post partum and it wasn't until about 13m that my prolapse seemed to just get better. Still not completely better, still not allowed to run or climb but have found an outlet in rowing and hiking. It's such a long and emotional process but definitely soooo much better physically and emotionally than last time I posted!

Hi OP I’m glad to hear your on the mend and feeling better. Did you get the burning feeling after doing kegals?

No I didn't but I did feel something like that if i over did it with exercise even in the beginning just a gentle walk.

How do they check if the muscles healed? Did you get offended a scan x

Honestly the NHS didn't offer any aftercare really at all for me but might be different in your region. I would suggest going to your GP and ask to be referred to a woman's health physio. If you can afford it then go private. I feel for you, it's a long process but it can get extremely better with the right care!