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Original poster

3rd degree tear or sphincter tear?????

58 replies

bubblebell1 · 05/12/2006 12:27

this is a rather personal problem and i was wondering if any of you have experienced the same or heard of someone with the same prob.

during my previous labour i incurred a tear in my sphincter (please excuse spelling). it was very very painful and after 15 months i was finally operated on and the muscle was repaired.

at my 30 week check the midwife mentioned, after flicking thru my notes, that this may cause trouble with my bottom again. baby is large and muscle is weak after having operation.

if i tear again it is unlikely they will be able to repair the muscle as it leaves a high risk of incontinence

then that was it. no come back see a consultant nothing, i do have an app at 36 weeks for a growth scan but i wondered what you would do. its awful being left in limbo.

any advice would be gratefully recieved

thanks xx

OP posts:
lulumama · 05/12/2006 12:29

this thread might be of help to you!

expatinscotland · 05/12/2006 12:30

there are several threads on here w/women who've had the same problems and they were offered c-section.

you should be, too.

i would NOT tak this lying down.

phone her back and request to be referred to a consultant immediately.

also contact the consultant who performed your bowel repair operation.

pedilia · 05/12/2006 12:30

sorry no advice but can you not have a caesrean??

Original poster
bubblebell1 · 05/12/2006 12:33

thanks, its just i feel like a child, i hate not being informed and they seem to make me feel like im making a mountain out of a mole hill. i am 31 weeks and think that maybe i am worrying to early or nnecessarily.

OP posts:
h27 · 05/12/2006 12:35

hi there, just read your message! i went through the same thing with my Ds who is two and a half, i am now 24 weeks pregnant and i have been offered a c section as they said it could happen again! which i really really dont want to go through again as like you it took well over a year to get sorted! i am nervous about c section but after much thought i feel it is better than having a bag for the rest of my life! Please feel free to ask anything else. best of luch h27

lulumama · 05/12/2006 12:35

if you are 31 weeks...i think deciding on the safest mode of delivery needs to be addressed and agree with expat re a referral immediately...

happybiggirl · 05/12/2006 12:38

Message withdrawn

expatinscotland · 05/12/2006 12:44

you are NOT making a mountain out of a moehill! she's a cow for making you feel like that.

you have a serious injury and htis could jeopardise your future continence.

31 weeks is NOT too early to get the ball rolling on this.

you need to speak to an obstetric consultant, who needs to review the notes from your bowel surgeon.

NOW.

expatinscotland · 05/12/2006 12:48

i believe the medical term for the injury you suffered is called a fistula, FWIW. you could also do some research online. it's more common than you'd think. you can suffer an anal fistula and/or a urethral one, in which the tear goes into the urethra and leads to urine incontinence.

Original poster
bubblebell1 · 05/12/2006 12:49

thanks,
i rang the clinic and they said that method of delivery is normally discussed around 36 weeks. i have a growth scan when i am 37 weeks so shall bring it up then.

h27

i am really worried about a c section but really dont want to experience that pain again.

its been nearly 6 years since ds was born and 4 since my surgery. i am surprised that it wasnt bought up sooner. and like i said before i can cope with anything aslong as i know whats goin on. i would just like a definate answer and waiting til jan 18th seems like torture

OP posts:
Original poster
bubblebell1 · 05/12/2006 12:52

thanks expatin

it was called a fistualla, i remember that vividlly along with the painful and intrusive embarrasing examinations.

will have to learn to stand up for myself.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 05/12/2006 12:53

i don't see why, since you have some VERY valid concerns, you cannot see a consultant now.

they're trying to be stingy here.

i mean, this is a truly concerning matter here.

Original poster
bubblebell1 · 05/12/2006 12:56

tell me about it.

this is the same hospital that my sister died at 4 days after her birth.

they are also closing in the near future and i dont think they really care.

OP posts:
knittingtinsel · 05/12/2006 12:57

please don't worry about c-sections.

an elective would be less painful than what you have suffered and you may well be fully functional again after 6 weeks.

read the threads on here about what an elective secion is like. Ignore the horror stories about emergency sections or sections after being in labour for unmpteen hours. They are just not the same thing at all as far as experience and recovery is concerned.

If your youngest child is 6 you have no toddler around to slow down your recovery.

If you want a c-section it is quite late at 37 weeks to be having a discussion and arranging it as you might go into labour by then and it's best to have it written in your notes that you WILL be having a c-section if that's what you'd prefer.

Original poster
bubblebell1 · 05/12/2006 12:59

i thought that too... and with me being a complete control freak would help immensly with coming to terms with it.

should i ring back and ask again for a sooner appointment?

OP posts:
bctmum · 05/12/2006 13:03

wouldn't say it was a fistula but it is still very serious. Call the hospital to get an urgent appointment with the obstetrician plus call the unit that did your repair and see if you can get your notes or get them forwarded to where you're giving birth.

knittingtinsel · 05/12/2006 13:09

you won't know if you don't try, what have you got to lose ?

be polite but firm that you need to discuss c-section possibility a.s.a.p. with medical staff as you are having nightmares or whatever (i'm sure you can use your imagination). If they will not initially agree to a c-section just let them know that you are documenting the discussion and will hold them responsible for anything untoward that might happen if you try vaginal birth again.

you can always change your mind and opt out of the c-section later but it's hard enough in some places to get them to agree to it in the first place.

Once they have outlined the risks associated with each method in relation to your particular body and circumstances you can make your choice but if you think you might want a c-section, get it booked a.s.a.p. (oh and you should ignore any quoting of averages/statistics, unless these are from studies involving women with exactly your medical history).

queenceleste · 05/12/2006 13:22

Bubblebel, I just wanted to add my encouragement to you to push for more consultation on this.

Have you seen your GP about it? A good GP should refer you asap I would have thought.

Unfortuately the NHS is in such a mess in some areas that inevitably only the people who push will get the best treatment. It's sad but true!

If you can - do make a note of all the dates you speak to people about it, who they are, what they say, and make copies of all letters etc. Paper trails are so important these days.

If all else fails write to the head of the hospital and if that fails go and see your MP! I wrote to the woman who runs our hospital about being treated in a vile way by their scanning department and her letter of apology made a huge difference to me, I felt so much better which is a small thing but made a big difference.

All the best

expatinscotland · 05/12/2006 14:20

I was under the impression that they cannot refuse to give you a csection, especially given that you did indeed suffer a fistualla which required surgical repair.

i think you should push for an earlier appointment, as knitting pointed out, 37 weeks is too near the time to be discussing it.

you have a right to have the birth you want and hte right to do the best you can to avoid further damage to your vagina and bowel.

lulumama · 05/12/2006 14:39

a c.s IMO should not and would not be refused in this situation where a vaginal delivery could be dangerous to the mothers health......and worsen a pre existing condition..you should not have to fight for one...NICE guidelines do say maternal request is not by itself enough, but a medical condition and the health of the mother do indicate a c.s in these circs..IIRC......

Original poster
bubblebell1 · 05/12/2006 14:43

thanks so much

i called back and they have given me an appointment this thursday morning.

i will raise all concerns and hope that they can give me some answers.

i will keep u updated and hope that they dont fob me off

OP posts:
happybiggirl · 05/12/2006 16:51

Message withdrawn

queenceleste · 05/12/2006 17:14

I agree with happybg, I would write down everything I wanted to ask and as importantly I would also write down what they say at the meeting - it's hard when things are emotional to remember everything that's said (I find any way).

All the best to you for whatever you have to do to get the treatment you need.

incy · 06/12/2006 17:23

I had a 3rd degree tear during my last birth and was told by my MW this time that I had to have another natural birth as 'this isn't the bl**dy Portland clinic'.

Insisted on seeing a consultant and he said it was entirely up to me if I opted for a C section or a (closely monitored) natural birth.

Basically he talked through the risks of both (another third degree tear likely v's C section risks.)

He said it is my body, me taking the risk and ultimately only I could choose.

Hope you appointment went well.

bundle · 06/12/2006 17:27

bubblebell, please don't be fobbed off, this is about your future health as well as your experience during the birth. write all the things down which you want answers to, as it's easy to forget things in the consulting room. good luck, x