Postpartum recovery following 3rd degree tear and episiotomy

[Haadi]

Hi, I am 10 weeks postpartum, on way to recovery from 3 rd degree tear and episiotomy. Iv been prescribed with laxatives and sometimes have incontinence due to runny stool. Initially I tried to reduce the dose but find it difficult to pass stool even if it’s a bit harder. Now I’m afraid that if I’m suppose to take laxatives life long ?? Because doctor told me that after repair the anal opening is narrowed down so kindly help me with your experiences. Also I feel some discomfort/ pain around my back passage. Is it normal? Still there was one suture loosened up which was initially declared as normal by my gynecologist on 6 weeks checkup and was told that it will heal by itself but now when it is bleeding a little , the doctor advised me to restitch under general anesthesia . Really depressed with all this!! So many confusions but will appreciate if anyone could help! Thanks in advance

I'm sorry you are going through this. I can only suggest you keep talking to your gp.
If you have had a rocky experience- and I did 12 years ago- please keep talking to health care professionals and don't be put off by everyone else looking like they are having a lovely time. Also seek and get as much support as you can from helpful family and friends.

I had something similar with my first birth. I had a episiotomy and forcep delivery. Basically I was in so much pain when I went for a poo. I told the doctor about it at my 6 week check up and they said it was a fissure. Anyway it did get better but still had bad periods so I took movicol (maybe try that), it's not a laxative but more of a stool softner. Also I make sure that I drink lots of water to keep myself hydrated.

When I had my second baby I had a much better birth at the mlu at hospital and when they checked me over the midwife said I had torn to my anal passage so I got sent to the labour ward to be checked. When the consultant checked she told me that I hadn't torn to my anal passage and in fact the anal passage skin was damaged from my first birth. She said there wasn't much they could do as it's only slightly damaged. Great!! So basically I'm in the same boat as you so can sympathise.

Not sure what I can recommend apart from the movicol and lots of water. Also it does get better as your body will still be healing from the birth in general at the moment. Anyway I hope you get it resolved. I know first hand how horrible anal problems can be! But definitely get some movicol if you can. Good luck!

Not exactly the same but I also have had a 3rd degree tear with first child and 2nd degree tear with the second.
I was fortunate enough to heal really well from both but with my third degree tear I did continue taking the fybogel they prescribed for a while to ensure my stools were really soft before it had completely healed. Trying to pass a hard one is only going undo the healing process.
Hopefully once things have fully healed up for you things will get back to some kind of normal. The only issue I suffer with nowadays is anal fissures when I get constipated which I assume is related to the tears as I never suffered with them before.
I hope things improve for you!

Really sorry that you are suffering. I had a 3b tear 5 years ago but presume I healed well as after a few weeks I was able to stop with any laxatives and by my 6 week check my stitches were dissolving (I think I found some up front that had dissolved away from the scar but were not fully dissolved, it was weird)
I think best thing is to keep speaking with your gp and take their advice on ways forward. Unfortunately some people do have lasting issues with tears and it's about getting to the best point possible. As you are still quite early on there is still a lot of time for your body to be healing so try and ensure that you are drinking plenty and eating foods that support softened stools and then you might need to rely less on the laxatives.

If you are in pain or have poor control you can ask to be referred to gynae physio. I had an episiotomy and poor recovery. They gave me a course of light therapy or something g to promote healing and ease pain and them some physio to regain control of my muscles down there.

Thank you so much everyone for quick responses :) more advices and personal experiences would be appreciated! Recovery is quite tough :(