Healing from vulval injury

[parrotonmyshoulder]

Had to have several stitches following an accident, lots of swelling, still bleeding after a week (not heavily, not vaginal, just from the laceration).
Patched up in hospital and no indication of after care needed, other than a week of antibiotics and painkillers. Antibiotics finished now and seemingly no infection.
Weeing is strange - can’t really feel it, although I can feel when I need to go.
Only have experience from childbirth when of course you have a midwife checking and then the 6 week GP check. Any idea of how long I should expect to be better? Mobility is still limited and it’s uncomfortable to sit or stand for long (about 5-10 mins). I was able to self cert from work for a week but will now need to try to see a GP or practice nurse (if they can) if I need more time off.
Can’t tell if I’m being over cautious or too stoic - I have always had difficulty understanding and registering pain levels.

Can't tell from your post if you bled for a week and have now stopped or if you are only a week post injury. Usually ten days for stitches to have done their job, so I'd say two weeks post injury you should be a lot better unless in a tricky position. That said, with my episiotomy it was a good eight weeks before sex was ok, so if you're poking around down there those activities may have a longer healing time!

I’m only a week post injury. Would you think more time off work is necessary (active when there)?
God, not planning on sex. Do have a cycling holiday imminently though, but it’s 6 weeks from now.

Ooh cycling doesn't sound wonderful - is it a road bike or sit up bike though? Depending on hours in the saddle I'd be cautious with that one. If you're active at work I don't think it would be unreasonable to ask for less standing or walking for a week or if not possible be signed off again. You don't want it to reopen (which is still could at this point) from not resting.

Yes, the cycling does not feel tempting at all. I might have to rethink my schedule for that - I can manage with public transport I think.
My big worry is a work thing the week after next (so starting 2 weeks post injury) that will involve four days of travel and high levels of walking activity. I’m going to have to cancel, aren’t I?
2 years ago I had to cancel the same trip as I had Covid!

I think two weeks post injury you'll probably be a lot better but sustained activity will make you ache. Is it possible to give them a heads up that you might still be struggling and see how you go and pull out during? Be a shame to miss it if you are much better

But the cycling would be a no for me. It's the ultimate chafage at the best of times!

Won’t be any option to pull out once I’m there as I’d have an essential role. At the moment just a few minutes of standing to load the washing machine or whatever is really achy, but obviously will get better quickly.
Thanks for responding - helpful to chat about it.
Cycling, by the way, caused the sodding injury!

No advice but as you said cycling caused the injury, memories of once slipping forward off the seat as a teen and smashing my bits into the handlebar mount have come flooding back...
Wishing you a speedy recovery

I did wonder if this was a cycling injury. If you’re on Facebook you might want to ask the VeloVixens (you can ask anonymously).

I had an episiotomy with DC1 and it was 8 weeks or so to stop hurting/aching.

In that case I'd pull out now. You'll def still be feeling it after being on your feet! Hard predicting the future isn't it 😅