Birth Injury

[ellagracesmummy]

Hi, Im new to this. Was just wondering if anyone out there has heard of a fistula? They really only occur in 3rd world countries these days as their obstectric care is so poor. I have ended up with one after giving birth to my daughter 5 months ago. Im going into hospital in 2 weeks for major bowel surgery. We are seeking legal advice atm. Does anyone know of this happening to anyone else?

[giggles]

Firstly welcome to Bub Hub. I hope you can fond some good info and support here when you need it.

I hadn't heard of a fistula thourhg childbirth before after having a look on the net I found some info.

I just wanted to send good wishes to you for your surgery and to say I hope you get the outcome you hope for with any action you go forward with.

:)

[ellagracesmummy]

Thanks very much for your well wishes. Fingers crossed surgery goes well, otherwise I could end up having my bowel divreted to a colostomy. Its just been a nightmare from the moment I gave birth. My daughter is beautiful though, and I am just so thankful she wasn't injured in the process.

[*Sal*]

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this. I saw an Oprah show last year which was dedicated to women in third world countries with fistulas. I thought the problem occurred with the bladder, but maybe there are two types?

Thank goodness we have the operations available here for you to recover.

Just wanted to wish you all the best.

Sally

[~Alicia~]

The only reason I know what it is, is from Oprah too.

I hope your op goes well and I hope they can fix it. It must be horrible.
Best of Luck to you. Im sure you will get loads of support in here. Everyone seems so nice and I am only a newbie too.

With the legal advice, are you going ahead with it?? I hope that if it comes back as their fault that you can get some compensation for your suffering

[ellagracesmummy]

Thanks Sally.

It can occur with the bladder but mine is a recto-vaginal fistula, therefore there is a hole connecting the bowel and vagina. Gross, I know!! The dr i had didn't do enough and left me pushing for 3 1/2 hours. Used the vaccum 4 times, which I believe they are only allowed to use it twice, then a c-section should have been done. Alos, they didnt do an episiotomy, which made the tear greater. I've heard a few people say they saw an Oprah show about it. It really does go to show that this shouldnt happen in the Western World.

[Sarie]

Firstly I want to say welcome, I hope you love it here. You will find lovely women and heaps of support here.
I have no idea about your injury though. I hope your surgery goes well and if you get support to take action do so.
Best of Luck
Sarie

[ellagracesmummy]

Thanks Alicia.

Yes I will be going ahead with the legal side of it. It is 100% the hospitals fault and they have admitted it and apologise for it. They have told me that they will rethink the way they run the maternity ward and things like that. I am certainly seeking compensation, as the last 6 months have been hell and I have had so many examinations and tests done but I also want to know that this will never happen to anyone else again.

[ellagracesmummy]

Did you receive any compensation? No doctors or midwifes or even the surgeon doing the operation has seen one before. Are you fine now or has it affected you long term?

[poshBecks]

Thats really aweful for you . I am currently reading Hospital by the River, by Catherine Hamlin. You might have seen her on Oprah, she works in Ethiopia fixing up the fitsulas for the woman over there.

While it is unfortunate that this happened to you, be grateful you still have you little princess. Many of those woman lose their babies. Thank goodness for modern medicine & that you are able to be repaired!!!!:)

BTW I love your little one's name!! My little girl is Ella Grace also ;) :p

[ellagracesmummy]

Thanks Becky

Well Ella Grace is a beautiful name. People always say what a pretty name it is. Must just both have great taste hey!

[poshBecks]

Oh for sure!!!!! :p

[Funkychicken]

You poor darling! I have seen this happen in a few mares-recto-vaginal fistulas-and it wasn't a pretty sight. A great vet does wonders surgically for them so I hope your surgery all goes well.
By the way-love the name Ella (see my DD's name below!)

[Kamaikia]

This is amazing. I have only ever heard of this happening to women who have suffered genital mutilation - those who have this done in poor countries then try and give birth naturally without medical intervention.
I'm quite disgusted in how you doctor handled your child's birth. I truly hope all goes well for you. I hope you manage to shake the system when you take them to court.
Please keep us updated

[ellagracesmummy]

Im sorry coopsntilly but im not sure what pm means. I only joined today and im still trying to figure everything out, but yeah i would love to chat and see what happened to you.

[WeThree]

pm means private message, you can click on my name and pm me from there, or there is a 'privae message' thingo situated in the top right hand corner of the screen :)

[ellagracesmummy]

Thanks everyone for your support and kind wishes. :) I really appreciate it.