sorry didnt know where to ask this q! bit delicate!

[surferchicksal]

ever since i gave birth to my little girl I have had troubles down below with passing stools, I cannot get to my local gp as i am travelling!

I had an epi b4 giving birth, is this a common problem, that it stings when you go to no2? it seems to be getting worse and im getting scared to go as it can be painful.

Please im up for any suggestions of what to do. help!

[naturopathonline]

Hi There,

Yes I can see that you may find this a bit of a delicate problem - but let me assure you that you are not alone in having problems using you bowels after birth.

You mentioned that you had an epidural before birth and I wonder if you also had an episiotomy or any tearing? Did you have an instrument assisted delivery? Do you have a history of haemorrhoids or bleeding after using your bowels?

As unpleasnt as you may find it talking to a doctor about this it sounds like you need someone to properly investigate it.

You may have started to develop a small fissure in the anus which is not uncommon after birth and can be very painful indeed! Pain when using your bowels can lead to avoidance of bowel movements which is bad news all around. The good news is it can be treated successfully, but you need to know what your dealing with first.

Any local GP will be able to diagnose and help you with this. In the mean time make sure you take care with your diet to ensure you have soft stools by having plenty of water and fiber in the diet. The best way to get fiber is by eating lots of cooked vegetables, prunes and whole grains.

If you are diagnosed with an anal fissure there are plenty of things that you local naturopath can help you with including diet to ensure soft motions, making sure you have enough nutrients that encorage healing and tissue strength such as vitamin c, zinc, silica and bioflavenoids. They will also be able to take a diet history that will investigate any nutritional deficiencies that may have contributed to it.

So, good luck with getting that checked out, a proper diagnosis and treatment will mean less time you have to experience this painful problem.

Wishing you all the best! :wave:

Tania

[surferchicksal]

Thanks for the info.

Yes I had an episiotomy whilst giving birth and had a vaccum cup on little girl's head to get her out, so I had stitches. Its was all quite painful. Have got some cream to try and see if that helps, if not I shall get to a doctors surgery.

Thanks