3rd degree tear to anus ADVICE needed

[babybloom]

I got a cut but it was not enough and they used clamps i tore even more through sphincter.

Has this happened to anyone before? I am in so much pain i had to lie on side on way home, i can barely look after my 4 day old. i feel like my life is falling apart i cant sit down on anything i just stand or lay.

also have not had bowel movement since Monday (day of birth) my muscles are clenched and wont relax plus im not keen to go either.

[Sevven]

First of all huge hugs!!
Have you been given some good pain killers? It sounds like you should be on something stronger!!
My MW suggested to me if I am sitting to have a pillow under my thighs, it takes some of the pressure off but your still putting enough pressure down there not to cause prolapse.
Ice is also really helpful!! We got these long thin things you soak in water then freeze and stuff them in a pad. Feels great and really helps with the swelling!
As for going to the toilet, it's bloody scary the first time! (two weeks latee it still scares me!) You could try having high fibre foods(or taking something like benefibre or psyllium husks) or you can get a softener from the chemist called Lactulose.
Salt baths and squiring salt water all down there after going to the toilet also seems to help and can help keep infection away. (but first sign of infection get some anti biotic's ASAP!)
And drying yourself properly can be quite difficult, so if you have a hair dryer that has a cold option you can use that.
Make sure you get the visiting MW to have a look! They'll be able to tell of its healing well or getting infected.

It's hard but it does get better slowly!
The time will fly by so fast you won't even realise :-)

[CrissyG]

I got a cut but it was not enough and they used clamps i tore even more through sphincter.

Has this happened to anyone before? I am in so much pain i had to lie on side on way home, i can barely look after my 4 day old. i feel like my life is falling apart i cant sit down on anything i just stand or lay.

also have not had bowel movement since Monday (day of birth) my muscles are clenched and wont relax plus im not keen to go either.

:big hugs: been there and it's not pleasant!
I am amazed they sent you home without doing a bowel movement first!
It too me six months to recover to sit normal again (sorry I don't want to scare you) delegate as much housework as you can - if you have family & friends that can help you - let them!
I used to kneel to change bubs on bed and lay to feed. Lots of salt baths and fiber foods along with water to keep you regular so you don't strain to go (you don't want to risk stitches coming undone like I did and having to get re-stitched! Ouch!!!!!)
Take care of yourself! I know it's easier said than done with a newborn - but vital!

[swizzlestick]

Huge hugs!

Do NOT increase your fibre, it will bulk up your faeces and make it harder and larger, send someone to your pharmacy to get coloxyl 120 or lactulose and take it every day for a bowel movement until the tear heals. It is better to go a little every day than a large one once a week.

Also get some proctosedyl suppositories or ointment for pain relief and to reduce swelling

Some rectogesic ointment, (you'll need to speak to the pharmacist about this one) it helps promote oxygen circulation to the anal area, which speeds up healing, it's for rectal fissures and tears

Plus salt baths will help keep things clean and help to heal

Maybe get a 'donut' to sit on, or roll up a large towel length wise and make a ring, this takes pressure off of the anal area

Try to avoid codeine based pain relief, they can be constipating, ask your doctor or pharmacist for some voltaren tablets which are an anti-inflammatory pain reliever

As things heal, try using an exercise ball to sit on when rocking bubs to sleep, standing for long periods will put pressure on your anal area

And see your dr if all this fails! Goodluck hope you feel better soon xx

[waterlily]

I had a really bad tear but the other side. My labia was hanging on by a thread I took ural and coloxyl (sp?) which helped.

I had a donut type thing too and lots of ice blocks!!

[maybe again]

I had this happen 5 years ago.. It does get better.

I also am shocked you didn't have to do a poo before discharge. This was one of my requirements. Not goig to lie it hurt like hell! But I agree laxatives are the best way to go. The softer the better.

I was told not to use a donut as it makes the blood pool to that area.

Condoms filled with water and placed laying flat in the freezer then placed in the pocket bit of your undies also works a treat.

Pillows are your best friend. Don't be hard on yourself you have had major body injury it will take time. Do as much as you can without pushing the limits. You are Doing a great job give yourself some time..

Hugs

[babybloom]

thank you everyone for your reply. i am drinking water like a mad woman, i have voltared and antibiotics. the other stuff sounds good too i will wait one more day and send hubby to chemist for the things recomended here. my body wanted to go twice today but it stopped. it will have to happen by sunday of i need to call the hospital.

[waterlily]

I brought no name brand icy poles and stiffed them in pads. Best things ever!

[SpecialPatrolGroup]

Did the physio tell you how to poo when the time comes?

If not, make sure poo is imminent, so you aren't just sitting there pushing. Take something in to put your feet up on (a couple of phone books), feet shoulder width apart, lean forward to rest your elbows on your knees and relax your abdominal muscles so that you feel like you are letting your stomach hang down between your knees....and then hope for the best.

[Eko]

I don't recommend using laxatives for a long time (more than a week) because it will cause your bowel to become lazy. There are better ones that you can use that instead of making your bowel work, they make the poo itself softer, or lubricate to make your body's natural functions easier.

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