Recovering from a 3rd degree tear
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Topic: Recovering from a 3rd degree tear
Posted By: SophieD
Subject: Recovering from a 3rd degree tear
Date Posted: 23 October 2010 at 2:04pm
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Hi everyone
I had a third degree tear with the birth of my baby just under a week ago. Was just wondering if anyone knew of anything that might help with the recovery? I am heading out to the Health shop to see if there is anything I can get to help it along :-) obviously I am on laxatives and anti-biotics, but was just wanted to see if there was anything esle I could do to promote the healing? Thanks  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Replies:
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 23 October 2010 at 2:05pm
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Arnica?
Ouch though! Hope you heal up fast sophie!! |
Posted By: Treen
Date Posted: 23 October 2010 at 2:59pm
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I had a third degree tear and I didn't get given anything. I sure could've done with the laxatives! One thing my midwife suggested was a hot bath with Epsom salts but I never got around to it. I felt reasonably healed by about 7 weeks. Discharge lasted a good 2 months and it wasn't till 3 months that I felt comfortably having sex. Good luck! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Lucky apple
Date Posted: 23 October 2010 at 5:43pm
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I think you'll find it gets better and better with time. I remember mine was pretty sore (sitting etc) for a couple of weeks. Much better once my MW released one of the stitches that was catching quite a bit. I was just saying to DH this morning that my episiotomy scar is finally starting to feel much much better (almost 4 months out)...not that it's been really bad...it just takes time for the tissue to repair and it has been a bit tender. It does get there though!
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Posted By: Jaxnz1
Date Posted: 23 October 2010 at 7:33pm
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I had a third degree tear and was just on laxatives and paracetamol. I agree that time is the greatest healer. Arnica could definitely help.
I can't remember when I completely felt 100%, but I had a check up at 6 weeks and I remember the lady was impressed at how fast I had healed. Remember to do your pelvic floor muscle exercises too!!  ------------- 
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Posted By: AngieBabe
Date Posted: 23 October 2010 at 7:48pm
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I had a second degree tear, so not quite so bad as yours *ouchie* I feel for ya! But anyways, I used the Naturopharm Hypercal gel to sooth and heal - it was brilliant! Just smear a whole heap on a pad go ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  
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Posted By: kabe
Date Posted: 23 October 2010 at 8:50pm
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I also recommend the Hypercal lotion (weleda brand I think). The one I got you mixed with water and daubed on the area. My mw who suggested it was into natural remedies and it really helped. Is also great for cracked nipples! ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 24 October 2010 at 7:34pm
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Salt in the bath is good, as is a squirty bottle with lavender oil and water it in by the toilet for when you go wees. If it's really bad, peeing in the shower can also help avoid the stinging.
Try not to walk/stand too much, and for a nasty episiotomy at least, I was told to sit with my legs together, but that might have been because my stitches didn't hold 
I know it's horrible beyond words right now (I would have laboured ten times over rather than go through the healing process!), but it does get better, I promise. For me it's only been in the last month or so that sex has been completely painless, but other than that, I was mostly painfree by about 4 weeks (and I had an allergic reaction to the stitches, so I think that delayed the healing a fair bit). 
Congrats on your baby, btw! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 24 October 2010 at 7:34pm
Oh also, holding a pad against the cut/tear while you go poos can help with the "it's all going to split open again" feeling  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: SophieD
Date Posted: 24 October 2010 at 7:49pm
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Thanks everyone! am off to the pharmacy on tuesday (bugger labour weekend!)
Thanks for letting me know there are others out there too and that it does get better!! Part of me just needed to hear that :-) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 24 October 2010 at 8:49pm
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My Mum had quite major surgery and it was suggested to her by her surgeon to take zinc, vit c and arnica to aide healing.
I ended up with a episotomy with my 1st so meg stitches and lots of bruising as he was also a vontouse delivery. I sent DH out to get the zinc, vit c and arnica on day 2 and it was amazing how well and quickly I healed. I took the same with number 2 as also needed an episotomy with #2 and again super quick healing. MW was super impressed. -------------  
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