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| c section after 3rd degree tear? |
Question: I had a 3rd degree tear (to the rectum) with my first child. It caused chronic constipation, fecal incontinence and I still cannot sit comfortably after 4 months. Has anyone had a c-section after that kind of tear? Which recovery was worse? I want to pick the lesser of two evils, since if I do tear again, my chances of incontinence worsening increases significantly, and I have a real fear of another labor like that one. Thanks for the advice! ?
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| Answer: Please let me know if you find an answer, because I am about to deliver my 2nd child after having a 3rd degree tear and can find blessed little info about this! = |
| Answer: Just from my experience, with a scheduled c-section, it went amazingly well. No labour, no pain- you get drugs in the hospital- it wasn't bad and because I read up on everything and knew what to expect and what to do- it went very well. I found there was minimal pain afterward. Sounds like you had a nasty experience first time and so did I with my first c-section after labour and trying to deliver. But with a scheduled one I found life was good. = |
| Answer: I would go with the c- section I have had two my second one was scheduled and will soon be having a third in July. = |
| Answer: I had a 4th degree tear with my first child and couldn't sit down for 4 months. I didn't want to go thru that again so I had a c-section with my 2nd child (born on April 1). The c-section recover is 100 times better for me!!!! I can sit, move around, not sit on those sitz baths, etc. It has been a great experience for me. I won't lie, there is pain involved in the recovery but nothing compared to what we went thru before. = |
| Answer: I had a fourth degree tear with my first baby. It started with the midline episiotomy the dr used on me and continued into my rectum. I then learned that most major tearing starts with an episiotomy. I chose not to have episiotomies with my subsequent children and haven't had any tearing or injury requiring stiches. There are other ways of avoiding tearing - including perineal massage - than major abdominal surgery. I strongly suggest you look into them. Most women do not tear as much or at all with second and greater deliveries. IMO scheduling a c-section to avoid perineal tearing is foolish. There are other options. = |
| Answer: Hi Jessica! I had a 4th degree tear with my daughter and I am due to deliver number 2 in about 4 weeks.. I am at the same stage as far as deciding a c section over another vag delivery. Both my doctors have stated that back to back level 3 or 4 tears are extremely uncommon...but I have had the same incontinence issues..and it has been 2 years.. so I may opt for the c section..what you and i had is something (at least my medical group) referred to as a "bottom c section".. so I am thinking i rather be cut across the lower abdomen vs. mybottom... = |
| Answer: I have an article that should help. It says that even if you try to have a vaginal birth and end up having a c section, just having the baby low in the birth canal can put pressure on a nerve and make you more incontinent. There were other points that made me decide to have a c section and believe me, I'm a natural girl and opted for a water birth for my first (which didn't work out but I really tried). If you're interested, I can give you the name of the article (I have to look for it) or maybe I could even send a copy to you. If you're interested, my e mail is karlynn17@hotmail.com and my name is Karen :) = |
| Answer: I had a partial 4th tear. It's now 2.5 years later and I'm still getting pain almost every day. It feels like a stinging burning pain for a couple hours after I have a BM. I'm seeing a specialist next month, but why am I still having pain??? = |
| Answer: with my first child, i had a 4th degree tear. i don't know if it was just the doctor who delivered or what, but i too had a horrible recovery!! my stitches kept coming out or ripping and the doctor kept putting them back(which my currunt ob says he shouldn't have) anyway it took over a year for me to "recover." i had another baby in january thru a very unwanted cesarean. my incision got infected, but overall it is healing alot better than the 4th degree tear. i would definately go for the cesarean if i have another baby. i'd be happy to try and answer any questions carstin@peoplepc.com = |
| Answer: I had a 3rd degree tear with my first child and a 2nd degree tear with my second child and I don't have any problems. = |
| Answer: I had a 4th deg. lac. through the rectum with some of your same symtoms. Please, go with the C-section! Several friends have said that the recovery is rough for a few days like with vaginal delivery, but at least you won't have bad problems for months afterward. = |
| Answer: You do NOT want a c-section. It is horrible. The recovery is much longer. I could not get out of bed by myself, go to the bathroom without help, and was depressed! Plus if you want another baby you have to worry about uteran rupture. It takes much longer to heal, and you can have complications up to a year afterwards. I wish I had a vaginal delivery. = |
| Answer: I had a fourth degree tear with my 2nd child (VBAC) and it was miserable. With my 3rd I opted for c-section and recovery was alot easier. The hardest part for me is standing up the first time after surgery. After that I was walking around as much as my body would allow. The only drawbacks from my c-sections have been numbness in the area of the surgery and a hernia. You might want to talk to your dr about the chances of hernias after c-section. = |
| Answer: While pregnant again following a 4th degree tear with my first child, I did ALL the research I could. My doctor even printed every study he could find in the hospital and online libraries. Unfortunately, there aren't enough conclusive studies done regarding 4th degree tears. Most studies only focus on 1-3rd degree tears. There is conflicting evidence as to where a repeat delivery will increase your chance of fecal incontinence. Many studies say that incontinence following a c/s is the same as following a 4th degree--it is the act of carrying a fetus that weakens the pelvic floor. Some studies say that a C/S should be done following a 4th degree. My own OB advocated vaginal, saying the 2nd baby could slide out like a bar of soap, but my colo-rectal surgeon said that even if the delivery went smoothly, I would suffer incontinence later in life, b/c the muscles will have lost much of their elasticity after the initial 4th degree repair. The colo-rectal surgeon specializes in fissures/fistulas and he says that his patients in their '50s who suffer incontinence (urinary and fecal) all delivered children. You rarly encounter an older woman who has incontinence and never delivered children. Following the colo-rectal surgeons advice, I had a C-Section, and it was a piece of cake! Yes, I needed help getting out of bed, but I also needed that after the 4th degree! I weighed the percentage chances: if you have a repeat tear, then you're in just as much pain (I think more) as a C-Section. You can do perineal massage etc. and may not have another episiotomy, but you may suffer other consequences later in life (incontinence.) I'm especially glad that I chose the C-Section! The surgery risk to me and the baby was worth not having the high risk of being in diapers for the rest of my life. Sewing anal tissue is like sewing jello. My surgeon said that anal repairs have a low success rate, while all C/S types of repair (even if there are complications) have a high success rate. Good Luck! = |
| Answer: I too had a 3rd degree tear to the rectum and am now pregnant again and am told I should expect a c section, what response did you have
thanks
karen = |
| Answer: My first delivery was an emergency-section, then the second was a VBAC with a 4th degree tear and the last delivery a scheduled section. The emergency section was a nightmare and I was depressed for over a year and in pain for about 6 months. The VBAC was also very difficult and then to tear and have everything sewn back together and numerous trips back to the OB/GYN to have some stitches fixed, and the pain and now 5 years later bowel problems that I am trying to figure out, well the scheduled section for my 3rd baby was great. Yes scary laying on the operating table but I read what I could on what to expect, how to prepare for and how to recovery quickly and it worked. After how my friends saw me with my first two deliveries they couldn't believe how quickly I recovered with this 3rd one! So I would go for the section, and I have always been the "natural way" is the best way mentality, but it honestly didn't work for me. = |
| Answer: THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR POSTS. THEY HAVE HELPED EASE MY MIND. MY SURGEON AND NEW OB SUGGEST A C-SECTION AND BOTH AGREE THAT IT WILL BE A MUCH EASIER RECOVERY THAN THE TEAR TO THE BACK, FISSURES AND INCONTINENCE THAT I'M STILL DEALING WITH 9 MONTHS LATER.
I WISH I COULD E-MAIL EVERYONE WHO RESONDED TO THANK YOU!
JESSICA
jessicaroethel2003@yahoo.com = |
| Answer: My labour was a fantastic experience on my 1st baby, but final stage happened too quickly and Jamie came out on first push, resulting in 3rd degree tear, through rectum and all muscle and tissue, 11 weeks pregnant with my 2nd (Jamie is 20 months) and have consultation this Wednesday about delivery so will let u know the outcome = |
| Answer: Hi,I had a traumatic delivery resulting a 3rd degree tear in my 1st pregnancy whic i still havent got over in 3 years,but i did have another baby 7 months ago but had to go for a c-section as things were very complicated the 1st time round.The caesarean wasn't a doddle but it was alot better then the vaginal delivery and of-course with a caesarean the healing process is alot longer.
so good luck and best wishes! = |
| Answer: I had a 4th degree tear with my first child. No episiotomy but he was 4.5kg. We are now planning our 2nd and going thru the natural vs c-section debate. There is so much conflicting info out there over what is best for me and baby. I just wanted to say thanks to e'one that has posted replies. I still don't know what we will do but it helps hearing from real people about real experiences. Good luck with all the new bubs out there. = |
| Answer: Hi Jess
I had a 3rd degree tear on my 1st child and am now 20 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby. seeing consultant on 31/08/05 re birth options so will let your know = |
| Answer: I agree that the c section recovery is much better. I was petrified of a c section, but I did so b/c I learned that even if I tried vaginal, that just having the baby in the birth canal can put pressure on the nerve and make me more incontinent forever. I'm so glad I chose to have a csection and I can't believe I'm saying that... = |
| Answer: The same thing happened to me after my first child. When I had my second I had a c-section and I"m happy I went that route. The surgery went well, and you'll expect soreness after for a couple weeks, but it's a better choice considering what could happen when you have your second child. = |
| Answer: Hi there, I Had a 3rd degree tear with my first. Absolutely no problems afterwards. No incontinence and as far as I can remember I had no pain either. I was able to sit no prob. My problem is I am now 32 weeks preg, due in November and I have the decision to make whether to go for a natural burtgh again or a c-section. I have read up on c-sections and some websites I have been on have put me off. Then I come eon here and my mind is put at rest again. I know everyone is different but I am sooo scared. One website which is run my Midwives was saying that although there is a risk of another tear, the risk is low but I had my antenatal the other dayy and my MW went through what could happen and now I'm worried all over again. I go to the hospital to speak to my consultant on the 21st of October but I would rather be able to decide sooner rather than later. There is not enough information on this and what can be done to reduce the risk of it happening again. = |
| Answer: Kirsty,
I know. I have the same dilemma. I have been to two colorectal surgeons who both said that if I were their wife, they would suggest the c-section, since I have pain and incontinence problems 11 mos later. If you had no pain and no incontinence, that may be different. Let us know how it went!! I will check back. = |
| Answer: Jessica R., can you email me? karlynn17@hotmail.com = |
| Answer: I can relate! I had a 4th degree tear with my first (15 mos old) and am due to deliver no. 2, but needed my pelvic floor reconstructed after no 1. I felt like I had delivered two babies. My OB is waiting to see how big this baby is to recommend a c! I'm really scared and this has helped me alot. I will post again to let you know how it goes. = |
| Answer: Fran,
Why woudn't they do a c after you had to have reconstruction? Seems like there wouldn't be a question....that is awful. You poor thing! = |
| Answer: I had a 3rd to 4th degree tear 11 years ago with fast delivery of first posterior baby. The pain and misery afterwards was awful- the women with the ceasarians looked to be in much better shape than me. I couldnt move sit or walk without a lot of pain for weeks. It took months to get back to relative normalcy. When my second was on the way, i was keen to have a ceasarian but my Obstetrician advised me to go ahead with a vaginal delivery and a planned episiotomy( which turned out to be huge) .. I would have felt a lot less nervous during delivery if I had undergone a ceasarian and the episotomy hurt like hell afterwards with massive bruising that took weeks to resolve. I was very disappointed with the outcome. Years later I find that best practice in UK and Aust is now to recommend a ceasarian as the damage done the first time is thought to be aggravated byt the pressure of a vaginal delivery. I can certainly say that I have had ongoing problems that have started to get a lot worse in last few years. I advise a ceasarian = |
| Answer: See all the problems with c-sects on the other forum...open, draining horrific wounds, infections, bladder/bowel probs, sick babies, hysterectomies, sounds just like the vaginal delivery problems...doesn't sound the least bit better. When I deliver I am trying vaginal...all my friends are fine who delivered that way, the only one who isn't had a c-section last year and she still has to wear Depends. They hurt her bladder and twisted her ureters. Hers was a scheduled c-section because she asked for it...I feel very badly for her as she now suffers physical trauma and for some reason, guilt. Her baby is okay, thank goodness. = |
| Answer: re: 10/4 post.....hope vaginal goes well for you. It does for most women. C-section has gone well for many, too. Both can really screw you up, too. Luck of the draw, I guess. Good luck. ! Let us know how it went. = |
| Answer: Hi. I had a third degree tear with the birth of child no. 1. No incontinence problems however 22 months down the track I still cannot have sex without pain and slight tearing each time - kind of like losing your vaginity each and every time. I had the scar excised six months after the birth based on the advice of a gyn who thought I may have had a neuroma. This of course did not work. Many specialists later including a Vulval Gyn and I'm still no further enlightened. Many have told me not to wear g-string undies and pants and that I simply have a skin condition !!!! Very frustrating indeed. Meanwhile, I delivered my second child via C-section and for me this decision was terrific. Don't get me wrong, it was no walk in the park but for me definitely the right decision. = |
| Answer: Ang, what kind of skin condition did they tell you that you have? = |
| Answer: hi everyone, i am having my 3rd baby and as im 2 days over im being induced on tues. My first labour 13yrs ago was with an episiotomy and my second 8yrs ago was a 3rd degree tear in my bowel. I also dont have much feeling when having a bm and still sometimes bleed after one. I was offered a c section but ive decided to have normal delivery,the midwife has said its worth considering an epidural cause if i tear again i wont feel it as much as i only had gas last time. Got pains at the moment as ive took some codliver oil earlier just to help me clear out. = |
| Answer: Oh my gosh, good luck!!!! When you are up to it, let us know how everything went. A billion good thoughts going your way right now!! I wish you a speedy and lovely delivery and a healthy baby. = |
| Answer: Thanx, i suppose my 2 kids last weights didnt help my son was 8lb 2oz and my daughter was 9lb 1oz. Pains disappeared so looks like tues it is. I will let you all know the gory details haha. = |
| Answer: I too have hemorrhoids, a fistula and bladder/bowel problems that disrupt my life both intimately and functionally. I had 4 babies and not one of them ever got near my birth canal. I left my very scarred uterus, tubes and ovaries at the local hospital due to c/s's and while your problems may stem from vaginal birth (I'm sorry 4 u) I wouldn't like people to get the idea they are avoiding those problems with an elective c-section. My problems were CAUSED by pregnancy and CESAREAN SECTION. Just a word of caution for those who haven't been there. = |
| Answer: I am sorry. That's awful. What happened? I know why you could have the hemorroids or the fistula, but why the bowel and bladder probs. from the c-section? = |
| Answer: My cousin had one little baby girl, six pounds and delivered vaginally. She was too small down there and the doctor cut her up pretty bad to get the baby out. As a result she is wearing a colostomy. She would have faired off better with a c-section and the doctor told her so afterwards. Whoops, the doctor is not always right. I'm sorry to hear about your hemorrhoids, fistula and bladder/bowel problems but maybe it was the FOUR c-sections that caused these problems as well. You must have had some of these symptoms after your first or second c-section and yet you continued to have more children. Your doctor must have noticed these things as well and he or she should have cautioned you not to have any more children. And it should have been a common sense thing for you as well that if you were experiencing problems after the first or second section that as precious as all of your four children are, maybe you should not have had any more children after your first two. Do not blame the pregnancy and c-sections alone for your hemorrhoids, fistula and bladder/bowel problems. Perhaps it was the FOUR c-sections. Some doctors only recommend women have two or three sections. And it also depends on how far the c-sections were spaced apart. Did your body even have time enough to heal after one c-section before you got pregnant again? = |
| Answer: in response, that is precisely my point...don't elect a c-section right off the bat without any indication (like a pelvic exam that says your unusually small...) as it DOES limit how many children you have. If you only want one and you are sure, maybe not such a problem. I did not have a choice, and I didn't know what was going on inside me, but I do now and I would not recommend unnecessary c-sections, period! You have to have some medical knowlege and you have to have some upper-level biology to understand the ramifications of surgery. Yes, sometimes there are births that end up with the sh** hitting the fan, but your poor cousin's colostomy is the extreme exception. I do agree there are reasons for prophylactic cesarean sections but the reasons given on other forums are ridiculously mis-informed. For instance, why do people think being cut down below is somehow different and worse than being cut somewhere else? I mean some have acted like episiotomies are more invasive than the c-section! That is patently false! Look up anatomy and physiology and see what tissues are cut with an episiotomy (or tear) and see what is cut, moved and will scar with a c/s. Your risk of bladder and bowel injury is at least as good as with the difficult vaginal birth. I propose you focus less on the number of c-sections I had and quit making veiled accusations that I forced the problems by having too many kids. My doctors like yours, do not have windows into my abdomen after they close me up, they, like your doctors can't predict how, when and if you will form scar tissue. There's so much people don't know about the long term effects of c-sections. There is no such thing as the lesser of two evils except in emergent or obvious geometric problems. I hope all of you take the time to ask women who are several years out how their bladders, menstrual cycles and scars feel...it's not quite the rosy picture some people make it. Again, my point is, if people think MY bladder/bowel problems are from "too many" c/s versus all the poor women who got theirs from just ONE "traumatic" vaginal birth I say baloney, maybe all my problems were from just ONE so called "easy way". Don't know what your definition of pain is, but mine was very real, and very difficult to deal with and since I walked around for two weeks on a severely fractured ankle before caving into THAT pain I can say I don't have a low tolerance for pain. Birth is hard on the female body, and except for very specific situations you don't fare any better with a c-section. = |
| Answer: I started this post and would like it to remain positive, supportive, and non-judgmental.
Thanks! = |
| Answer: Yes, Jessica, let's keep it positive. I don't want people to blame my bladder/bowel problems on the number of my c/s if we are discussing your worries about which is more risky for damage. I thought we could share our experiences with you and let you know what they were. You asked which would be the lesser of two evils in regards to your tear and discomfort after your first birth. I shared what happened after my c/s's. It seems some people on the other forums refuse to acknowlege that the many of the same risks associated with vaginal delivery exist with cesarean sections and pregnancy in general. My mom had both vaginal and c/s and she said neither was great, both were awful in their own way and both were better than each other in some ways. At any rate, I just wanted you to know that the problems you stated in your original post sound awfully familiar to me and not being able to sit comfortably sounds like you formed some scar tissue down there. If that is what is causing your pain then you will probably have pain ( and scarring)in your c'section area too for quite awhile after in addition to new damaged areas. Good luck, it doesn't sound like either choice sounds like fun. = |
| Answer: Jessica, what did you end up doing by the way? = |
| Answer: I had my first child 2 1/2 years ago, which I received a 4th degree tear during delivery. I had no pain afterwards and recovery seemed fine. I just had my second child 6 weeks ago and I again had a fourth degree tear. My Dr. says this one was a lot worse. I was VERY sore for about a week and a half, although moving around helped. I do have some bowel issues...when I got to go...I have to go! I'm hoping this will get better. If I decide to have another child, I will likely go vaginal, but we'll see. = |
| Answer: Hi again,
I have now had my second baby. I opted for a c-section and I must say it was a lot better. My baby is now 7 days old and I am up and about and getting on as normal except for doing heavy work and lifting my toddler. I am still a bit tender just now but nothing to write home about. When I had my first I had spinal headaches from thte epidural so I couldn't enjoy my baby wheras this time round I was able to enjoy her from the start. After having the sections, all thte midwives said I had made a wise decision which makes me feel better about the whole thing so I am sure I made the right decision for myself. Although I had no problems with my tear I didn't want to risk it the second time around and I had found some research into it happening again which scared me a little and that is what made me decide to opt for the section.
If you haven't had your little one yet I hope you make the right decision for yourself. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
xxxx = |
| Answer: I think that only those who had a 3rd or 4th degree tear should give their two cents on the matter. There was one on here who only had a c-section. How can one compare the pain if they haven't had the other. I had a 4th degree tear without the doctor cutting and the recovery pain part lasted for about 6 weeks, but there are times where using the bathroom is a little tricky. I'm pregnant with my 2nd one and after reading all the replies am 99% for the c-section (need to talk to my husband first before calling the doctor to let her know) = |
| Answer: AFter reading everything on here, I've pretty much decided to go for a c-section as well. We are trying for no 2 at the moment. My dr totally supports our decision for c/s rather than risking more damage. I haven't had any nasty side effects after 4th degree tear and would like to keepit that way if i could. We are actually really excited that we can plan round c/s so much better with our first child and paternity leave and everything. = |
| Answer: I read all these posts, thought about all the stories, read and re-read a couple of each, one from the lady with c/s problems and one from one with a fourth degree tear...worried and worried and it was all for naught! I went in to labor during the night, got to the hospital by 6 am, was already 7 cm. By the time I was admitted, in bed and hooked up I was 9 and one hour later I had an 8 pound 2 oz baby boy. I never felt any real pain of any kind! I didn't tear as my doc really had me push SLOWLY not fast like it seems everyone else does and it was the one of the easiest things I have ever done. I was so surprised...I had no idea I could do that. Sometimes mother nature takes over. Good luck. = |
| Answer: shouldn't Julie be a little more respectful? I mean she tells the woman who only had a c that she shouldn't put her "two cents in"...how rude...the original post says "the lesser of two evils" and that lady was just presenting the pitfalls of c-sections. So what is it, is this another pro-c/s or go forum? To the original poster, if you want to hear all sides, there are other forums that will scare you away from c/s's, just as many horror stories for every one of these good ones here. I DID have one of each and even though I had a tear into my rectum I would still prefer it to my cesarean section. = |
| Answer: I have read all the entries and am still undecided how to proceed. I had my first baby 11 yrs ago. She was 6lb 15 oz at 36 weeks and I had a 3rd degree tear due to fast decent. I had my 2nd baby 2 1/2 yrs ago. She was 7 lbs 11 oz at 38 weeks and I had a 4th degree tear again due to fast decent. I am 31 weeks pregnant with baby no. 3. I have talked with my OB and he said the decision was ultimately up to me. I was very fortunate with both tears, as recovery was very easy with both and so far no noticeable long term effects. However, my OB said that although I could have the same luck again he has seen many women have severe complications after trying to deliver vaginally after a 4th degree tears. My OB suggested that we monitor the baby's weight by ultrasound at 34 weeks and again at 36 before making a final decision. My OB is strongly suggesting the c-section, especially if this baby is over 7 lbs. I will keep you posted on our decision and how things pan out. = |
| Answer: You really must consider several things. How old are your other kids? What kind of help do you have? If you have complications and or a major infection, how long-term IS that available help. If you work and have complications, can you survive on one income? I didn't consider these things and while they don't involve my body, we ended up nearly losing our house as I had a serious staph infection in my wound (MRSA, very nasty!) and my husband had to take 6, yes, 6 weeks off of work to care for the kids, 4, 2, and the newborn. Careful, and consider all the ramifications, thought i would warn you since no one warned me. = |
| Answer: And MRSA is hardly ever found in someone who didn't have surgery ...community MRSA is different and it is unrelated to birth but even more dangerous. = |
| Answer: Thank you for your post on November 17. I go back to my OB next week for 32 week check. I am going to have him give me the pros and cons of both delivery methods so I can have something to ponder until we make a final decision. I have a great support group if I need anything. Thanks for the warning. = |
| Answer: My little girl will be turning one on Dec. 2, 2005.(only child) I always said I was too scared to actually have a baby, but my husband wanted one pretty bad.....so here we go. My pregnancy was the most awesome thing in the world. I threw up one time and I don't think it was from being pregnant. Everything was perfect so something had to go wrong. I went in the have her on my due date and was helped along a little bit (I was already having contractions pretty steady). I wanted to have her natural....... okay lets say I didn't want an epidoral. I think I was more afraid of the needle then any pain I would endure during childbirth. I was only in labor a good 5 hours when I had this overwelming need to push. I did this for about 45 minutes realzing that I was a little bit to small (my sister had just had her first baby 5 months earlier and she was to small but he was 2 weeks early) and she was not coming out without a little bit of help. So out comes the vacuum and then he cut me and out she came tearing me the rest of the way 4th degree. It took him longer to sew me back up then it took for me to have her. I remember thinking at that moment that I never wanted to move again. One hour later my doctor came in and said no more vag deliveries for you its not worth the risk. I had no idea how bad it was. He said if it were his wife he wouldn't let her have a baby vag again. I am still unsure if I will have another child, but I do I am going to have a c/s next time. If you are already having problems I strongly recommend you go with a c/s!!! Good luck and congrats! = |
| Answer: I say go for the c-section. Ihad one and it was great! I was in the hospital for 4 days and went well for me-having another in June! = |
| Answer: I have severe long-lasting problems from my c-section. My nerves in my pelvis were severed on accident and now I have no bladder control. It can happen to anyone, I had a planned c. = |
| Answer: after having the 1st vaginally,and the pain was tremendous,afterwards I was uncomfortable for what seemed ages,I was determined to have a c-section next time.I refused to get pregnant unless I had my wish.The procedure iteslf was brilliant,no painful contractions,everything relaxed.The recovery afterwards was nothing as horrendous as the natural birth,the pain was manageable,and the recovery smooth.I would go for the section every time. = |
| Answer: i wouldn't have a c..I had an elective c because I was afraid of giving birth...now my daughter will be an only child. They nicked an artery and they had to take out my uterus. I think it is really foolish to do one if you don't need it and I will remember "my choice" forever. I would rather of had reconstructive surgery that was only mildly successful than to have a hysterectomy at 22. I also did not think the pain was manageable and the hysterectomy had little to do with it as they didn't cut me anymore...my doctor said that is "just c-section" pain. My roomate had a "horrendous" vaginal delivery and she was up and about the same day, she walked sore but she was fine. = |
| Answer: Sometimes when women have "horrendous" vaginal deliveries they end up with a lot more than just walking sore. They may also end up with cuts or lacerations to their anal sphcinter muscles and therefore may end up with anal incontinence which is extremely gross when you cannot control yourself on a daily basis when using the bathroom for number 2. And yes, with a c-section you could end up with bladder and/or bowel damage as well. There are no easy answers. There are risks with both types of births and unfortunately in most cases it is difficult to predict ahead of time if a woman will have an intervention free vaginal or which women will have a successful c-section with no complications. Sometimes the success of a c-section also depends upon the skill of the surgeon performing it. Does the surgeon have lots of experience performing it? Does he or she have a good reputation? Some women heal fine from c-sections so a lot of the success of c-sections really does depend upon the skill of the surgeon performing it as well as the general health of the mother. = |
| Answer: To Monique, why do you keep sugar coating c-sections? Some of you had better experiences, but there are many many women who have lasting problems from them elective or not. It almost seems like a couple of you want to get rid of vaginal delivery all together...why? A c-section with complications can actually kill you, whereas except for the EXTREMELY rare event in vaginal deliveries the worst outcomes are anal, vaginal, bladder issues..as horrific as those can be it is not death. The health of the mother before a patient requested elective c is probably pretty good, and since an OB is performing the c-section they must have some skills. To reverse your statement, a good vaginal delivery depends on the health of the mother and the skill of the delivering doctor. Maybe people like Marcie had a rotten doctor with her vaginal, let's hope she didn't go back to the same doctor to have him/her perform surgery on her as that certainly wouldn't make any sense. = |
| Answer: I am living with a colostomy after my vaginal birth. If I had my time back do you think I would have requested an elective c-section rather than be sliced up the way I was down there and permanently unable to use the bathroom? You bet ya. My vaginal experience was horrifying. I was like a science project. After the birth I was constantly on examining tables with my legs spread open for a variety of medical staff and specialists to see. It was not the childbirth experience I thought I was going to have. So a c-section in my case was definitely warranted. And because I am wearing a colostomy now because there was too much damage to repair, I do know a lot of other women who are in the same boat as I am. = |
| Answer: I had a 4th degree tear with my son July 2005. He was only 6lbs. 11oz. but the doctor said I am very small. She told me that after I delivered and tore. Now she tells me I absolutely must have a c-section because I am just too small to deliver vaginally again. I am still deciding what to do. I have not had any major problems with incontinence, constipation, etc. but I still have not had sex yet as my vagina and rectum still are very raw feeling. My husband and I are wanting to try again for baby # 2 in the spring or summer. Hearing what all these women are saying it seems a c/s may be the option. I may try and get a 2nd opinion before I make my decision. Have you tried getting a second opinion? Well, good luck! = |
| Answer: Okay, your vaginal was so bad you haven't had sex for almost five months?!?!?!? Uh, why the hell are you even considering another vaginal? = |
| Answer: I didn't think she was "sugar coating" anything. I don't see why when people come on here, that it has to be all bad that they hear?? My c-section went just fine-some do, some don't. that is the risk you take with anything. It works out, or it doesn't. If she had a nasty tear, then maybe she doesn't want to deal with that and is exploring other options-good and bad. = |
| Answer: well, actually you aren't too small to deliver vaginally as you did it. But maybe a c-sect would prevent you from further damage down there. You will however, have damage in a different place. = |
| Answer: To Melissa, I find it rather hard to believe you know "many" other women who are in the same situation as you. I am an L/D RN and what, unfortunately, happened to you is very rare. My best wishes for you, that is an awful experience. I think these forums are very hostile and biased however, and at best are only somewhat medically accurate and at worst are patently false. In my professional experiences there are more good outcomes for mothers from vaginal deliveries as far as recovery, complications and future female health issues. That is just my experiences over the past 14 years. Far be it from me to know much about the subject I guess as I know my post will be pounced upon by a rabid few. Yes, there are times when a c-section is the better option, but NEVER for non-medical reasons in a first birth. Unless you are fully trained in labor and delivery I think you should understand that individual experiences can and do counter every statistic out there, so while the experiences are 100% to you, that doesn't mean it is the norm or even probable in most other deliveries. Many women have delivered after 3rd and 4th degree tears with LESS damage with the right doctor who is trained in assisting with slow descent. The right amount of counter pressure applied at the right times has done wonders for many of our delivering mothers. Again, sometimes a c-section is the better alternative, but not as much as some of you would like to think. = |
| Answer: i had a 4th degree tear with my 1st child after a easy labor, but he wouldnt come out. I was just told i should have a c section this time so i dont damage the area any further. i was scared at 1st but now im remembering still being so sore 6 months after my first baby and having incontinece issues and having to stay home all the time. = |
| Answer: To Maisy, I find offense to your statement where you said you find it hard to believe that I know "many" other women who are in the same situation as I am. Just because you are a L/D R/N does not mean you know what is going on in every hospital all over the world. When I was at the hospital seeing specialists for my birth complications, repair and eventually the colostomy, etc. I did meet other women there. And the other women that I met also knew other women who were in the same boat. So we exchanged phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc. so we can contact one another for support. So yes, I do know other women in the same situation as I am. By many, I am not talking about 20 women or anything but I do know 5 women, believe it or not. = |
| Answer: I wish I knew an answer to help you- I'm having a problem somewhat similar to yours. My first son was born almost 10 pounds vaginally. I had a stage four episotomy and still (27 months) later have problems with bm's. I was in labor for more than 24 hours- after stiching me up the doctor said I should've had a c-section!!! Now with my second I'm afraid what will happen. Will my ass(sorry) be totally streched out? My doctor says it's up to me which way to go, but I'm scared both ways. I don't want to wear a colostomy bag and I don't want my son to be born with a scar on his face. Any suggestions? I have a different doctor this time.
Thanks = |
| Answer: why would your son have a scar on his face? = |
| Answer: To Melissa, I apologize for offending you, from your post it appeared you already knew them and that in your established circle of friends and acquaintances you came across many with your unfortunate birth injuries. = |
| Answer: hey jessica,how are things,are you still on here? = |
| Answer: I had a severe tear with my son who will be six soon. I have had 4 operations to help the incontinence/problems/pain and the first was when he was 2 years 3 months and 4 days old. I was in agony all that time and had a limited lifestyle. Other treatments have included an anal dilator and at one time I was taking 17 tablets a day to cope with the pain. I still have bowel problems and remain depressed. I have lost my career as a teacher (thus fianancial problems for my immediate family), relatives no longer speak to me as they couldn't deal with my illnesses, friends have long gone after I soiled myself in public, my marriage came close to ending, and at my lowest I came very close to killing myself. It took 3 years for me to bond with my son, who is still terrified of toilets after being aware of mummy screaming in the bathroom and having operations on her 'poorly bum'. I have been treated with huge disrespect by medical staff whom I feel should be helping me to get better - the word 'tear' does not even exist on my medical notes, and pages have disappeared so that I will never know what went 'wrong' in that horror hospital room. I certainly wish that I had had a c-section as I am still in pain and having problems after nearly 6 years. The hospital said that if I wanted another baby they would make me have a vaginal delivery again and that it would be "tough luck" if I teared again. If you have support, I would go with a c-section a second time around. Remember that even if you have no obvious problems after a tear, that does not mean that there is no internal damage/weakness. Having said that, I do know of someone who had a bad tear then had a vaginal delivery but she had tremendous support. She does continue to have bowel problems but at least it was an informed decision. = |
| Answer: I understand the dilemma that you're in as I deal with a lot of women who have experienced this, and I have to say that I have treated many who have had more than one 3rd and 4th degree tears. It makes me so cross to hear people go on about the recovery from a caesarian when these girls (like yourself) often have problems for life! I can only advise you to listen carefully to the advice of your specialists and seek a second opinion if it makes you feel better. And I have to mention to the L&D RN that control of slow descent may prevent a tear but may cause prolonged traction and pressure on the pudendal nerve which supplies the pelvic floor ... so you can still end up with incontinence and sexual dysfunction. I'm not just pushing for a c/section here ... just I'm sure you are aware of those risks. I'm just presenting the other side. Could I also encourage anyone suffering with these side effects after a traumatic delivery to seek out a physio that SPECIALISES in this area. It can make a huge difference to your lifestyle! Good luck on whatever you decide. = |
| Answer: It makes you cross to hear about us go on about our c-sections? What kind of medical person are you? I HAVE PROBLEMS FOR LIFE FROM C-SECTIONS and you should not be in the medical field if that is your attitude. How dare you imply that vaginal mothers deserve you empathy and c-section moms do not. I don't know what you call constant bladder leakage, urge incontinence, poor anal control due to a severed nerve, severe adhesions sticking bladder to uterus and pulling down ovaries and fallopian tubes and lower bowel adhesions if not "lifelong". These are very painful things to endure and in my case resulted in a total hysterectomy/oopherectomy and resultant ERT...lifelong enough for you? = |
| Answer: I'm surpsing to have my baby on the 3rd of March = |
| Answer: I started this thread and really appreciate your supportive, positive comments.
I am due in 8 weeks and will let you know how it goes.
Please to not attack oneanother on this thread. If you're posting on a thread about tears and c-section problems, you've likely had some strong experiences.
If we are harsh with eachother, it adds stress.
Aren't we all here to decrease our stress and learn from eachother?
Thanks again for the postive, helpful posts.
Jessica R. = |
| Answer: I am so sorry to hear what happened to you.
Sounds like you could pursue a lawsuit. You have a right to those records.
Many doctors support elective c following problems as yours.
I suggest you read Pelvic Health and Childbirth by Magnus Murphy and Carol Wasson.
Very enlightening re: the current opinions of OBs and what to do when you have problems as severe as yours. My prayers go out to you!
Jessica R
= |
| Answer: Thank you for your kind words - it is my son's sixth birthday in a week and always a painful time of year for me. I did try to sue the hospital but was told by an 'expert' that as over a third of women develop some form of rectal damage, that what i went through was 'normal' and that I have no right to complain; I should just be grateful that they didn't kill me or my son. I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD but that is via a counsellor, not a GP as I still have a phobia about doctors after the way in which I was treated. I would like to know if you have decided on a c-section this time or not? The baby issue has come up again with my husband and as I still want a baby it would be reassuring to hear ho | | | | | |
