Postpartum recovery question -- 3rd degree tear

mags507

I delivered vaginally on August 5.  It was a difficult delivery and I had a 3rd degree tear.  Can anyone tell me about their recovery exerience.  It is now about 11 days out and I'm still in pain with swelling and bruising. I still take Tylox (though not as often as in the beginning).  Just wondering when I will feel semi-normal again...

Please share your experience if you had a bad tear.  Thanks.

grinsandgiggles

I felt better at 2.5 weeks, but didn't heal until about 5 weeks.  Try filling a diaper with water and freezing it then using it as a pad.  Works wonders.  I switched on and off between the two and the swelling went away almost instantly.

kimsy

I had a fourth and two episiotomies. I felt pretty awful the first couple of weeks, measurably better the middle of my third week, and now I only get occasional dull aching where my stitches were.

Some advice, if you don't mind: 

1. STOOL SOFTENERS! Seriously, take them before you need them.
2. Be proactive rather than reactive with pain meds. Take them consistently.
3. Use a sitz bath a couple of times a day.
4. Do your kegels, even though they suck. They bring blood to the area which helps with healing.

Hugs to you. I know how bad it is, but it really does get better.

hillausky

I started feeling better almost 3 weeks PP. Sitting on ice helped and resting!

Ivana_Stolichnaya

sigh....tearing sucks, I can't wait to feel better.