United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I came across your message while researching 4th degree tears. I had a 4th degree tear w/ the birth of my son 18 months ago and am considering surgery, which the doctor has recommended, but haven't decided if I should go through with it or not (as you know, it's a scary thought to have that area cut back open now that it's "healed.") In your opinion, was it worth it for you? Would you recommend the surgery?

I had the 4th degree cut also. It took about 2 months until I could actually sit properly. I had unbearable pain the few weeks after. I was on Tylenol with codeine for the pain, however the medication made me constipated:-( I was afraid to go potty. I still, 2 1/2 years later have problems with intercourse. It's very painful. Maybe I have some other kind of P.T.S. disorder going on? The overall birth was a complete disaster. My body will never be the same. I think it's important for us to discuss these issues. We were also physically injured during the birth. I continue to do my "K's" daily, hoping things get better.

Hello all,
I also suffered 4th degree and it took about a year to feel "right" again. However, I now am 34 weeks pregnant again and the area has been sore during pregnancy. My baby wasn't large, she was "sunny side up". I am going to undergo a c-section this time in order not to cause any further damage. Food for thought...

Anytime a muscle is cut, it is never 100% again - you can probably get it close, but by virtue of it being cut you've lost that 100%. (I was told this when considering surgery for my child, and I think it applies here as well!!)

As for me, it was 6 months before I could sit comfortable again and another few before I was able to not have constant reminders of the problem.

I also have a fourth degree tear, due to an episiotomy from hell. It didn't heal up properly the first time, and so about a week after i had my son, i had surgery to correct what stitches didn't stay. That was also done incorrectly, and so now i have been seeing a colo-rectal surgeon, who has scheduled surgery in january. He says i need to have a temporary colostomy bag to assure proper healing. Has anyone else had the misfortune of a colostomy bag, and were there complications along with that?

I suffered a fourth degree tear about six months ago, from an episiotomy from hell. The doctor stitched me up, but it didn't hold, so I had surgery about a week after my son was born, to restitch everything into place. That was done incorrectly as well, so now i'm seeing a colo-rectal surgeon, who has scheduled surgery in january. He says i need to have a temporary colostomy bag to assure proper healing. Has anyone had the misfortune of one of those, and were there complications that arose from that?