Hey ericollin... how are you doing?

I know that in one of my post that you had replied to... you had mentioned that you had surgery done after having a baby. I had a sphincterotomy 3 days ago. I had my daughter by vaginal birth in August. I was just wondering this... do you think I could have another vaginal delivery without the same problem (fissures) arising? I was just wondering. I plan to have another baby in 2-3 more years. I'm hoping to be completely healed by then but I don't want the problem to happen again :( I really don't think I could go through it. Thanks!

Jen

Jen,
Thanks for asking as today is not a good day in the butt department. My fissure really was painful today. How are you doing in healing from your surgery? How have bowel movements been since the surgery?

I think that I have read about other women who have had fissures occur again with additional vaginal deliveries. I however think that my fissure is strictly because of the hemorrhoid surgery I had. My hemorrhoids did get worse with each pregnancy though. I think I can post information about books on this message board as I think that you need to read a book that I just got and am in the middle of reading. It is called "Pelvic Health and Childbirth" by Dr. Magnus Murphy. It discusses a lot about urinary issues which isn't our problem but it also discusses the whole pelvic area including the rectal area and rectal problems. The book also delves into why some women are opting for scheduled C-sections so that they don't trash their whole pelvic region from having vaginal deliveries. I hope this helps.
Please continue to update your recovery from this surgery as I really want/need to know how you are doing.
ericollin

Hi Ericollin and Jenny,

ERICOLLIN, You totally hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the book that talks about ways to not "trash your whole pelvic area". That is exactly how I feel also after 3 vaginal births. Ericollin, you posted on one of my threads, which I have updated recently. I also need rectal surgery, however I need an anal shincteroplasty for bowel incontinence. I just got a second opinion from a colon-rectal surgeon last week, and I really need to have the surgery. I am missing out on my 3 childrens lives because of this problem. I am struggling, because I have read so many negative things about rectal surgeries, but I feel like I have no Other choice. I have been suffering from this for 2 1/2 years now. My surgeon said that after I have this surgery, I should not plan on having any other children. We thought we were done after 3 anyway, but this has definitly secured our decision. Thank you for the book recommendation--I am going to buy it. My heart goes out to you, and am praying for a fast recovery for you. I have not scheduled my surgery yet. I am having some testing done after the holidays, and then I will set the date. Thanks for all of your postings--It really helps to keep others like me informed. My surgery is a really big deal (basically, I need my whole pelvic area rebuilt) and I am terrified. At this point, I have done my research and can only hope for the best and some improvement in my condition. I will keep you posted :angel:
Kel

Kel123,
Please keep us updated as to your progress. My heart goes out to you too as I know what you are going through is not easy with 3 children of your own. I am definitely done having kids too as my pelvic region has had enough too. Did your doctor discuss whether you need to do physical therapy after your surgery? I know that this is common when you need your whole pelvic area rebuilt. I would bring up the physical therapy with your doctor if he hasn't mentioned it to you. I had NO idea that there were physical therapists for women's health issues before I had my kids. They typically treat women with incontinence issues and I know they also help women who have basically trashed their pelvic region from childbirth. It sounds like surgery is the best option for you to get yourself better. Hang in there. You are in my prayers too!
ericollin

Ericollin,

Thanks for all the info. My doctor did mention physical therapy. He feels like since my muscle is torn, all the physical therapy in the world will not help until it is repaired properly. I never knew that giving birth could cause all these problems. I had 3 very easy deliveries. I hate to see the long-term outcome of those woman who pushed for 3+ hours and such! I have a whole bunch of tests sceduled for Jan 5th, and a colonoscopy on the 9th, and then surgical consult with my colon-rectal specialists on the 10th to schedule the surgery. I hope you can enjoy the holidays without thinking about your rear too much, I am sure going too! I hope the New Year brings you re-newed healing and health from this horrible ordeal you have been suffering from. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. :wave:
Kel