4th degree laceration

[jenny121]

I had a fourth degree laceration with the birth of my son about 7 months ago. I was stitched up prior to his birth, and then again 1 and 1/2 weeks later, because the stitches didn't hold. I have had anal incontinence, and been to see a colo-rectal surgeon. He tells me that i still have a hole in the vaginal, and rectum wall, and that i need to have surgery in january. He also says i need to have a colostomy bag, and i'm just so nervous and don't want to have two serious surgeries to correct this problem. Have any of you had similar suggestions from surgeons?

[Camellia]

's Mama. What a position to be in. How bad is the incontinence? How long is the surgeon thinking you would need the bag? Not a permanent situation there I hope.

I had a 4th degree 7 years ago. I get some very mild incontinence when pregnant. I know I may face surgery in the future. If/when I do, I will be getting a couple of different opinions. That area is very fragile and you don't want to make a rash decision.

If the incontinence and hole(s) are minor, then they may go away over time. I never had incontinence after my delivery, but I couldn't hold back gas *at all*. If the gas needed out it was coming no matter where I was and how hard I tried to hold it back

7 years down the line, I am in pretty good shape. I hope you heal more on your own and don't need surgery - at least now. I wish I could be of more help. I would get the opinion of at least one other surgeon or doctor. Maybe you could post in your tribal area here on MDC and see if anyone has some reccomendations of who to see.

GL with everything, and welcome to MDC! And, Congratulations on your baby!

[jenny121]

Thank you for the reply.
The incontinence is worse some days than others. When i have gas, i have zero control, and if i have diarhea, then i have a mess to clean up. For the most part, when i have the urge, i need to get to the bathroom fast.
The bag is only temporary, for about 2 or 3 months, he says, but , i'm just so worried about having complications with the colostomy surgery, in addition to the episiotomy injury. I talked to a urogynecologist in Virginia, and she says she has never needed the use of a colostomy bag for her surgeries. I am now in the middle of a search for someone who has done plenty of these repair jobs, because i want to know that after this surgery, i will back to normal, or almost normal. If anyone knows a doctor who has had lots of experience with this, please let me know.
Thank you so much for the congrats, This little baby is the joy of my life. Such a sweet little pumpkin!!!

[Camellia]

Best of luck with everything Jenny. I think it is wise to search around and get some different opinions before moving forward. I'm sure its hard to put it off when dealing with the incontinence. It is such a delicate region and so I'm sure you want to find the best surgeon possible!

If you look in the pull down menu at the bottom of the page and scroll toward to top you will find all the US states listed by regions. you might go and post in your states forum looking for reccomendations of Dr's.

Also, if you know you need one surgery maybe it would be best to get them both done at once?? I'll just say again, get some other opinions. It just seems with such a delicate region, you don't get many "do-overs" know what I mean?

I'm glad you are enjoying your new baby! The things we go through for them eh? And they are so worth it all (Thankfully!!)