I found it very painful as well, not sure how many stitches I had but I have two tears and an episotomy OUCHIES! Not sure if that compares to you or not.

But all I can recommend is very good silky LUBE LUBE LUBE, and stretch/massage it gently and slowly, take your time, get as relaxed as you can.

You may find that it takes a while before you can "take it all in", but give it some time and it will get better.

My OB also gave me a prescriptions for Oveston (sp), a cream you rub in that area and that made a HUGE difference, maybe speak with your care provider. Your body may also just take a bit longer to heal.

For me a few problems were found at my follow up appointment with my OB, One stitch hadn't dissolved and the skin had grown over it, and that was like razor blades , the rest was just the healing taking a bit longer. She had to cut to take out the old stich and unfortuantely I still had low platelets and wouldn't stop bleeding, 15 min later was still running freely so she had to restitch

My recovery took a long time, but we have gotten there.

Take care xxoo