Pelaja - I`m a 4th degree tearer, there doesn`t seem to be too many of us!!!! Anyway like you I had an epi for a forceps delivery but then also tore. I`ve had many problems with infection`s down in that area, it`s now 11 weeks post birth and is only just starting to feel like it might be coming right but I still get moments where I get sharp pains, more so if I`m doing more or carrying heavy items around. Many, many times I`ve felt like I`ll never be the same again but I`m very slowly getting there, it`s just taking it`s time as it`s a HUGE tear.

I`ve been having 3 salt baths a day for about 6 weeks, they are very soothing plus I was told by my SIL to blowdry the area after each bath.

At your check up they`ll take a look to see how well your healing and ask the same old question are you incontinent with your bowel movements

Have you been told any further births will have to be via c/s? I was told because of having a 4th degree tear all my babies will need to be born via c/s as women with 4th degree tearing will tear straight down there again.

Take Care

Dee