i had a 2nd almost 3rd degree tear, i was very high (up inside). It took probably 3 weeks to heal and hurt quite alot for the first week after that it didnt hurt too bad. the worst part for me is the scar where it is inside, have to go very slow with sex as the scar tissue is not really stretchy. oh yeah, and stool softeners where my freind, especially if it tears anywhere near the back.