I gave birth last week and had an episiotomy. One stitch has come apart and my skin has ripped away from each other, had an infection which I'm on anti biotics for and I went to the doctors and she told me that the skin will not close up by itself, she said to wait for it to heal which will take months and go back around December time if I'm not happy with the way it looks to have it closed back up in hospital.
There's two stitches hanging out and are bothering me because I can see them every time I check my cut to see if it's getting better. If I pull on the stitch it won't come out because it's stitched into my skin but I'm worried they won't dissolve. My question is how long do they take to go? I gave birth on Wednesday the 10th. Thanks!
Mine failed. Baby born in mid october, re-stitched by late november.
the others will disolve, or will get removed by your doctor at your next visit. for heaven's sakes don't pull. Your parts have been through enough without you poking, proding & pulling.
Best,
F. B.
I'm more concerned that this is not healing. Go back and insist on being seen and not waiting until December. Get another opinion if you have to. Ask about something like Derma-bond which is a non-stitch closure used after many surgeries. I don't know if it can be used in the episiotomy area - there is the moisture issue, and there is also so much pressure and stretching/pulling in that area. But waiting months for it to heal win you are saying it's an open cut doesn't make sense to me - from the infection standpoint as well as the ultimate healing potential. I'd get another opinion. Sorry you are going through this - with a newborn, you need your rest and a chance to focus on the baby, not all this other stuff.
What kind of stitches did you get? Not all will dissolve, usually those that dissolve are used internally (may see a small knot on the outside that will fall off eventually, but not always) and those used externally have to be removed. I think you may need to talk to your doctor about your further concerns.
I think my c-section stitches took 2-3 weeks to dissolve.
But I also agree with the advice below to seek a second opinion.
I've had several abdominal surgeries/not episiotomy. Each surgery took different lengths of time for the stitches to disolve depending on what was used for stitching. I was seeing stitches pushing their way out for several weeks/months after one surgery.
I suggest you stop pushing/poking to see incision because doing so irritates it and will prolong healing and loosen stitches. In my experience having a stitch push out and be visible is part of the healing process.
I suggest that you see the doctor again to tell them you are anxious about the incision. Sounds like te doctor tried to reassure you but you are still worried. No need for a second opinion. Instead you need to have a better understanding of the process.
Sounds like you're concerned about the appearance of the scar. Know that the scar's appearance will gradually lesson over time. The stitching doesn't have to appear perfect now. Relax about the incision. Use your energy to take care of yourself and your baby. That incision will heal.
It's been just a few days. And the incision is in a dark and moist place. It will take a few weeks to be entirely healed and it will continue to be tender for longer. My abdominal incisions were sensitive for months.
Diane B is right - get a second opinion.
