Robyn was told that she had a 2nd degree tear after giving birth. However, after months of pain and tests she was eventually diagnosed with a missed 3rd degree tear. Despite undergoing a surgical repair she still suffers ongoing faecal urgency and incontinence.
When Robyn gave birth to her first baby by forceps delivery, she sustained what was thought at the time to be a 2nd degree tear. The injury was diagnosed by the doctor who delivered her son and he performed a repair.
For several months following the delivery Robyn was incontinent of faeces and wind. She also developed urinary incontinence. She reported these symptoms to the midwife who said it was to be expected and so a full examination was never conducted.
Eventually Robyn could not bear it any longer and she asked her GP for advice. She was referred to a number of specialists and, nine months after having given birth, she was told that she had, in fact, sustained a 3rd degree tear. She had, therefore, suffered damage to her anal sphincter, causing her bowel problems.
A secondary repair was performed by a colorectal surgeon, along with the reconstruction of her perineum. Following the surgery Robyn had severe pain, caused by nerve damage suffered during the repair.
Sadly, her bowel symptoms of urgency and wind incontinence remain to this day. She must remain close to a toilet and this has rendered her practically housebound.
Although she finds great joy in her son, she will not be able to have any more children, something she finds very upsetting
As well as Robyn’s physical and emotional trauma, she has faced significant financial strain. She was unable to undertake her normal duties at work, leading to financial loss.
Had Robyn’s 3rd degree tear been properly diagnosed and repaired immediately after the birth, she could have avoided the pain and suffering she had experienced.
We helped Robyn pursue a claim for the substandard medical care she received while in hospital. She was awarded over £130,000 compensation.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
If you, or your family member, has suffered a birth injury tear, please call us now for free, no obligation advice on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.