HEALTH STYLE
Pain Free Sometimes the pain of childbirth lasts beyond contractions but a simple procedure can change all of this for women in Northern Ireland. By Dr Frances Stewart
J
ulia* from Dundonald had been suffering from severe pain and discomfort since the birth of her first son nine years ago. One short consultation helped her to realise that she did not have to put up with the pain anymore. Julia now believes that more mothers should be made aware of the Blair Bell procedure and the work of the Gynae Team at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, which she credits for giving her life back to her. “I had various problems after my first son who was born in 2005,” explains the mother of two. “Everything was going normally and then his heart rate dropped. They had to use suction to deliver him and I had a large episiotomy. My problems started after that as it took quite a long time for everything to heal. I was H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS Dr Frances Stewart Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Dr Ayman Morsy Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
David Glenn Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Dr Samina Dornan Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
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IS POSSIBLE very, very uncomfortable, even just sitting down and every day activities such as driving were painful and difficult for me but I was left feeling that this was just the way a woman is after having a baby. I thought it was normal.” “As time went on, everything was affected by the pain, even my relationship with my husband. I didn’t realise that I had internal scar tissue, which sometimes led to bleeding and made physical aspects of the relationship difficult. I genuinely thought my pain would mean I would never have another child but three years later, I did! This time it was elective section so I didn’t have any complications but the pain continued.” Finally Julia decided that she had had enough. Last year, she made an appointment with a GP in Cherryvalley and was able to express her concerns. The GP agreed and referred Julia to Consultant, Dr Frances Stewart, who recommended the Blair Bell procedure. “The Blair Bell procedure is a simple treatment where excess scar tissue is removed,” explains Dr Stewart. “Sometimes after obstetric surgeries, like episiotomies, the body gets a bit zealous and over-repairs itself, creating more scar tissue than necessary that can rub and become sore. During the Blair Bell procedure, we simply make some small incisions to remove the excess scar tissue and then give the patient a small set of stitches. The effect is usually immediate and most patients enjoy a very short recovery time.” “Dr Stewart was fabulous,” says Julia. “I had always avoided going to the Doctor because I was embarrassed and self-conscious about the issue but she put me at my ease and was incredibly supportive and sympathetic. I
felt I could open up to her and be very honest about my problem, which of course meant I received better treatment, quicker!” “I was surprised at how simple it all was. I healed quickly and I’m very pleased with the result. It’s changed my life and that’s no exaggeration! My husband and I can enjoy our relationship and I just feel better in general as I’m not in pain or fearing being in pain. I understand why women would ignore it for so long – after all, I did – but if I had known how quick and easy this whole process would be, I would have done something about it
years ago. I hope my story raises awareness of the problem and the procedure. Women need to know that it’s common, it’s fixable and they don’t have to live with it anymore.” *Names have been changed to protect confidentiality If you would like to book an appointment or require further information on the options available to you, please contact our private patient booking team on 0845 60 06 352, or visit www.3fivetwo.com
FAC T F I L E • Painful intercourse can affect many women following childbirth, although other gynaecological issues may be the underlying cause. • The Blair Bell procedure is a simple treatment where scar tissue that has not healed properly is removed, easing discomfort. • The 3fivetwo Group offer a comprehensive range of gynaecological services for women of any age in a private and comforting setting.