Should i have another vaginal delivery after a 4th degree tear last year?

[bimsbims]

I had a 4th degree tear last February when having my first baby.I am due to have another in October this year.Is it advisable to have another vaginal delivery or have a section.My midwives told me section as a re curring tear might cause a fistula but i saw a not very good doctor who said i should have a vaginal delivery.Pls help.

[lynnsaleo]

I am not a medical expert, but after a year and a half of living in the USA with a fistula. I have become a fistula expert.  DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING WITH IN YOUR POWER TO AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF A FISTULA.  I can not stress that enough.  

When they told me a year and a half ago that I had a fistula, I had no idea what I was in for. I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy, even as a bad joke. Shame, embarrasment, smell, isolation, a roller coaster ride of emotions, marital problems, losing a job I held for 25 years..... And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Add in failed repair attempts, 2 foley catheters and I still leak, it's not a lot of fun.  

Then, try to find some sort of a support system.  You'll be told there are very few fistulas that occur in developed countries, it is mostly a third world problem.  I really wish someone would have told that to my body before it formed a vesico-vaginal fistula in New York City.

I best stop now, before I really go over the edge, and say what I really think about this rotten afliction.  LISTEN to your Midwife, DO NOT RISK A FISTULA.

[bimsbims]

Hi, I live in Uk and had my first child last yr feb.I sustained a 4th degree tear and has just started feeling very well down there .I am expecting another child due this October and although the midwives and the consultant who repaired my tear in the theater all expected me to have some form of complications i am ok.I now need advise as to whether i should have another vaginal delivery or go for an elective section.Please advise as i do not want to sustain any permanent problems like incontinence or leaking.I met a resident doctor who told me that she would deliver the bay at 38 weeks and use forceps or suction which i know its not very good.Pls Help!!!!