Ladies who have had an episiotomy... Pleaseeee help

Micah

How long did it take you to heal? I had a second degree episiotomy on Friday (my first pregnancy), and it hurts so bad, as to be expected... BUT I feel like I might be getting a slight cold, and it REALLY REALLY hurts when I cough or sneeze.... It feels like the force and pressure is going to rip the stitches... I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to heal as quickly as possible... I'm using Dermaplast, Tucks witch hazel pads, and ice packs, peri bottle and am changing my giant diaper pads regularly.... Anything else I can try, or advice on what to expect as I continue to heal?