C sec recovery experiences

[Louise2013]

Hi ladies. I am two days post elective c sec. I am a bit stunned by how much I am struggling compared to what I was expecting as the 'norm' is now to go home the next day if all is well!!??!! My main issue is carrying the 'weight' of my still expanded stomach. Can anyone else tell me if they had this too? It is so big and sore, overhangs my scar and really hurts my back ; did anyone else have this??

Also any recovery tips? I have been up and about but am finding it exhausting and very painful xxx

 

[MysticTeen]

Totally normal. I stayed with two of my sisters in law straight after their sections and tbh they really struggled just getting in and out of bed to use the toilet. Both said they felt a ton better when they got their stitches removed 10 days after. And a few days later they could move around without being in agony.
A section is major surgery, it's gonna be rough for a couple of weeks then it will get easier. Take all the help you can get and rest. Hope you have a quick recovery x

 

[Gillyboos]

I'm in a similar position Louise2103. Had my section on Thursday (day 3 now if you don't count the section day) and I have a horrid dull back ache that I can't shift. Finding that worse than the wound tbh, mw thinks it's wind but Jesus is it sore! I knew it was a big op but had so many positive experiences relayed to me that I don't think I prepared myself for quite how incapacitated I am. I'm still in hospital, moving about but finding it a struggle. Hoping things start to get better soon.
Hope they do for you. Xx

 

[Louise2013]

Thanks both, that is really helpful to hear

Gilly same as you I think I was actually expecting to be jumping about by now I had heard so many positive stories.... Guess I need to be patient!!!! Hope you are on the mend quickly too!! And wind, yes, well, I'm getting scared about the first poo (glamorous!) as not happened yet two days in...

Xxxx

 

[caseysmummy11]

For wind ask for some peppermint. I had it and it relieved it so much and I found stretchy bump bands like the ones on mat trousers really helpful for my overhang. I also found the more I was up and about the better. Don't get me wrong it was painful but got easier by the end of the week. I found ibrophen worked better than paracetamol. Hope you both feel better soon xxx

 

[Gillyboos]

Yes I think patience is what is needed. I've had the Dr check my section as the pain increased significantly in one spot but thankfully all seems well. They think I'm overdoing it in the night by getting up and down with the girls so hubby is now going to stay with me tonight so I can keep mobile but have an extra set of hands. Xx

 

[petchy]

In my case it got a LOT better after they removed the staples. Suddenly I could stand straight again, almost instantly! I had quite a quick recovery after that I found wearing yoga trousers with a waistband that could be rolled up to hold in my flabby post baby tum and overhang really helped too. And light control knickers (not to make me look skinny, so not super tight - just to help support the wound).

 

[Louise2013]

Thanks Petchy! Funny you say that as I wondered if having something extra almost in 'support' of the tummy would help so I will take your advice. I have a csec girdle but I think it is far too stiff for this early stage so will try some very sexy big supporting pants

Gillyboos: BTW, in case you haven't, ERM, 'gone' yet, I conquered the no. 2/fear last night and it was far far better than I feared! Hoorah!!

 

[Louise2013]

For wind ask for some peppermint. I had it and it relieved it so much and I found stretchy bump bands like the ones on mat trousers really helpful for my overhang. I also found the more I was up and about the better. Don't get me wrong it was painful but got easier by the end of the week. I found ibrophen worked better than paracetamol. Hope you both feel better soon xxx

Thanks caseysmummy - got OH to grab some peppermint just in case thanks xxx

 

[Gillyboos]

I haven't yet Louise, I'm glad you've said that as I've been petrified!!
My mobility is better today, still got one painful area that nips sometimes but finding it all much more manageable.
I don't have staples but I do feel like I need to straighten myself up.
I will ask about peppermint too, thank you. Xx

 

[MrsMeaney]

I could barely move for at least a week and it was about five before I felt like I had full mobility back. I found recovery very difficult. Just getting in and out of bed was horrendous

 

[Les1504]

No advice I'm afraid but congratulations on your little one! X

 

[babyscotcher]

I would recommend getting some light control pants. I got some in a size bigger and they really helped me feel supported. My midwife also suggested putting a clean maternity pad against the scar if you are going out as it helps to support and also soaks up any moisture to prevent infection. Definately worked for me.

Good luck with your recovery girls. X

 

[Toni.C]

The day's weren't so bad for me, it was getting in and out of bed that reduced me to tears. But after a week I felt so much better and just kept as active that I found comfortable with. I drunk soooo much water in hospital that my first number 2 was very much normal. I brought big black belly hugger knickers from tesco (that you can tuck your boobies into if needed lol!) that were cheap and cheerful and they gave my flabby tum some support. Also after a bath or shower just laying on the bed with nothing on to let the air get to it and dry it out.

 

[JJ Mum]

Oh hun, i really hate it when people oversell sections as very dooable abd not too bad.
I have had great recoverys and bad recoverys, im day 11 now and it's been my worst one yet.
Its a huge toll for your body so be proud of yourself it's not easy esp as you revover you have a baby to look after too 24/7

Take a day at a time, go easy, dont expect too much of yourself other than get througth the day. Keep ontop of pain relief esp in the night, if flat bed is hard, sleep sitting or propped up on the sofa/armchair as that's how i survive the first weeks.
When you move keep legs together as one unit, coughing, poop attempts etc , pop your hand on scar to brace or apply slight pressure to help.

You really will start to feel better soon , hang in there xx

 

[Gillyboos]

I cannot get rid of this niggle. Right hand side, it's a sharp pain, almost like a burning or tearing sensation. I know it's not as it's been checked but it's so painful at times whilst the rest is totally bearable. X

 

[caseysmummy11]

I had something similar gilly. I also thought I had an infection but when checked my midwife was impressed and told me to keep on top of painkillers and take them every 4 hours for each. It did get easier day by day. I'm 19 weeks pp and although no pain as such it still sometimes stings if it gets knocked or trousers don't sit right . Just rest as much a possible xxx

 

[Louise2013]

I cannot get rid of this niggle. Right hand side, it's a sharp pain, almost like a burning or tearing sensation. I know it's not as it's been checked but it's so painful at times whilst the rest is totally bearable. X

I swear we are having the same recovery!

I have an area that feels about the size of a 50p coin about an inch or two above my scar that burns like hell when I move, cough, wee etc..... I'm not too worried as it's not near my scar so assume it must be a muscle repairing etc but hell it hurts!

Yesterday I felt fab, really great, so I assume I overdid it as today I feel like I have been hit by a bus. Getting up from a chair or bed has been a struggle on it's own..... A night of cluster feeding probably didn't help either!

Guess we take it day by day xxx

 

[Gillyboos]

We came home this afternoon and even though I thought I was taking it easy, I've done way more than I was in hospital, plus lots of laughing!!
Just had to hobble to bed, hoping a few hours in bed will do the trick!
Tomorrow is another day so hoping for another minor improvement. X

 

[Gillyboos]

How are you getting on Louise?

Still got this bloody painful area but ibuprofen is helping. I've got a honeycomb dressing over dissolvable stitches and I'm not sure when I'm meant to take it off, no one has mentioned it!! X