I have had 3 sections, 1 emergency and 2 elective. My first was traumatic as I was in labour for days and virtually had his head out, I even had an episiotomy! Then they wanted to dislocate his shoulder to deliver him, all hell broke lose and I was put to sleep and delivered. With him recovery was slow, but I think that was because of the shock of what had happened, the grueling labour etc.
Next 2 were planned and lovely experiences with good recovery.
After having the third I did get numbness in my scar, but only my scar but nothing that ever bothers me. That has also faded with time (12 years ago now) and tbh it really hasn't affected me at all for years. Yes I have a little overhang above the scar, I am a size 14 normally so am curvy/podgy anyway so a little overhang has no effect on me lol. I have always tended to wear "bigger" knickers as well, not huge granny efforts, just not the tiny ones because they do tend to end up on top of your scar and it isn't painful, just bothersome.
I think the main thing is with section recovery, don't do to much. You think your fine and crack on with housework, walking to far etc then when you are in serious pain you realise your not as recovered as you like to think. I also found myself holding my scar for weeks and weeks after everytime I coughed or sneezed as it can jolt and be painful.
Overall I really wouldn't worry about recovery, like I said I have had 3, soon having number 4 and I am fine. Yes I have a slight overhang, but it isn't really noticeable (even in a swimsuit!). Women are always there own worst enemy when looking in the mirror anyway, so most would see a huge flap drooping a foot below your stomach but really it isn't major and not monstrous! lol
The main problem I remember was numbness in my bladder, like no sensation to have a wee, and that lasted about a year with my third! I was told my bladder wall had fused with my abdomen wall during section number 2 and when I had number 3 they had to cut it away which resulted in some loss of feeling. It was weird never feeling, never needing a wee, but because I was aware I just made sure I always popped to the toilet regular to avoid any accidents lol.
I doubt that will happen to you as my bladder problem was due to repeated c sections (scar tissue), certainly not my first.
I honestly think it's not bad at all. I'm not promoting c sections but even if I had a choice I would rather have a section than a natural labour (my family has a history of pelvis problems and my Nan actually died whilst in labour with my Mom due to this so natural labour isn't an option for me). I have watched to many "one born every minute" and the majority of the time it doesn't promote happy labours lol! Looks scary to me and I'm happy the way I'm built haha
I'm sure you'll recover fine!
xxx
congrats . I had section 13 months ago and was up back to normal in 3 weeks. Keep scar clean and dry honey. My scar is numb now but not belly just literally the scar. Still gets irritated by any clothing sitting on it though. It's not the most pleasant experience but u will feel normal again promise x
