Recovery from C SECTION...scar questions

[pucca]

I had a section 4 weeks ago, and i had dissolvable stitches, i still have a few in, should these not be there now?/will they need to come out?

My scar did heal fine but now feels a little sore, especially where these leftover stitches are, also my scar is a little smelly (not really offensive but definately has "a smell" to it) should i go to GP? i have been cleaning it regularily with cool boiled water but doesn't seem to be helping. I stupidly pulled one of the stitches and now have a small red patch.

Also wanted to ask about the post bleeding, i am still "Bleeding" but it isn't blood it is a yellowy discharge now, is this normal? this also has a slight smell to it.

TIA

[MoreTeaAnyone]

I would get yourself check out in case it's an infection. Always safer.

[Mum2FunkyDude]

Hi Pucca

Your lochia is fine...expect it to go on for a while still.

The scar sounds like mine, I had what they called local infection meaning, not in the wound it self just on the scar. You can get rid of it by applying an antiseptic. I used "betadine paint" and alo make sure it is dry after every wash. Secondly you'll have to get the stitches out, my gp offered to do it for me, but I did it myself with a little handheld mirror and a tweezer. Look for anyh knots and cut underneath them, then gently pull untill you feel them move. Do not pull to hard as you might cause a little bleeding under the skin, like yours.

I was told to remove my stitches after one week.

HTH!!!

[noonar]

hi pucca, i can't remeber exact timings for healing after my 2 c sections, but my dr did give me permission after 4 weeks to drive, so i must have healed pretty well by then. the smell does rather suggest a slight infection. you'll be checked out at your 6 week check anyway, but i wouldn't hesitate to make an appointment before then, if you're worried.good luck!
ps salt water bathing might help.

[pucca]

Thanks for all the replies

Have just had a look, and it definately is where the stitches are left in, just had a go at pulling one but it really hurt! scar still feels quite tender when i touch it too.

I have a horrible over hang and obviously my scar sits under it (gross!!)it never seems to be dry iykwim.

[sugarfree]

Can you get a sterile dressing pad on your scar and wear some close fitting pants to hold it in place ?Keeps the 'overhang' apart.Failing that a clean old fashioned sanitary towel.Lift the overhang,put pad in place,pants on.
Don't forget to allow some air to it to though.
Sure youve got plenty of time at the moment to lounge about with your scar airing.

[sugarfree]

That's an 'as well as' measure.Get yourself to Gp on monday.

[multitasker]

Get it checked out asap, my s-in-law had a nasty infection and it took a while to heal. Dont be tempted to do anything more than clean it.
Ps Three years after my third section I can tell you that overhang is hear to stay he he he...

[Sunnysideup]

my mum made me have salty baths after my section. It didn't sting at all and it certainly seemed to help the soreness...vital as my overhang also meant the scar was damp all the time.

My overhang was so big I had no problem using a sanitary towel under there to get it dry!

If I were you I would get HV or DR to have a look at it though, just to reassure.

[honeybunny]

Overhangs can def slow healing because of the increased moisture around. I used to massage my scar with dilute lavender oil... a good natural antiseptic. And dont give up on the overhang, I dont have one even after my 3rd CS.

I had loss for over 6weeks, red blood intially then more browny-yellow, but no smell. If there is an obvious smell, I'd be concerned about infection. Get it checked asap.

[chubbleigh]

Get it checked out. My scar felt a bit odd to me, I asked mw to check it and she said it looked fine, a few days later it really flared up. If you feel at all unwell in yourself that is a sign that there is infection there. GP said he wanted me to stop breastfeeding so he could give me strong antibiotics, I bust into tears and said there is NO WAY I am stopping! It was the only thing that had gone according to plan. He had a read of his drug formula books and found one I could take.
If you think there is any change at all that you have got infectioin don't delay in going to doctors, having an infection now will really sap your strength when you need it the most.

[arfur]

Really feel for you pucca I agree with everyone else tho that to be safe you should get yourself down drs on monday. My midwife advised short baths (no longer that 10 mins at a time) with about 6 drops of lavender and 6 of tea-tree oil in the water. Really helped me. I had a similar issue with my stiches on one side where because of the infection a knot got stuck under the skin and didnt dissolve so became a viscious circle of infection and I was left with a worse scar on one side than the other because of it so I would definitely ask dr to have a look and get them to remove whatever stiches they feel necessary. I also used sanitary pads on the area as I am allergic to plaster so couldnt have normal dressings. HTH. Wishing you a speedy recovery

[pucca]

Thanks everyone.

I decided to go to emergency GP and i have an infection both inside (womb) and in my scar. So i am on antibiotic cream to put on the scar, and tablets to sort out inside too.

Thankyou for all the advice.

The sod's law is, my dh has been off work to help me for 4 weeks (thinking i would need the help), and is due to go back on Monday...and i have my ds (4 weeks) and dd (2.7YO) nevermind lol.

[pucca]

Forgot to add, the GP pulled out the 2 (what he thought was loose) stitches and it bloody hurt like hell! felt my skin rip, and i am not normally a softy!

[kamsmum]

Poor you!!
I had problems with wound infections after both my sections. It really is the last thing you need when you have a newborn.
You probably feel like crap but keep your chin up!!! I was much better by 6 weeks. Now 17 weeks and I am fine.
Take care.

[arfur]

Glad youve got it checked out, you poor thing, things will improve quickly now with the antibiotics so keep your chin up, you are doing really well under the circumstances

[chubbleigh]

Pucca, another thing, if you feel that things are getting worse and that the antibiotics are not working go back to docs straight away. Hope you are getting lots of rest and help with the baby.

[Bucketsofdinosaurs]

Daft question here but what do people mean by overhang? Is it some thing to do with the scar itself or do you just mean your tummies ? I've had 2 CSecs and haven't found anything I'd call an overhang so I'm bewildered!

[Mum2FunkyDude]

Hi Pucca, I'm glad you're sorted out now. I used to dry my scar with a hairdryer after each bath!!!!

[pucca]

Thanks everyone who replied

Buckets...Yes it means the tummy , well that is what i meant anyway! lol.

[pucca]

I can't believe it but my scar/cut is still bleeding slightly when i clean it to put my AB cream on, is this normal to not have healed after 5 weeks? it isn't sore but as i said when i clean the area i end up with a smear of blood.

Anyone else the same? or have any experience of this?

Thanks

[pucca]

bump

[pucca]

bump again

[ProfYaffle]

Mine didn't bleed like that at 5 weeks but I would guess yours is taking longer due to the infection?