3 days post C Section. Horrendous back ache!

[SquarePancake]

I had a c section 3 days ago and was told in the pre op that the spinal doesn't cause back ache. I had a previous section 7 years ago and that was nothing compared to how much I'm struggling this time.

I was home after 24 hours and told to carry on paracetamol and ibruprofen but the pain in the incision is very intense and burning but by far the worst pain is the lower back ache that started yesterday. Its stopping me from walking and the pain is knocking me sick.

Is this typical after a section? Especially as I've had two now. How long does it last?

I'm struggling to get in and out of bed during the night to feed baby. 😣

Midwife did a urine sample which was fine so said maybe it's been caused by the spinal as the anaesthetist had to insert it a couple of times. GP also called back and asked me to come down so he could examine my back so just waiting to be seen now.

Maybe a PP was right when saying I'm having to do too much too soon and am causing my muscles to ache from overcompansating. But it's such an intense pain, I really am struggling with it so much. Going to ask GP for some stronger painkillers.

How did you get on with GP @SquarePancake ?

Did the midwife check for infection and potential retained matter op? I hope you are ok x

@AlwaysFreezing GP examined my back and said there was nothing major going on like a hernia or infection where the spinal was placed. He said its likely trauma caused by the spinal and also ligaments being weakened by hormones so prescribed cocodamol and diazepam and said it'll probably hurt for a few weeks then hopefully will resolve.

I hope so as I'm struggling it's so painful.

@Delugeafterdeluge No she didn't. I am taking baby to the clinic again tomorrow to be weighed so I can ask again about my symptoms. Just seems like everyone is putting it down as normal, but it honestly hurts so badly I can't even stand for more than a few minutes without the pain starting up again. Its making me miserable.

I’m really sorry op. This sounds so very hard, especially when you don’t have a lot of support in rl. As if things weren’t tough enough for you! I hope you can get it sorted. And that you feel much better soon.

I wish there were state funded “ghostbuster” type teams of HCPs and post partum support staff that you could dial up in circumstances such as these 💐

Have either the MW or the GP spoken to an anaesthetist? A couple of passes of a spinal needle doesn’t normally cause severe pain. If they really think it’s to do with the needle then that needs discussing with an anaesthetist to consider some of the more unusual complications. Back pain postpartum isn’t uncommon and the profound relaxation that anaesthesia causes (both GA and soinal) can make back pain worse, but if they think it relates to needle trauma rather than relaxation they need to discuss it with someone who a) can see exactly what happened in theatre and b) can think of some of the more unusual problems. HTH.

Have you checked your temperature? The first thing I thought was infection.

What you're describing isn't entirely normal. It can be normal (especially if you're having to do more than you ideally should be), but I'd be very suspicious of it.

I had a really sore back after my c section 6 months ago. Had ridiculous bruising from the spinal which needed a couple of attempts. It healed fully after a few weeks. Hope you are alright and speak to a medical professional xx