Post C Section - Painful Stomach

[kitstwins]

I had a c section a month ago. It was an emergency (foetal distress due to meconium inhalation) and fairly physical. The meconium was very heavy and sloshed into my abdominal cavity when they opened the uterus, which meant all my organs had to be taken out, cleaned and 're-packed' (apparently the meconium would have irritated/inflamed the internal organs if not cleaned out properly).

Anyhoo, one month on and I'm still not back on my feet. This is my second emergency caeasrean (another one five years ago) and I remember that by 3 1/2 to 4 weeks I suddenly felt much better and almost back to normal. I really expected the same this time as my previous section was also very physical and there were lots of post-op healing issues thrown into the mix. Basically one side of my scar is very tender - the stomach feels as if I've pulled a muscle and it's a tender, almost 'biting' pain. I can get around the house okay and get in and out of bed okay but walking any distance is a non-starter. For example, I'd struggle to walk slowly for longer than ten minutes.

Has anyone else had this and what do they suggest? My GP is shIte and will basically tell me to rest (I have a newborn and four year old twins - enough said!) and I know I can't take anti-inflammatories as I'm breastfeeding.

How long before other people felt normal again? Please no stories about how you were digging a ditch/running a half marathon after three days as that's not where I'm at. Would love some inspiration/hope that light is at the end of the tunnel and I'm not going to be crippled forever more.

Hi - gosh, really sounds like you've been through the mill :( I had an EMCS but it was no way near as traumatic as yours sounds, so I'm afraid I can't offer much advice, but did wonder why you didn't think you couldn't take anti-imflammatories? I was packed high with on tramadol, ibuprofen and paracetamol when I was discharged, and was still taking regular ibuprofen for about a fornight. I was breastfeeding, so they wouldn't have prescribed them if they affected my milk.

Hoping you're on the mend again soon

I can promise you I wasn't doing a thing 3 days after either of my cs's. I was on pain relief for over a month after my EMCS, I remember it hurt wearing jeans as they rubbed my stomach so much. Needless to say I felt pretty shite for a while . Was ok by 12 weeks IIRC.

I'd go back to my GP if I were you, use a bit of pester power to get checked out again or better pain relief.

Are you making it as easy as you can, ie: stay at home, non-stop cbeebies for your toddlers, ready meals for everyone?

Sorry you went hrough this. Hope baby is well. Have you been offered a follow up appointment with an obstetrician? Gp's are a waste of time. I would call midwife or if you were under consultant care, get hold of him. What you went through was major and so make sure you get checked out.