Still in pain 5 weeks after EMCS

[Mmmmcheese]

I thought I was recovering quite well after my EMCS, had been taking it easy, no lifting and going on short slow walks and felt fine. Lochia stopped as well. But in the past week the pain has returned and I feel really sore and bruised and get the odd stabbing pain at the incision site. Lochia also started again.

I have had a cough - could this have strained or damaged the area? Don't see any point going to GP as they will just look at incision, say its fine and to rest. Is it normal to still be in pain at this stage?

Week five was the worst for me - I don't know why?

Perhaps the internal stiches were starting to disolve and my stomach muscles were having to do more work. I also caught a cold, felt like crap and my lochia was on and off.

I'm now 11 weeks on and still get the odd stabbing pain and am not entirely back to normal. I did some DIY last week and I needed to take a couple of painkillers in the evening because I was sore, I think it's normal to feel some pain for quite a while.

Take it easy.

Is your lochia offensive? Do you feel unwell/flu-like etc?
If answers to both are 'no' then you're probably just doing too much. If 'yes' then please see GP or ring the Labour Ward for advice.
You should have 6 week check with GP and this is perfect chance to iron these worries out.
CS is abdominal surgery at a very difficult time in your life, it takes time & rest to heal....both of which in very short supply with a neonate.

Thanks very much, think I just need to do less - but how is that possible with a toddler to look after? I still need to lift him in and out of his cot and high chair and he is heavy!

Lochia not offensive and although I do feel unwell it is a cough/cold/ blocked sinuses.

Reassuring to know I'm not the only one to feel like this!

I was still uncomfortable 5 weeks post EMCS. It's hard going.

Do the bare minimum, don't go out unless you have to. Have some pj days and lots of cbeebies while you heal up.