Recovering from ELCS. Have I overdone it?

[Ipanema]

I had an ELCS 5 weeks ago and have had a relatively smooth recovery with wound healing well, etc. (I had an EMCS with DD1).

After feeling much better (stronger and fitter) this last week, I got quite active on Friday, taking care of my toddler and sorting things out in the house. Yesterday I started feeling uncomfortable, with some swelling at one end of the scar and some internal pain from time to time.

I have overdone it, right?

Did you have a similar experience? how long did it take for pain/swelling to go away again?

Please reassure me I have not messed up too badly... I'm all despondent now thinking I've gone back to 'square two'. Thanks.

I'm sure you haven't. At 5 days yes, at 5 weeks no.

I know everyone is different but at 6 weeks last time I was horse-riding and at 6 days (today) I could do what you've described above (albeit slowly!).

Thanks for your reply AlpinePony, it makes sense what you write regarding timings. I hope the pain subsides soon.

And by the way, all the best with your ongoing recovery too!

Different people recover at different speeds - and without knowing what 'quite active' means for you, and also what your overall health/fitness is like, it's impossible to say much sensible, I'm afraid. Apart from the obvious, which is if your scar is sore or you are getting new pains, then it could be an infection so you are best off going to the GP.

I recovered very quickly from my ELCS, but I was very fit beforehand and had no medical issues (also no other DC's to knacker me out).

If you have suddenly done a lot of lifting or spent a lot of time doing something you just haven't done for a while, then you will probably feel unusually sore. And would even if you hadn't had a CS. I'm wondering what 'sorting things out in the house' means - that sounds a bit more effortful than light housework - if you've embarked on a mammoth cupboard or wardrobe clean out at the same time as carrying a toddler around a lot, then if nothing else, you've suddenly put a lot of strain on your stomach muscles and will notice it.

I felt great 2 weeks post section , did loads around the house and the next day I had a swelling at one side which hurt . Went to the doctors the next day and it was as infected hemtomoa . Was on strong antibiotics and took it easy , and it cleared up ,.however at 10 weeks post , I'm still getting a cutting pain when I go out walking , so darent do anything more energetic yet .

I think if your scar is playing up then you've probably overdone it a bit. Just slow down for a couple of days and let it settle down.

If mine twinged I used to take it as a sign to be careful. It all heals in the end, but you can set yourself back if you do something silly.

All good points, thanks so much for sharing your experiences.

fruitybread - my general health/fitness is good and have no medical issues. But while I am usually fit, I haven't done any proper energetic work for the past couple of months, hence my enthusiasm (more nesting urge!) in getting back to doing some brisk housework the other day. It involved tidying up and lots of bending and lifting in addition to carrying toddler around. Obviously not a good idea.

Good to read about your experience ArticRain, I'll keep an eye on the swelling and go to see the GP is it has not gone down shortly.

Slowing down this weekend Meglet, that's definitely been a call.

Off to have a cuppa.