Stitch post section

[ValiumQueen]

I had an ELCS 2 years ago, and due to my bodies reaction to dissolvable stitches (they do not dissolve in me) I chose to have a continuous stitch. I seem to have healed well, but the stitch was secured each end by a clip that was like a torture device, and caused a great deal of discomfort.

Has anyone had a non-dissolvable stitch that has not hurt? Has anyone had clips? I would be grateful for any stories or recommendations.

I am due to have DC3 by ELCS in six weeks, and sometimes I worry in the wee hours that my wound will pop open as baby gets bigger, especially when he is pushing down on the scar. I know that is not likely, but we can all be a bit irrational at times, especially when delivery is looming.

I had glue for my second cs and it was brilliant. No tightening like the continuous stitch and much quicker recovery.

Ooh glue! Hadn't thought of glue! Were you at all concerned about becoming unstuck?

I never thought about it as my obstetrician was so enthusiastic about it and I can see why. The scar is a fine white line after just 10 months and I had none of the numbness and hardness on the area like I did with my first CS and no overhang at all!

Thank you ajmama I will request that, although I fear with my gut, an overhang will be inevitable. I hated that numb feeling too.

What about staples? I had problems with my stitches first time and was given staples second time around. It looked a bit Frankenstein like till they removed them but has healed beautifully.

How did they feel sticky did they pull or rub at all? They were not offered as an alternative last time, but I know some units use them routinely.

Thank you for your feedback ladies.

I had a cosmetic stitch with little beads- not sure of the name of it. It's healed beautiful and all the midwives have been very impressed with it. It's practically invisible and didn't hurt at all- only had paracetamol for a couple of days after op.

I am not sure if all surgeons do this but mine cut away my old scar so I sort have had a little tuck. With the glue as well my tummy is the flattest it has been since I was a teenager.

small I thought I was signing up for beads, but they were not. Glad you healed so well.

ajmama if they took six inches off the scar it might be a good idea. I must admit I am quite taken with the glue idea.

Thank you.

They felt ok. Not better or worse than the stitches I had in first time. They took them out after a week or so, I can't remember exactly. The midwife removed them at home.

I had staples too. They were a bit stiff but I don't know if that was the CS or the staples. The midwife removed them on day 4 (I was still in hospital). Had no issues with them.

The beads are probably Prolene and beads - a running stitch with a non-absorbable suture with tiny beads on either end. It's very commonly used IME. When you're healed enough the midwife will snip one bead off and then pull the rest out. I've only seen glue used once or twice. It's worth asking about, my often surgeons will only use what they're familiar and comfortable with.

I think I would be happy to try anything other than what I had last time. They were the size of a smartie, but flat like a button, with sharp bits of plastic sticking out. I still have them in my baby box to show DD what she put me through!

I had staples as well and I hardly noticed them. I had to be careful that my waistbands didn't sit over them, and a couple of them twisted slightly but only hurt as much as a pin prick.

The nurse took them out after 6 days and it didn't hurt then either. I asked her if she was going to use a staple remover from her desk (thinking 'o how witty I am' ). Turns out it is just a sterile staple remover :o

I saw the consultant today, and she is happy for me to have individual sutures that are just tied off. Not so tidy, but I really do not care about appearance.

Thank you all for your input.