I wanted to share my experience as i was terrified before mine so wanted to give people my views ! Feel free to ask any questions but here are main points I think are important-
- I had an elcs for anxiety- PUSH for it if you want it. I did and I don't regret it one bit
- I developed pre- eclampsia which resulted in my c section being moved from 39+ 6 to 38 weeks.. So don't think cause you have a date set that's it.. I only finished work 4 days before! Babys have a mind of their own!
- the procedure is fine- no pain at all other than the spinal going in, but it wasn't unbearable. I had the screen up for mine - the noises put me off viewing what was going on
- I was wheeled back to the ward at 12.30pm after my 11am c section - then plenty of cuddles with baby and felt fine for visiting time at 3.30
- midwives changing a sanitary towel for those first 24 hours .. URGH. I hated that part but it had to be done
- next morning at 9am I asked for my catheter to be removed, they removed it and the midwives helped me out of bed so I could go shower
- if I'm honest the pain I felt when I first stood up was unbearable. My stomach burned and I felt like I was about to rip in half. That burning sensation got better with every time I got up and stood up straight - but be prepared for the pain because I wasnt
- affer that first time getting up every day I felt better. I left the hospital after 2 nights on the wednesday. The first few days I was sore- but it wasn't unbearable just keep on top of pain meds.
- a week after op I was out with pram, still only little walks but abit each day made me feel better
- it was 3 weeks yesterday since my op- I have spent a day Christmas shopping, numerous meals out and I walk with the pram every day. My scar still twinges when I sneeze or cough or twist in a weird way.. But honestly no where near the sort of recovery time I thought it would be. My friend had a 10lb baby naturally the week before and she's still in a worse state than me !
After about 9 days I stopped all pain releif... Honestly the best experience of my life apart from that first time getting out of bed ! Also i took arnica tablets and peppermint oil capsules everyday which I think helped and I expeirenced no trapped wind!
Happy to ask any questions if anyone wants to know anything inparticular!