Feeling weak and aching after C-section

[sarah00001]

Hi, I had an emergency C-section 4 weeks ago and I feel so weak all the time. I also ache all over, like I have the flu. I was tested for anameia and the results were fine. Has anyone else felt like this after a C section?

Thanks, Sarah

Hi sarah0001, I haven't had a c section but I have had 3 DC. I'm also a nurse.
It is very common to feel achy,sore all over and exhausted following surgery. Usually by 4 weeks symptoms should be easing, however, usually you aren't also looking after a newborn!
Are you breast feeding? Getting much (any!) rest? Do you have help? Is your wound healing well? Are you eating and drinking well?
It is easy to let looking after yourself slide in the fog of exhaustion.
After my first child-who never slept, I felt wretched. But everyone tells you you feel rubbish,right? So I plodded on. My muscles were weak, getting up took real effort,even out of a chair, I just felt really,really unwell.
Eventually I went to my lovely GP who said I'll bet anything your thyroid levels are up.
Turns out they were off the scale. Quite common after a baby. Meds sorted it out that time.
Perhaps you could mention this to your nurse or GP? Simple blood test would show if any problems.

Hi Sarah
I can definitely sympathise with you. I had 2 c sections - one emergency and one planned and felt the same way for around 6 weeks afterwards (sorry). The thing that got to me most was that the other mums I came across seemed to recover far quicker than I did . However, it didn't last forever. I agree with Jump and think you should consider mentioning this to your GP. I too had a thyroid issue after baby number 2 that was picked up (eventually) by a blood test.

It is exhausting looking after a baby and you don't get chance to rest which is what your body really needs.

Take care of yourself

I felt absolutely fine within days of my section. It might be worth speaking to a health professional - just in case.

Thank you all for your advice. I'm off to the doctors this afternoon so will discuss how I'm feeling.

123jump, I'm both breast feeding and bottle feeding. My baby's big - she weighed 9 pounds 10 at birth and is currently 10 pounds 4 and I don't produce enough milk for her, which is why she also has formula. I'm not really looking after myself very well to be honest. I live on my own and don't have much help and I tend to neglect myself. Also at night, my baby cries, feeds and poos her nappy all the time from about 11pm to 3am, so I'm constantly on the go during this time breastfeeding, bottle feeding and changing her nappy. I will try to look after myself better though.

Thank you for mentioning thyroid problems. I didn't think of that at all but will definitely get it checked. That could explain feeling feel and aching all over.

Hope you got on ok at the doctors. Sounds like you are doing a fantastic job of looking after your daughter. Try not to neglect yourself (easier said than done, I know). X

I had a c section 3 weeks ago and been feeling the same. Some days I wake up feeling fab - the next I ache, have a bad head and bad throat. I just put it down to tiredness as my little girl would be wide awake most of the night until a few days ago and had just started sleeping better so I feel better.

Hope you feel better soon

Looking after yourself better should make a difference. Make sure you have LOTS to eat andvdrinknif you are bf. I am 15 days post elcs and already notice if ibhavent eaten and drunk enough. Its not easy when you are home alone with a babyvthat feeds constantly. I got a lift to a supermarket yesterday and stocked up on fruit, snack bars, chocolate etc! Things i can have next to me in the front room and eat while feeding.