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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Emergency c-section - how long did your recovery take?

34 replies

Nickname1980 · 28/10/2016 21:52

I've just had one, the scar is so painful and bruised!

How long does recovery take? I can't even stand up on my own at the moment!

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ThinkPinkStink · 07/11/2016 11:10

Hey all,

I'm now 20 days pp - the small girl child and I are getting to know each other, so far I've learned that she is a delight, except in the wee small hours when she is a shouty little beasty.

I've been pretty worried about the section incision, I've shown it to every medical
professional who'll have a look (4 midwives and a doctor in the last 20 days) all during legitimate visits, don't worry I'm not pillaging NHS resources.

It's gone through a few phases, including a slightly weepy phase, everyone who's seen it says it looks good. But today I can see there are a couple of little openings on the right hand side and they are weeping a bit more, and the fluid is a bit bloody.

It smells a bit gross (not poisonous, just a bit bloody, like AF or lochia), but it doesn't hurt.

I am washing it once daily with very mild soap, drying a few times a day and spraying with diluted tea tree oil when the wound feels right and sore (not specific to this area).

Our frenemy friend Dr Google suggests all is fine... Does anyone have any experience of the same?

Thanks in advance!!

oldlaundbooth · 07/11/2016 16:58

Having a section is a similar surgical procedure to having a hysterectomy, would you want visitors the same day after that?

I had a section and we had visitors the day after and even that was a bit much.

oldlaundbooth · 07/11/2016 16:58

Sorry wrong thread

Nickname1980 · 08/11/2016 09:57

thinkpink, if it has an aroma, I think definitely go to your GP and show it again. Or can you ring the ward that discharged you? When I was worried, that's what I did and they said I could come in and see them. They were good actually.

I do remember being told not to wash with soap, but don't know how long to do that for! (12 days in, I'm still washing it with cooled boiled water and a muslin cloth,.)

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ThinkPinkStink · 08/11/2016 17:42

Thanks Nickname I know you're right, I have a doc appt for 09:30 tomorrow.

And omg you are so much better than me with your cooled boiling water and muslin!! I've been whooshing it with a warm shower and baby soap...

Nickname1980 · 08/11/2016 19:11

I got seriously paranoid, thinkpink! I don't know why! But it must have gotten the odd splash of soap when I had a shower each morning anyway!

Having said that, the midwife came today and I asked her, and she said it's ok to put mild soap on it now so you didn't do wrong!

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Nickname1980 · 08/11/2016 19:12

Good luck tomorrow xxx

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ThinkPinkStink · 11/11/2016 16:03

Thanks Nickname the doc swabbed me and has sent swab off for testing. Results due Monday.

He said that if he had to guess he'd guess it was inflamed but not infected. He prescribed super antibiotics in case: a) I get a fever, pus, swelling etc. or b) the results are positive.

All in all, just waiting - bit uncomfortable - but I'm pretty sure that on/off aches, pulls, tightness and twinges are very normal at three weeks pp, I'm just hoping that the swab is given the all clear, and the little gaps close up!

DesignedForLife · 14/11/2016 21:34

I had one 10 weeks ago, feel fine now so long as I don't do extended heavy lifting, can just push supermarket trolley for full shop now.

First couple of days was hell, felt better after a week, turned a corner at 4 weeks and felt pretty human then. But also had seriously major blood loss and general anaesthetic so slower recovery than some.

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