C section recovery

[Hazyhayz]

I just had my baby boy 5 days ago via emergency section. I stayed in hospital for a couple of days after delivery but im in even more pain now than i was then. Im keeping on top of my pain killers, but they are not doing much but making me sleepy.

I couldnt even have a shower because i was crying in pain DH had to give me a bed bath. I cant stand up and today even holding my baby was too much.

Any tips on getting through this recovery time and when does this ease up a bit?

Are you only taking codydramol? If so I'm not surprised you are in pain.

I would suggest you also take an anti inflammatory, diclofenac or ibuprofen. If you are not able to take these see a gp for something stronger.

Sorry it's so tough. Are you taking opioid based pain killers? Diclophenac (sp?) and paracetamol were enough to keep me comfortable both times without causing drowsiness. How are your bowel movements? The thing that DID cause discomfort was being constipated, are you taking an iron supplement that might case this ( as can opioid based pain relief). Drink ALOT of water. Comfort was greatly improved for me after a good poo!

Please get checked and make it totally clear to the HCP you speak with just how much pain you are in. This sounds awful op and I don’t think it can be right. I have had two c sections one (pretty messy) EMCS, the second planned and even after the emergency one I wasn’t in anything like the pain you are in. I was discharged on day 4 after the EMCS, only needed some paracetamol and ibruprofen for 3/4 days after discharge (didn’t need any painkillers at all once I got home on day 3 after the ELCS). On day 5 after the emergency section I was well enough to go to the in laws for afternoon tea (30 minutes in the car with DH driving) and was showering/changing baby etc without issue. After the ELCS I was pretty comfortable and on day 6 we hosted lunch for 8 (DH cooked).

As pp said - have you managed to poo yet? I was pretty uncomfortable both times until I had (though did manage to before leaving the hospital), it wouldn’t explain the extreme level of pain but really wouldn’t help. Hope you get the help you need

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/
This is a brilliant place to find out what drugs are actually compatable with breastfeeding. All the best op, I can't imagine how hot and sweaty it must be having a newborn in this weather.Drink more water

If I have one again I will set alarms to remind me to take pain meds and just take to my bed horizontally for a week

Although this might feel sensible, remaining immobile hampers recovery and increases the risk of clots. You really do need to get up asap and keep moving round slowly. It aids recovery no end. I was up within a couple of hours each time and did not lie in bed during the day at all. The other key thing to do is stand up straight. It feels weird but hunching and shuffling also hampers recovery.

Thanks everyone so much. You prompted DH to make a phone call to the hospital as i was getting in such a state, and they said I should have been taking ibprofen as well, which i wasnt told to at discharge. Some of you mentioned this and it has already made such a difference!

Really glad OP, hope you are on the mend now?x