Painkillers after section

[Disneyisthebest]

Hi,

I'm due to have my 3rd section in about 3.5 weeks time. The first one the pain wasn't too bad but the last time the pain was horrendous for quite a while after. This section is going to be in a different hospital to the last two (totally different area of the country) but with the last two the only painkillers the hospital would give me were paracetamol and ibuprofen - and although it wasn't too bad the first time round, the second section was awful and I can't even describe the agony I was in.

So this time I'm planning on taking in my own painkillers just incase this hospital is the same - I have asked but told that will be discussed once I'm admitted so obviously want to be prepared.

I'll be taking paracetamol and ibuprofen obviously and my GP has agreed to prescribe some codeine (although I know this will cause constipation so I'm planning on taking lactulose to even this out). Is there anything else I can buy myself that I can take? Keeping on top of the pain is my main priority so what would you suggest should be the schedule of taking the tablets since only allowed 3 doses of ibuprofen and 4 of paracetamol and 4 of codeine within 24 hours? Should I be taking one dose (of one of these) every 2 hours?

Sorry for rambling but really don't want the same pain as last time!

I can't believe that's all they offer after major surgery...bloody outrageous! It makes me so angry how women are meant to just suck it up pain wise in relation to childbirth 😡

I had diclofenac, codeine and oramorph after my c section, my hospital was great to be fair

Is there no room for manoeuvre with regards to pain relief options if you saw a consultant?

I do see a consultant but he won't say one way or another what I'll be offered and just says whoever is on duty on the day will discuss it with me.

I'm not sure if it is likely I'll be offered more than in my previous sections since its at a different hospital and many people say they were offered more but I want to be prepared.

Do you know if those painkillers you mentioned can be obtained without a prescription?

I had an ELCS on Tuesday and at hospital was given paracetamol, ibuprofen and oramorph . The oramorph I could have every two hours! I found it brilliant for the pain . I came home on Thursday and was given a prescription for two days' worth of oramorph at home.
However I am now very constipated . I think all the opiates cause this (codeine, oramorph ). So I stopped my oramorph yesterday and have taken lots of fybogel and senna in the hope of getting things moving again!
So you may be offered oramorph in hospital, if you are dont take your codeine as well! (Not just because of constipation- because I think they are too similar).

Press for better pain relief if you need it. Don't be shy about it , they won't know unless you ask.
My sister is a paramedic and she laughs that women always underestimate their pain level on the 0-10 scale eg really bad injuries "well maybe a 5" and men always say 10 even for little things!!

Please don't worry- just keep pressing your buzzer if you're still in pain.
I found that they "forgot" drugs rounds if I didn't buzz, so keep a note on your phone what you had & when. It's hard to keep track of otherwise
Kxx

Can you take the painkillers after a c section if you’re breast feeding?

Both times I've had csections I have been given tramadol. If you are in pain, nag until they give you painkillers. I wasn't allowed to take it home, but only needed it the first day or so. Codeine isn't compatible with breastfeeding as far as I am aware.

I wasn't given anything at all! I was on a drip that I thought was a painkiller - turns out it was just saline. By the time I found out I was in a lot of pain and was only given paracetamol. I got my husband to sneak in some ibuprofen! I would insist on getting pain relief sorted out before as it's not something you can deal with easily afterwards.

I was in significant aim after EMCS and thought I had an infection. I was told to discharge myself and see any GP for pain relief. After 24 hours of this I kicked off and asked for the matron of midwives, I instantly saw a dr who was pissed off with what had happened but the ward rules meant she could not prescribe much more. I was given oral diclofenic and told I had no infection.

I was readmitted as my infection had developed into sepsis.

Codeine is contra indicated for bf mums which might be worth baring in mind. You can however have oramorph and tramadol. They cannot leave you in pain op so don't be afraid to insist

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the standard regular drugs that you get at set times throughout the day. Every hospital that I have ever worked in as a midwife also has a separate section on the drug chart where you are prescribed stronger meds should you require them...you have to request these though as and when you need them. These are often things like morphine, tramadol, oramorph etc. They aren't given out as regular meds as not everyone needs them and it's better for you and baby to not have them if you don't need them....obviously if you need them, take them!