Help! C section dressing stuck to pubes

[TanishaKeys]

Hi, hoping someone can help!

Had an emergency c section a week ago. They put a waterproof dressing over the stitches. I wasn't shaved before the op as I would have thought is usual but it was a life or death situation at the time so I'm guessing there wasn't time.

A community midwife changed the dressing the other day and basically had to rip all my pubes out right next to the scar as it was the only way to get the dressing off. She turned up before I had the chance to take my morning painkillers so it was really painful and still smarts a couple of days later. She assured me the dressing she was putting on was much smaller so the same thing wouldn't happen again. After she'd gone I looked and she'd totally lied, the new dressing is stuck fast right across my pubes. The adhesive part is transparent so I can see how much hair is under there. It's completely stuck to the skin so no possibility of cutting the hair.

I'm due to have this one taken off on Friday. Really don't want another wax so wondering if anyone can suggest ways to get this off myself before the appointment without taking all my hair with it. Can I soak it off or is that bad for the wound? Would some sort of oil help? And can I refuse to have another dressing applied or is it really necessary?

Thanks in advance!

Could you not put some warm water over the dressing but not touching your scar .. it might make it easier to pull off

Warm bath, pour some olive oil over the plaster sticky bit.
It's how I got mine off both times. I use it on all plasters

Yes wash it off in the bath or shower - doesn’t need another dressing unless it’s weepy - ouch

Nail polish remover lifts that kind of adhesive but, having had two sections myself, you obviously don’t want any near your scar! I’d probably dose up on pain killers and go with the waxing to be honest. It’s unlikely another dressing will be applied. Good luck

Id try the warm water for the base of the dressing and once its loosened then snip the hairs!

Sit in a warm, unperfumed bath. Should come off fairly easily.

I highly recommend olive oil or argon oil. That's how I got mine off.

Ouch, you poor thing.

I had mine removed in hospital- they tell you to get the dressing wet in the shower and itll come off easier

I was told I could remove my own in the bath/shower if I preferred. I’d try that, gotta hurt less than a midwife waxing

I used coconut oil on cotton wool to get mine off. Worked perfectly, no pain. If you take your time with it the oil obviously becomes more lubricant as it melts and it's perfect for getting it off. I also used loads. Pick up a big tub in Morrisons for £3

Ugh I winced. You poor thing. I had no dressing after day 2! Was just told to wear giant knickers that covered the wound to avoid irritation.

I think I’d get a sponge and warm water and sit soaking it for an hour or two in front of the TV (sitting on a towel!) and try and peel slowly. Try not to get the scar too wet. I was told absolutely no soaking in a bath as it would impede healing.

Thank you all, will try the oil and gentle sponging. They tucked two dressings into my notes so think they're expecting to put another one on but I'll just refuse as it seems it's not essential.

Soak it off. You shouldn't need another one putting on in its place unless there's an issue.

Ouch!