C section infection /overhang

[Kaceywd]

Hi mummas,

I had a c section 4 weeks ago. In the hospital I pulled some stitches on one side (about and inch) but the midwifes said its alright just to wash it and let it airdry.

Well, ds never sleeps and feeds and cries constantly so I'm always sweaty (tmi sorry) bouncing him and carrying him and I find it very hard to let it airdry for long (if I have 20 minutes of ds sleeping Id really prefer to sleep as well.
That combined with the lovely overhang gave me an infection that took forever to get diagnosed (midwife and hv kept saying its fine even though its smelly and oozing)

I'm on antibiotics now (prescribed from a phone consultation so no idea if theyre the right ones) and I'm still trying my best to keep it clean and dry.

Anything else I can try? I saw older threads suggesting butterfly strips on the little holes from the pulled stitches, is that a good idea? Any other suggestions?

And while we're on it, what did you do to keep the overhang away from the scar? I tried a binder but it didn't lift it up just pressed it down more.
Thanks in advance :)

I placed maternity pads or dry cotton cloths against the scar and used those lovely granny pants to keep them in place. Then just changed/washed them as often as necessary. It did actually work!

Sanitary pad up against the scar changed regularly and if the antibiotics aren't helping after a couple if days request a drs appt

Sympathies OP, that’s not fun at all.

I had quite a bad infection in my c section scar. My public health nurse (Ireland’s equivalent of HVs) was brilliant and dressed it every second day with a medical pad which had silver in it (am sure it has a proper medical name). I was on fairly strong antibiotics as well but it still took around 10 days for it to heal properly.

My GP recommended a sterile dressing until the incision stopped oozing when I got an infection. After that I would try to air it out twice a day and then I discovered mildly medicated talcum powder - dab some on after a shower and throughout the day if sweaty. Totally got rid of the sweat rash and kept everything dry and fresh. Not had a problem since.

Thank you all for your replies.
I just washed and put a maternity pad on it (held by the overhang 😭)

Regarding the dressings, how often should I change them? I searched for the silver ones but I don't know if I found the right ones, I found normal 10x20 cm dressings though but I don't know how many to get.

Ouch! I used a C section binder belt & back support. I loved it! Very squeamish and hated it flopping about. I also let the air get to it, not sunbathing it but as much air as possible. If i was sat/lying down I’d have it uncovered.
Washed briefly, dried with hair dryer- cool setting, then covered.

Hair dryers are fab at harbouring germs - warm, dark caves. You don't want to direct them at an already infected wound.

I used a maternity towel and some antibiotic powder from the midwife.

I changed mine in the morning and evening. Mine stopped oozing pretty quickly after the antibiotics kicked in. I think I used maybe 5 or 6 dressings and then it seemed a lot better so I just used the mildly medicated talc at that point and kept an eye on it.

Thank you all for the great advice! It's sad how we have to rely on peer experience sometimes instead of med professionals. I hope it finally gets better cause it has been bringing me down a lot.

Update

I'm a bit worried. I washed dried and air dried the wound and dressed it last night, but when I took the dressing off today the little holes /sores were bleeding. After shower the bleeding stopped but I don't know if I should dress it again or not. Any advice?

You need to use a dressing that has a ‘shiny’ side such as melolin as the towels will be sticking to it. You could always add Inadine first which will dry up the wound (not if you are allergic to iodine). You can buy both in chemists.

def dress it- that is likely the infection making its way out of your body. I sympathise! Had DD 6 months ago and it took 7 weeks of antibiotics to get rid of my very nasty c sect infection. I showered twice a day, fresh dressing, used betadine after the shower. oozed more just before the hole closed. gross I know!
x

@superram it has a shiny side, I think the sticky part was too close to the end of the incision and when I pulled it off it pulled the incision a bit (at least I hope that did it)

If you don't think its drying up I would ask your gps if you can have it dressed by a nurse. When it comes to wounds they know their stuff and will be able to recommend a suitable dressing and if worth it order you some on prescription.

What I used to do op was lie on my back after a shower and let the air dry it (time permitting of course). In a hurry I would use the hair dryer... never made it any worse...

@twistiesandshout did betadine burn? I would try anything right now to be honest

Not at all but the wound and surround is all numb 😬

All around my csection scar area is still numb now and my youngest son will be 7 in January. Must be due to 5 sections I guess

Same here. The right hand side of my scar has been totally numb ever since. DS is a healthy almost-12 year old now!

Is there anyone else there? You've had major abdominal surgery. Walking carrying baby bouncing will not be good for healing.

I am 12 weeks PP
took me 4 lots of 2 different types of antibiotics to get rid of my infection it's really tough op
I tried to air dry even if only got a few minute
I put a breast pad ion the area and biiig knickers

Hi ladies,

To update:

It has stopped oozing but the wounds are still open and bleeding. I have antibiotics for two more days and I think I will ask for more. I do feel better but I don't know how to close the little wounds/sores that don't seem to heal at all :(

Also, thank you all for your replies and messages x

Are they were the stitches were or the actual section?

Talk to the doc. Get a video thing.

Are you taking it easy? Do you have help? You have had major abdominal surgery. Don't forget that.

@nicegerbil they seem to be between stitches (how if you sew something and pull it you get little gaps)

I will try to be seen by someone I take photos every day and other than no oozing there's no more progress

Dh helps a lot on his days off but when he works he really can't (night shifts and needs to drive)

My DH is a shiftworker too.

Are you doing stuff though? Like, anything? I mean apart from limping around with the baby? You should not be carrying anything. No washing, no moses basket, no nothing.

You need to heal.

Assuming you're doing that.

Please don't poke the cut or stitches! Imagine if you broke your leg, you wouldn't toy with it. You need to heal. It does weep etc. You're 4 weeks in. 6 weeks to heal.

Try and have a video appt. And treat your cut like you had it in your head. Leave it alone :) let it knit back together.