Why did they stop providing pain killers?

[ajja2021]

I'm just wondering if anyone has any insight on this, I had a ELCS in 2019. Relatively straight forward, larger incision due to larger baby and some staples instead of dissolvable due to the size of the wound.

I had pain relief on the ward and was discharged within 24 hours and told to buy Paracetamol and ibuprofen, I was refused codeine because I was breastfeeding.

This led to me being in agony, I really struggled and I genuinely believe this impacted hugely on my initial bond with DS and my breastfeeding experience. I was horrendously depressed and it was just a horrible time.

I had another ELCS less than 22 months later, I was given plenty of pain relief on the ward and was given various pain relief to take home (paracetamol, naproxen, dihydracodeine, diclafenic) and I was breastfeeding this time too.

I asked the nurse, she said the trust decided to not give any pain relief for elective section patients for a year and she didn't know why.

I know some women are great and can be up and doing the school run within days, but first time around I genuinely couldn't move for being in unbearable agony. I also didn't want to be high as a kite in my first few days of
Motherhood but the painkillers made such a difference, particularly in the first 36 hours.

I had such a positive experience second time around and I can't understand why the trust would stop giving pain relief? I've had dental surgery and been given more pain relief than after my first csection.

Has anyone been through similar?

I had a straightforward vaginal delivery and was given pain medication whenever I asked for it, was offered codeine as well (I am breastfeeding) but said paracetamol would be fine. I was in hospital for 5 days though due to DS2 having an infection.

That really is quite scary to read. If I was going into hospital for an operation I'd make sure I'd stocked up with adequate painkillers at home first and might take some in, in my handbag, in case I didn't have sufficient analgesia prescribed. You can buy most things online if you search hard enough and you don't have to use them if you don't need them. There is a sense of security about having a few drugs in the cupboard. You have to do what you have to do at the time - but you shouldn't have to.

It's scandalous that patients are allowed to be in severe pain. Most of us can cope with some.

I'm glad your second C-section experience was better, op, congratulations. I am in awe of you going through that again in less than two years, you're a stoic.

It costs the Nhs a lot more than it costs us to buy otc meds hence why nearly all CCG’s stopped allowing hospitals and gps to prescribe medication you can buy.

Also in the north west and had an ELCS in late 2018. I was put on an “enhanced recovery schedule” (ie. get you out quickly because we need the bed). I spent less than 24h on the ward post section and received no pain relief. We were advised at my pre-op to bring our own in. Did get a teeny bottle of oramorph to take home though.