C section recovery, what actually happens?

[Bennetgirl]

I’m 8 days post c section. Cat 3 so not emergency.

My dressing was removed yesterday and has healed nicely. The pains inside have shocked me. No one has actually told me what happens when you recover and heal.

Can anyone help me with what I should be expecting and what’s normal and not?

After lying flat last night for 5 hours I was in agony getting up but am not sure if that’s ok. The pain went one I’d weed.

Thank you x

Congratulations! I’m 16 days post c section and lying flat really hurt until a couple of days ago- I think it’s the legs being stretched out which pulled on the scar. However, lying on my side wasn’t overly comfortable either as I felt everything was being pulled to one side, so the most comfortable position I found was either lying down/sitting semi upright with my legs slightly bent, sort of like a frog. Hopefully in a few days you’ll feel better, once the dressing comes off I found I went backwards with recovery a couple of days because I didn’t feel as protected.

Also make sure you’re taking it easy- I had a few days of not resting (also have a 4 year old at home) and definitely felt it. Listen to your body!

I also had, up until yesterday, some quite bad pains in the right side of my stomach, but I’ve had a few various abdominal surgeries so it may have been residual scar tissue from there. Definitely speak to your midwife who should still be visiting regularly about any pains you’re not sure about.

Thank you. I did over due it yesterday which I don’t think has helped.

The midwife in hospital told me that one side might hurt because that’s where they tie things off? Mines my right side as well for that.

I’ll try to sleep differently tonight. I’ve got mountains of pillows so will try!

After 3 natural labours this one has hit me. I just want to be able to do housework and play with my 3 year old x

Ah I know exactly how you feel- I’ve gotten teary a few times because I miss my 4 year old, you never want them to feel left out. But in no time at all you’ll be back to normal, your 3 year old won’t remember the few days you had to take it easy.

It’s very easy to feel like because you’re not in as much pain one day, you’re back to normal but I’ve learnt the hard way to not overdo it! Also, your internal stitches are bigger than the visible scar so there’s even more need to be careful.

That’s good to know about the tying off at one side, it explains the pain! It’s so worrying when you can’t pinpoint the reason why. How old are your other DC? Can they help?

I found first two weeks if I didn't get up and move around every 30min the area would seize and be really painful. It started to get better after that. I also had a lot of tightness in one corner of scar but this completely disappeared after 3/4 weeks.

I'd speak to a medical professional. I don't know if that level of pain is right. I had almost no pain at all after 3 days and was very active. It's all down to the individual.

Also, the rules about bathing/showering/driving.... the 6 week rule doesn't exist for driving. My doc said it was down to whether you can do an emergency brake properly, not number of weeks post caesarean.

Hope you feel better soon!

Are you keeping on top of your painkillers OP?

Definitely being active is going to help recovery better - I had an emergency c section for my twins and had to be up and about within 6 hours as they were taken to NICU and then moved to a hospital 40 mins away - I had to be up if I wanted to see them but definitely helped recovery - was driving within 14 days

I don't know if that level of pain is right. I had almost no pain at all after 3 days and was very active. It's all down to the individual.

I'd say it's more unusual to have no pain after 3 days of a major op & also to be very active. It's good to take the time to heal even if you feel great.

OP are you still in a lot of pain despite taking painkillers?

Thanks all. It does seem to vary massively how people recover.

I wish they’d give you more information really on what you can expect .

I Guess it’s just a case of taking each day and seeing how it goes x