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Pregnancy

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Original poster

worried about 2nd c-section recovery - scar tissue etc...

11 replies

lionlion · 14/03/2013 19:05

Hi, after an emergency c-s, am now booked in for an elective in a few weeks. I recovered well first time (though after 22 hours labour was pretty mental experience). I'm now worried that 'going in again' will mean risk of scar tissue problems like when it glues itself to organs or scar infection. I'm very lucky that my daughter will be at school so won't have to run around after her as I recover and we have a cleaner. I'm slim and fit (though 38) - does that make a difference I don't know. Anyway - I guess I'm asking if people who've had similar experience have found recovery second time round ok? Thanks for reading...

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CareerGirl01 · 14/03/2013 19:13

Will watch this thread, I'm having an ELCS in seven weeks (I was going to try for a VBAC but looks like I'll have to abandon that after I bled and had to spend the night in hospital the other week) - and was wondering what recovery was like with an elective. My DD1 was born via EMCS, 36 hour labour and failed ventouse and forceps (so was knackered like you probably were).

Areyoumadorisitme · 14/03/2013 19:19

I had an emergency section under general anaesthetic first time after a long labour and forceps and had a really long recovery (think still holding your stomach when you sneeze after 12 months) so was really really anti having a second section and wanted a vbac.

Ds2 didn't comply though and I had an elective at 42+2 as they wouldn't induce.

The experience was totally different and the recovery was so much better. My scar was the same as before as they remove the old scar tissue when they sew you up. Also being planned meant I hadn't done the whole labour thing first and I was in a lot better condition to have an operation.

I never imagined a section could be a pleasant experience and it was so much better than I expected second time round. I am sure you will be absolutely fine .

Areyoumadorisitme · 14/03/2013 19:20

Oh, my scar infected both times but the second one healed quicker.

peanutMD · 14/03/2013 19:33

I had an ELCS 9 days ago after having an EMCS 6 years ago and I have to say so far it is slightly more painful but nothing major.

They cut through the same tissue to minimize scarring and its healing fine.

I wasn't as active when out if hospital so quickly this time but today I managed to walk a mile which was slightly uncomfortable but managable.

Beatrixpotty · 14/03/2013 19:35

I've just had my 3rd ELCS.The procedure itself was complicated by a placental haemorrhage but so far the recovery has been better .1st section,recovery was quick,2nd one,much more painful,could not walk until day 3,this time,pain much better and walking on Day 2.Will be taking it v easy for the next 2-3 weeks.I think I overdid things after the second one which did not help the scar to heal and might have made it more susceptible to infection.I think with any section,take it easy in the following couple of weeks and give things a chance to heal..easy to plan if it is not an emergency even if you have another little one to look after.

Jojo3973 · 14/03/2013 19:38

I had emergency section first time and planned with my second. No problems at all. I probably didn't rest as much second time due to having a toddler to look after, but I was fine. Am sure you will be too. Only surprise was they had to use forceps to get my ds out, I didn't think that was ever necessary with sections but there you go!

ISingSoprano · 14/03/2013 19:39

I had emergency CS first time around after a very long and troublesome labour and recovery was equally long and troublesome. However, 2nd time around I had an elective section which was a breeze by comparison to the first.

noblegiraffe · 14/03/2013 19:49

I had an EMCS first time around and an ELCS a few weeks ago. With the EMCS I felt bloody awful for around 6 weeks, needed painkillers for 3 weeks, and couldn't hold my baby for very long at a time due to pain and general weakness.
After my ELCS I was itching to get out of bed the minute the epidural wore off. I was up and pottering around perfectly happily after less than 24 hours, first time I just wanted to stay in bed. I stopped taking painkillers after 2-3 days when I realised I kept forgetting them.
The difference in recovery was astonishing. After 7 weeks I keep forgetting I had surgery, my scar doesn't even register any more.

Original poster

lionlion · 14/03/2013 21:10

Thanks so mucch for taking the time to respond. I guess the general vibe is to try to take it easy. I'm not very good at that but will instruct husband to do more and me less at least for first few weeks. Any other tips?

OP posts:

Squiglettsmummy2bx · 14/03/2013 21:22

I had my 3rd cs last year feb. I recovered ok but did spilt my stitches carrying too much shopping home when DS was 6 weeks old so definitely try & take it easy. Other than that it was no more painful that my 1st or 2nd. I'd advise taking a pillow to hospital with you & holding it against your scar if you need to cough or sneeze, your own pain pills incase your hospital is as slow as mine & a straw to drink from so you can lie more. Also if you are going to bf I found the rugby hold easier & more comfy than baby on my tummy.
Good luck.

CodandLobster · 14/03/2013 21:32

Hi,

Don't worry about it too much.

I had EMCS first time- recovered really well.

2nd time had ELCS and recovered even more quickly and easily.

Scar tissue is actually not as bad now as it was after I'd had the first CS.

I know some people cab have problems, but personally, my recovery has been great both times (not taking it very easy either!) and I would recommend it!

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