C section fears killing me!

[RyuRyuk]

Hi everyone...

My elective (medical/personal reasons) c section is in two days and I've just been to the hospital to sign my consent form ....I'm bricking it!

I know of the risks and that its protocol to explain them but having them explained in full with the sections two days away terrified me...internal/external infections that aren't deadly if they 'catch them in time' , internal damage to other organs that would require more surgery to correct, nicking the baby's head, blood transfusion ...but the chance of a hysterectomy petrifies me! Yes the doc explained that these are very rare but I think I stopped listening after hysterectomy!

Could any other c section ladies offer some positive advice or support? I'd be eternally grateful!

Xx

Just following on from what showy said about signing a form for risks of other activities like driving, would be scary. That also applies to vaginal birth where the list would have to include things like maternal or infant death, pph, blood transfusions, third degree tears, infections and or problems with tears healing (possibly even permenantly ending your ability to have sex), hysterectomy, internal infections in the womb (that can kill if not found in time) - when looked at in terms of worse case scenarios I think vaginal birth is just as bad. The only reason you don't have to sign a form like that for vaginal is its natural process (one that humans are comparatively to other animals poorly designed for).

Thanks showy that was a great post. Given I was off my face when I had my emcs that's help refresh my memory!

Thanks for that post showy, that was great! I'm having an elcs in March, and the best and most reassuring description I've seen yet. I also emailed it to my OH to give him a heads up!

I'm glad you all feel reassured. I think we really need to start promoting the fact that a CS can be a very positive and life-affirming experience. Of course it is surgery and of course it has risks, we are all made aware of this but I was so pleasantly surprised by the reality of a CS that I do try and make people aware that it can be a positive time. It's still your moment. It's still the day you become two instead of one. And it's magical.

I thought of a couple of things to add...

Really common to have night sweats after delivery but particularly after a CS. There's quite a lot of fluid to lose. Drink plenty and wear cool, loose cotton nightwear (front fastening is good if you're bfing).

Morphine is usually given during a CS, straight into your cannula. A very common side effect of it is that it makes you itch, particularly your face and chest. They can give you something to stop this. Don't worry if you are itchy, it's almost certainly the morphine.

Size of the wound in case you have any concerns is surprisingly small. Mine is about 4 inches, tucked right down below the hair line. You can't see it in underwear/a bikini and even naked, it's barely noticeable. Like a thin silver line. This image is a good example of how low down it is and how it looks once healed.