How much pain is normal

[newmum520]

Hi, I'm one week PP with a CS.

I am in a lot of pain daily, I'm really struggling to walk or be mobile, I've read so many posts about people being up and about after a week I just wanted to see if what I was feeling is common?

The worst part feels along the sides of the incision where it's like burning pain.

Could it be possible you have an infection? I'd speak to someone about it just to rule out any problems.

Definitely speak to someone, I've had a section and was up walking 1 hour after (yes with pain) I went home after 24 hours and was walking DD1&2 to school (300yards) 4 days after I was home while pushing baby.
Phone your doctors

Sounds like an infection. Please see a dr

Thank you all, I will call my doctor today. I did tell my midwife but she said it just takes time.

What were you prescribed in terms of pain relief. 19 years ago after my c section I was given diclofenac for 10 days and was told that these were the most important tablets due to the fact they're anti inflammatory. I know that diclofenac has been sidelined somewhat in the past few years due to certain health conditions connections so I don't know what they prescribe now. I would definitely be ringing your GP today and having a telephone consultation with them. You may have an infection, you might just need better pain relief.

I've rang the GP the doctor will call me back!

They have given me dihydrocodeine with paracetamol and ibuprofen, I have been taking it regularly.

If they think ur wound is infected they will prescribe Flucloxacillin - this is the general catch all for skin infections. However insist on a swab of ur wound to be taken, this will rule out any superbugs.

Not normal, glad you’ve contacted the doctor. It could be that there’s no complication though, just that you need some more pain relief! The burning pain at both sides sounds a little bit like neuropathic pain actually - is it a reasonable sized scar? There are nerves that supply the skin particularly at the sides of the wound and for some people that can create quite specific types of pain, and can be symmetrical like that. But agree check for infection/bruising etc.
also you may find it easier to be up and about with some type of support belt - depends a little whether pressure on your wound makes it better or worse.

This won't help you but I was in pain for about 6 months and after 9 was pain free mostly.

I took ibuprofen for nine months. I am a marathon runner so fairly high tolerance to pain.

Take it slow.

I went to the doctor and they took a swab which should be back in a week.

They said it has very heavy bruising but doesn't immediately look infected.

To call again in a couple of days if it's still sore.

The thing that's slightly worrying me is that it's getting more painful everyday not less.

I've had 4 c sections and I found that with each it did go through a phase of getting more sore and redder, with lumps on the scar line while it healed. If you think you have an infection I would advise washing with Dettol soap bars and letting the air get to it. This always stopped an infection in it's tracks for me. But definitely get proper medical advice.