Hospital gives only paracetamol+ibuprofen for C-section recovery?!???!

[Scaredmama1023]

I just learnt that my hospital only gives paracetamol and ibuprofen after C-section :(. And for anything else you need to ask and ad-hoc they might give morphine if doctor agrees...

They are such weak medication, I take those for headaches and period pains. To think that's what you get after being literally cut open and stitched back?!?!?! I though I'll be sick hearing this.

I'm panicking, not sure how I'll stick the pain of my C-section recovery. I'm a massive wimp when it comes to pain :(

Ladies... how bad is the pain in like on 1-10 scale where 10 is absolute agony? I guess it changes by day too? And then there is this shoulder tip pain and all. Jeez how did you all cope????

1st section - 1 dose of morphine in theatre and afterwards voltarol and paracetamol

2nd section - paracetamol suppositories in theatre and then paracetamol

not too bad really

I had whatever post-op pain killers they give you (usually suppository) and then a couple of doses of morphine which I reacted to (nothing dangerous just a really uncomfortable itch) so switched to paracetamol/ibuprofen as I couldn’t tolerate the other painkiller the offered either. It was actually fine, you just have to stay on top of the dose and don’t wait until you feel pain to take them. I did that for the first week I think and then eased back in them.

I’ve heard mixed reviews, but many do very well with just paracetamol

Totally fine took a paracetamol and was up and walking around a few hours later. The pain was nothing much.

I had just paracetamol- absolutely fine. It hurt but was manageable, don’t panic!

ETA- this was several weeks ago. I think some reports on c sections are historical. I was honestly so impressed with the efficiency and skill of the team on my emergency c section.

I had a couple of doses of diclofenac but it didn't really agree with me. Paracetamol and ibuprofen was fine. Take regular timed doses for the first week to keep on top of pain even if you think you don't need it.

Yep just paracetamol and ibuprofen after my first CS. And they gave you loads on discharge. When I booked an elcs for my second the midwife said we don’t give out any painkillers when you’re discharged so it’s best to buy some in!
TBF it did work most of the time.

i had a total hysterectomy a couple of years back which the incision is nearly the same as a c-section. They did give me strong codine based painkillers but I only took them for 1 day and just had paracetamol and ibuprofen after that. My choice as didn’t want to get constipated which is a very common side effect with codine. I managed the pain okay. Worst operation I have ever had for pain is a Haemorrhoidectomy (piles cut out then stitched back up). 100 times worse than childbirth but again I just managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Hilariously - after both c-sections they only gave paracetamol and ibuprofen.
After my hysterectomy - I also had naproxen and codeine.

You can request stronger painkillers for a couple of days but yes, standard is to be told to take paracetamol and ibuprofen. As PP said, keep on top of doses, don’t wait until you’re in pain or you won’t get on top of it. I was given diamorphine (I think) immediately post op or possibly during but it caused such intense itching I would rather do without if I have another section

Omg is the code in all your responses that "pain is manageable" that it hurts a lot, but you have no choice? It sounds like you were in a sharp pain all the time!!! That's horrific. I'm sure after other abdominal surgeries they give proper pain relief.

That seems like madness to me!

First section I had codeine, paracetomol
and ibuprofen.

Second I had dihydrocodiene. Paracetamol and ibuprofen. That’s because they now know codeine should be avoided when breastfeeding and dihydrocodiene is safe and has similar effect. I could not have been without it!

I was fine with that combo, but if you want more just ask.

Generally they put in a long lasting suppository while they're doing it. Paracetamol and ibuprofen were genuinely enough for me following that. I assume there's a bunch of pain killing hormones floating around that help or something. Definitely wasn't sharp pain all the time. Maybe a twinge when standing up but you wouldn't want to numb that with codeine or something - you'd rip the wound and slow your healing. I promise it isn't a case of us trying to make you feel better - as improbable as it sounds, it really isn't too bad ❤️

I wonder if men who have major abdominal surgery also only get paracetamol.

1st one -1 dose of morphine -made me sick 🤢 then paracetamol and ibuprofen was walking about within a few hours but think I was walking on clouds of happiness seeing my beautiful son

2nd one -declined morphine was given it anyway still sick ,but as before up and about in a few hours then paracetamol and ibuprofen -again so happy with my beautiful boy that I didn’t feel a thing

Which hospital is giving it??? I had to take my own!

I got tramadol after my emcs, along with the usual paracetamol which didn’t touch the sides 🙄 it’s a nonsense really, my advice is to get up and walk as soon as you feel able, it does help.

They will give more if needed but start with the basics. Especially if you are wanting to breastfeed, certain medications can’t be given to breastfeeding mothers.

St. Thomas' in London

Just to add - I appreciate pain is different for everyone. As others have said, if you need more pain relief, do speak up - I didn't mean to set you up for feeling like you aren't managing well if you are uncomfortable

28 years ago I had a morphine drip whilst on the recovery room.

I was moved to the ward 2 or 3 hours later and just given PRN paracetamol. It was fine

When I had mine (26 years ago) I got a morphine pump.

I have no idea what I was given in hospital, when I had my emergency C-section. I know at home I had paracetamol and Ibuprofen though. Nothing else was offered. Yes, it was very sore and I couldn't bend etc.

I took my own Codeine in tbh , good luck @Scaredmama1023