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Original poster

C section panic

35 replies

mumsyx · 05/02/2023 06:42

Hi all, never posted on here before. Im having a c section first thing monday morning(tommorow)...am absolutly terrified...i suffer anxiety and am so worried i panic through operationSad

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Blagdoon · 05/02/2023 06:57

I also suffer anxiety. But when I had my c section I was so hopped up on drugs that I didn’t care. Honestly I was just grateful that they were getting the baby out of me and it would all be over soon. Don’t worry, as soon as they start injecting you with stuff you won’t care any more!

Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 07:08

@Blagdoon thank u so much am a wreck am hoping once am there i will be ok, thank u for replying x

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custardbear · 05/02/2023 07:19

You'll be fine! Tell the anaesthetist you're nervous and they'll help I'm sore. Mine spoke to me all the way through my first one.

Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 07:23

@custardbear thank u so much am probably being silly im just so nervous about having panic attack xx

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Treedecsandtinsel · 05/02/2023 07:30

I’ve had 2 c sections. First was emergency and second planned. All the staff were so lovely and so good at explaining what they were going to do next. Both times the anesthetist was stood right by my head throughout and constantly checking in and chatting with me. Probably the best medical experiences I’ve had!

they will look after you OP.

Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 07:37

@Treedecsandtinsel aww thank u so much im such a negative thinker i cant wait til its all over and im holding my baby girl...its been a rough pregnancy x

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Shiny88 · 05/02/2023 07:38

Hi @mumsyx I had an emergency c section nearly 4 years ago. And to say I freaked out was an understatement I went into full melt down mode, but the staff were so lovely, calmed me down, I was allowed my partner in while they prepped me (which isn't normally allowed in an emergency) and they talked me through everything.
Tell them when you go in how you are feeling and they should be accommodating.
You will be absolutely fine.

Make sure you take it easy after and a midwife gave me some good advice which was a life saver, roll a hand towel up and press into the scare site when you want to get up off the bed or laugh etc, helps ease the pain a little.
Best of luck xx

Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 07:40

@Shiny88 ahh thanks so much im up first. Long as theres no emergencys before me...i just hope i calm down once there...thank u for your kind advice its much appreciated xxx

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BooCrew · 05/02/2023 07:42

It will be ok. I felt exactly the same but it really was fine. It's a very calm environment, and they will look after you. Tell your anaesthetist (or anyone who'll listen) that you're very nervous and worried about a panic attack, and they'll give you some lovely drugs to calm you down, and talk to you to make sure you're doing ok. You might feel a bit sick - they can give you drugs to stop that.

Best of luck with your lovely new baby.

frommywindow · 05/02/2023 07:44

I suffer from anxiety and was so panicked before my c section. Will you have anyone with you? (Partner/family/friend?) That might be able to help talk to you.
My anaesthetist was also fantastic at talking through everything and being a reassuring voice with all the people around. I was still on the edge of a panic attack most of the way through but got through it and so can you!!

Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 07:44

@BooCrew thank u so much...its lovely hearing such positive words..making me feel much better xxx

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spangleswereace · 05/02/2023 07:45

I had a planned section two years ago and was a nervous wreck before it but honestly it was an amazing experience!
Everyone was so kind and reassuring.
From first cut to getting baby out was four minutes, it'll. be over and you'll be in recovery before you know it!
My recover was great too, I was up and out a walk on day three, so much better than my vaginal delivery a few years previous.
Good luck and congratulations 😊

itssquidstella · 05/02/2023 07:46

Hi @mumsyx! I had an EMCS in May and it was fine. Really smooth recovery (walked into town for a coffee on day 2 and to the pub on day 3!), my scar healed quickly and I was out hill walking by the time DS was seven weeks old.

The anaesthetist explained what was happening and was really reassuring during the whole process. One thing to be aware of is that the drugs they give you can make you shake/shiver: this is totally normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong, but it's a bit disconcerting when your teeth are chattering as though you're freezing cold! Knowing it's a normal side effect helped, though.

The operation was over quickly - the prep took longer than the surgery itself - and I was able to hold DS pretty much straight away.

Do tell the midwives/operating theatre team that you're feeling anxious and they'll do their best to reassure you. It will be fine!

Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 07:48

@frommywindow thank u for replying...yeah my partners going to be with me... its fear of the fear i hate anxiety...just cant wait til my babys here...again thank u so much xxx

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Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 07:49

@spangleswereace ahh i cud cry from all these lovely comments...thank u so much for reassuring me its very appreciated xxx

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Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 07:51

@itssquidstella thank you i think once av been prepped and go into theatre il calm down...i hope so anyways, fingers crossed! The hospital has been amazing throughout my pregnancy xxx

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QuizteamAguillera · 05/02/2023 07:54

Anesthetists in my experience are so good at being reassuring,they really are a different breed!

There’ll be some paperwork and preparation before you get going so you can explain to the midwife before you go that you’re nervous. Take magazines/books/podcast in case there’s a wait.

My 2nd was a semi planned c section and it was a great atmosphere,very calm/radio on and friendly chat etc. it was wonderful!
We didn’t know the sex and they lowered the screen when our son was born so we could see that he was.

FluffMagnet · 05/02/2023 07:58

I have hideous anxiety and have had 2 ELCSs. The first I recall feeling like you and cried on my way down to the theatre, much to the alarm of the poor trainee midwife who accompanied me! However, on my second, as I knew what was coming, I practically skipped in, happily telling the anaesthetics how excited I was for the spinal (HOURS of comfort and no need to disturb yourself getting up for a wee!) It is very quick, there will be lots of people in the room and you'll have your baby to distract you whilst they sew you up again (which takes a little while). Then recovery for tea, toast and ringing around friends and family to let them know the good news! Hope you end up having a magical day OP!

Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 07:59

@QuizteamAguillera thank you so much...how long til the whole opp take? Does it take long for baby to come out? Xxx

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Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 08:07

@FluffMagnet thank u sooo much, lovely hearing positivity!! Cant wait to meet my baby...need to start thinking nicer thoughts...keep worrying am going to die or Pass outSad thank u for reassuring me xxx

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QuizteamAguillera · 05/02/2023 08:11

It literally takes minutes to get the baby out,the longest bit is being sewn up again.

The anesthetist will frequently ask how you’re feeling. If you feel a bit sick they will give you some medicine that will stop it etc.

Some people get a bit shaky and this is normal,it’s your body reacting to the meds but nothing to worry about.

Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 08:14

@QuizteamAguillera thanks hun xx

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Littlegoth · 05/02/2023 08:23

I was terrified on the morning I was going into mine! Left a goodbye video on my mobile just in case. From the moment I arrived at the hospital though I was reassured, and could tell just by watching how relaxed the medical team were as I was having my section that to them my surgery was something so routine they could have done it with one arm behind their backs.

Baby was in my arms within 10 minutes and I was so focused on his little face that the rest of it went very quickly. I was spinal only and it was less than 45 minutes from spinal going in to the last stitch being made. Lost very little blood and was up on my feet 6 hours after that.

I’m having another in July and not even remotely worried this time.

Good luck today and enjoy your baby xx

Original poster
mumsyx · 05/02/2023 08:39

@Littlegoth thank u...am same am keep thinking am going to die. Am probs being ridiculous but i cant help it...hopefully its over quick. I know once babys out il be calm. Its the getting to hospital and walking throught the doors am terrified about lol and the cannula as my veins are terrible xxx

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Isthereanygoldenwonder · 05/02/2023 08:49

I cried all through my planned section. I was last on the list, suffering anxiety over the health of the baby and it all felt too much. I cried from the minute I sat on the table to the minute they gave me the baby. No one in the theatre acting as though I shouldn't be and just have supportive comments throughout. My partner a amazing too. No one ever told me to stop crying - which would have made it a million times worse. Best of luck for tomorrow. You will get through it and that's the thought to keep.