C section recovery

runfast

I am having a hard time mentally and physically recovering from my c section. I was very active until delivery and thought I'd be up and moving around somewhat quickly. I'm 3 weeks out and still having burning pain and it hurts to bend over. What can I expect in terms of recovery timeline? It's so hard not being able to lift my older child and care for my newborn with ease.

glitterfish-2

I think you need to speak with your doctor - I felt pretty normal around 10 or 12 days post c/s. 
I had dissolving stitches though.

michelle04us

With you saying there is a burning feeling definitely talk to your dr. That could mean infection. Not saying it is but a possibility.

You could just take longer to recover than most though. My emergency csection in '06 took me double the time to heal than my repeat ones. I also overdid it with my 1st one thinking I could do normal things as long as I had my pain pills. Big mistake on my part.

mrsla0512

You need to talk to your Dr, everyone has a different recovery. 

krys-2

I'd speak to your doctor. I felt really good after about 5 days and like nothing happened by 10. Did they give you any kind of binder to wear? I was very diligent in wearing mine from the minute I could get out of bed at the hospital and it gave me the support I felt like I needed in the early days. 

Katie______

@krys-2  Can you say more about the binder / are you still using it?  I had an emergency c and didn't get one.....they said it'd be too sweaty so they didn't suggest it, but I am curious how often you wore it, etc?

runfast

I wasn't given a binder either...love to hear more!

satsumasandlemons

I had a scheduled repeat c section 7 days ago and I while I don't have a burning sensation, it is really uncomfortable walking around if I haven't taken Motrin and getting in and out of bed is really hard! I have to have my husband help me up every time! 

I may be remembering things differently but recovery was much easier last time I think. 

Eta: I got a binder straightaway with my first but didn't get one until he end of my four day hospital stay with this one. But even with the placement of the binder it still irritates and rubs against my incision when I'm just sitting down. I really can't wait to get this part of the process over with. 

krys-2

I was given one like this in the hospital : https://www.braceability.com/abdominal-binder-after-c-section?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw--DLBRCNARIsAFIwR256zGhXyVEiUzANxDw4FxfDWxTrwhOesC0abnpE_Ri9E6nVKor1-1waAoRXEALw_wcB

sorry for the long link. 

I asked my nurse if they had a binder, I wasn't just given it without asking. Turned out my doctor did order me one because I had asked him about it in advance, but it didn't make it to my room with me for whatever reason. I had ordered myself one off Amazon as well just in case, but that one was a lot more structured with some boning and it was too much for right away. The one from the hospital was mostly stretchy mesh and then one large panel that was a soft, almost padded feeling material that the Velcro adheres to. I kept that part in the front since it felt best on my incision. 

I wore it during all my awake hours in the hospital once I got it. I'd take it off at night and then right back on when I got up in the morning. It wasn't the most comfortable when sitting, but it was a little hard to take on and off the first few days so it was just easier for me to leave it on. I left it on all day for the first 10 days.  Right now (I'll be 3 weeks out tomorrow), I only wear it for a few hours a day, first thing when I get up. I don't feel like I need the support anymore, but I do feel it's aiding in my healing and helping everything get back in place faster. I'm not saying this is the reason, but I was back in my pre-pregnancy jeans at 10 days postpartum with no problem (and I definitely looked like a deflated teletubby at the hospital - lol). 

Anyway, I definitely recommend one, and would ask your doctor to order you one if they don't normally. 

BusyZee

I had an emergency c section and tbh I was happy to hear I was getting one, I couldn't stand the pitocin induced contractions ( and they were mild)
next day I could walk slowly around the room and go to the toilet myself. 
Five days post c section I didn't even need the pain meds and honestly the codine was making things worse for me. Made me really out of my senses and so it was hard for me to do basic tasks. 

I definitely needed lots of help for a whole week especially during the nights. It got better after that. Wear compression garments I don't think I would've survived without my c section panties (they are also compression) and my bellefit ! The bellefit after too long hurts my ribs and going to the bathroom at night can be hard so the panties come in handy! They have a silicon strip aswell.

Katie______

Any pro tips on removing the surgical glue? I got a green light to use a wash cloth or loofah in the shower. So far I have just gone after peeling spots in the shower with a wash cloth very gently. I had one spot that had a little superficial bleeding after delivery so that area is a bit more tender and makes me a little nervous about being too rough.

krys-2

I found it was easier to rub off after the shower. I'd rub over the area in a circular motion and it would pull up/ball up fairly easily. Rubbing alcohol also helps if you have any - I grabbed a box of the alcohol prep pads and it got up the rest of what I had left (#protip from my hospital nurse). I really wanted to avoid scrubbing it off even though everything healed well and looks good. 

Katie______

thank @krys-2 . I have a big piece wanting to come off today and some pieces had superficial bleeding behind, so it's about 1/2 off and this big piece is a big freaky. The rubbing alcohol tip helps too. I think every mom should have it because we had to rubbing alcohol the walls pre decal.