Rough first c-section experience but better RCS?

mle929

I had a c-section after 20 hours of labor. I had an upper respitory infection at the time and was feeling really run down. After the c-section I was in a lot of pain. Every time I coughed was excrutiating (sp?). Because of the pain and being sick on top of just being in labor, I was exausted and didn't get out of bed for the first couple of days. I was really scared to.

During my recovery my incision site became infected and it took 8 weeks or so to heal and 12 weeks for me to sort of feel back to normal.

I'm starting to think about whether to have a RCS or try for a VBAC. Is there anyone who had a rough experience with their first c-section but had a positive RCS experience? I wonder if this time might be easier if I'm healthy and don't have to go through labor first.

mlf625

Both of my c/s have been scheduled and easy recoveries, but based on the posts I've read here, it seems VERY common to have a better experience with the RCS than the 1st.  Particularly if you labored or had an emergency situation.

Best of luck with your decision!  There's really no right or wrong. 

MrsMoody2006

I tried for a VBAC, ended up with RCS, and my recovery was much better the second time around. That being said, I am trying for a HBA2C this go round.

princesst92703

I feel for you! I had a ECS with my first. With my second I was scared out of my mind to have a vbac so I opted for a RCS. The recovery with my 1st was hard and painful. I was scared to even stand up. With my second I knew what to expect going in but it was much easier. Just like PP I was up and out of bed later the same night. Just like with everything, people experience things differently. Best of luck to you

newly_naugler

These responses give me hope. I'm very nervous of recovery this time around.

mrsmklynch

From what I've read and heard from people I've talked to, it seems like a c/s following labor tends to lead to a more difficult and painful recovery. That was my experience as well. My RCS was a piece of cake, no lie. I got to go home after 2 days and went off the pain meds as soon as I got home. I had no problems moving around or taking care of my 4 yr old. It was a night and day experience. I will warn you though, when you don't have labor to distract you, the whole process of the c/s is a little more frightening, or it was for me. I had so much more anxiety because it was all I had to think about. When I was in labor, I didn't care what they were doing. It was all a total blur. With the RCS, I was totally aware of every single thing that was being done around me.