Recovery question

elizabeth0705

Okay, I realize this may be a weird question, but what type of pain did you feel after your c-section? Was it like really bad menstrual cramping, or more related to the incision? I know some people have an easy recovery (usually if the c-section was planned), and some people say the recovery was awful. If you had a bad recovery, what did "bad" mean?

I am asking because I'm trying to prepare myself for my c-section. There is still time for my twins to change positions, but it is unlikely that they will. I am okay with the surgery, but I think it will be a little easier on me if I know what to expect.

 

Thanks! 

mben1119

I had a terrible recovery, and it was almost all related to my incision. At first, you feel just pain, then once the pain lessens, you can feel the stitches pulling sometimes if you move funny. My incision had a lot of issues, that I don't want to scare you with, but when the doctor says take it easy-listen!  You'll want to move more, sweep or vacuum and stuff like that a few weeks out-don't. Walking is good, but take it slow.

lindseywit

I have now had 2 c-sections, one unplanned and the other scheduled.  I have to say this time around it is much better, but I have been told that is because I was not in labor for hours beforehand.  I don't think either recovery has been too bad.  There is pain but for me it is mainly whenever I would move for the first couple of days, mostly just abdominal like you did about a million sit-ups. You will have some cramping as your uterus starts to contract to shrink down especially if you are breastfeeding. Now the pain is minimal, I am 6 days out and off of all pain meds.  There will sometimes be a burning sensations or a "tug" at the incision site but nothing excruciating.  I agree with the post above, take it easy, even if you feel good, you will pay for it later if you don't.  

elizabeth0705

Thanks! I will have to remember to delegate the chores to DH :-).

Jdogs12

Mine was unplanned and the last thing I wanted.  Recovery was better than I ever expected.  So much so that I did way too much and spent a day on the couch with a fever hoping it wasn't turning into an infection.  Pain was incision based with the tugging feeling- more annoying.  Coughing/sneezing hurt.  Definitely take it easy after.

Cynthia1207

I had an unplanned c-section and my recovery is going fairly well.  Follow Dr's orders (no heavy lifting, minimal chores, no pushing anything) and you should be just fine.  In the first days, laughing, coughing and sneezing really hurt.  Standing up for long periods of time also hurts.  Mostly it's just at the incision site and a little bit over it.

laurncui812.0

My first c/s was a set of twins. I did not feel good after. A lot of cramping and pain from the incision. My second was a single and much easier. I was going to try for a vbac but she was too big and I went into labor early.  

Worcbride

both of my cs werent planned and my recoveries were great for both.  The pain was more related to the incisions.  A little was muscular but not much.

hmontty

Mine was planned.

I supposed once I was home about a week, I was really quite fine. I haven't had any issues since the surgery.

However, the hospital recovery was horrible. The incision hurt quite a bit from the pulling, but the gas pains took my breath away. They were AWFUL.

Once I was on my feet, though, and the gas pains were gone, things were tolerable. By the day I was released, I was doing OK. I still took it very easy for another month, but overall, I guess I was OK. It did take another week or so to be able to turn over in bed semi-comfortably.

I also went into the ER the night of my release with a 104 degree fever from a bladder infection (from the catheter), and that sucked.

I hated my experience for multiple reasons, but I healed well in the end.

hmontty

mabenner1:

I had a terrible recovery, and it was almost all related to my incision. At first, you feel just pain, then once the pain lessens, you can feel the stitches pulling sometimes if you move funny. My incision had a lot of issues, that I don't want to scare you with, but when the doctor says take it easy-listen!  You'll want to move more, sweep or vacuum and stuff like that a few weeks out-don't. Walking is good, but take it slow.

This. I have a friend who likes to "show off" that she was out mowing the lawn a week after her section. She thinks this is great, but personally, I think it's just plain stupid.

Even after you feel no more pain, you are still healing. It takes several months internally. Take it easy, VERY easy, for a month afterward -- limited stairs, no house work, no lifting grocery bags, even if you feel fine. Because you are not.

 

Lahardy96

1st c-section was not planned, second was. I had good recoveries. As pp said, pain was at incision, minor cramping with uterus contracting especially when breastfeeding. Agree with don't overdue it, but if you pay attention to your body, it will tell you. However definitely get up and move as soon as they let you. I walked the halls constantly. And keep a pillow handy if you have pain when you cough or sneeze. Pressing it into the incision for support helps reduce. Oh, and expect to feel and look bloated for a couple of weeks. They pump you full if fluid both during and after the surgery.

Jessfulller

My C-section was unplanned then turned to an emergency. I had a infection in my uterus and a kidney infection. It was absolutely terrible recovery. I couldnt use the restroom or get out of bed by myself for a month nor breastfeed. I'm healed up now 10 w pp but still have pains that are dull where I was sewed up. I think a planned C-section you have a better chance for things to go smoothly and recovery might be a little easier. Keep your head up and have DH do all the dirty work!

jb2rn

my recovery was not too bad. It would have been better with Narcotics If I ever have another one, I will speak up and ask for Narcotics, for at least the first 2-3 days.

It was a burning pain. yes, you have menstrual cramps just like you would if you had a vaginal birth, but the burning was the worst.

As well as sneezing and coughing for many weeks after birth!

Vegasbb

The first 2-3 days in the hospital were rough - getting in and out of bed my stomach just HURT, like really bad muscle pain. I also couldn't get comfortable to sleep at night. I did get up 6 hours after my surgery and walked quite a bit, and made sure to get up every 4 hours or so and walked around, I do think this helped. 

The first 3 days home were better - I could sleep fine, but I just felt pain if I stood up too long (basically stomach soreness if I had to explain it?). I took it relatively easy, but was up moving around every hour or so during the day.

A week after the surgery, I was basically pain free, and 2 weeks out now, I feel 90%. I still feel that "tugging" people describe. I do go on walks of 15-20 minutes per day, and do LIGHT housework (emptying the dishwasher, etc), but I'm trying to avoid lifting big laundry baskets or vacuuming, etc for another couple weeks.

Looking back the recovery wasn't all that bad - after a week I really did feel much much better.  

RayRay007

I didn't feel menstrual-type cramping at first, it was all a sort of searing/pulling/tearing pain related to the incision. Once that went away and I was off meds, I did have more of the achy, crampy menstrual type pain.

kass141652

My C-Section was terrible! i went through 30 hours of non medicated labour just to have an emergency csection.. not only did they medicate me to the point where i barley remember seeing my son moments after he was born the doctor gave be a botched incision... it looks like a crooked smile! haha.. But most of my pain was due to the incision to sneeze laugh standup straight cough cry hold baby.. was intensely painful.. then when i got home getting up every two hours to feed baby was more than a chore it self.. i could only sleep on my back cause if i layed on my side it felt like my guts would fall right out of me..  maybe tmi? but after a week or so everything got better.. but you will want to fully equip yourself with some gas reliever and stool softener.. take the stool softener well before you think you need it it takes a day or two to kick in! trust me you will need it! good luck! the pain is worth it in the end and by the time the baby is 2 months old you will barely remember the exact amount of pain you went through..