Recovery after C Section ?(s)...

STLBecca · October 2011

So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

Ardmhs83 · October 2011

STLBecca:

So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...Yes he did. He had to help me sit up, I couldn't even do that alone. He would get behind my back and push me up. If your bed is really high a step stool will help you out a bit.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. It can be a little painful, but not too bad. The only thing I think of when you mention the toilet is to make sure you use stool softners. They will help a lot. I thought I'd be ok w/o them. Boy was I ever wrong...ouch!

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? For the first couple of weeks...yes. I nursed my son and I couldn't sit up by myself so he had to help me up and reach into the bassinett to get my son.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? I NEEDED them! When they would wear off I was in a lot of pain. I used percoset and advil switching b/t the two every 3 hours. I never got addicted or anything. My DR gave me only 1 prescription and they lasted for a month. Once I was finished w/ them I continued on the Advil until I didn't need it anymore.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. I never got sick or felt I couldn't breathe. After surgery when my body was coming off of the meds I got the shakes really, really bad which scared the crap out of me.

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

Good luck w/ everything and I hope I was a help to you.

disbride061103 · October 2011

STLBecca:
So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch... I slept in bed both times and didn't need help getting up. I quickly learned to roll onto my side, kinda curl up my knees and push myself upright. It took a few minutes, but no help needed. I remember for my 2nd c/s, I was perfectly fine (no pain, no special maneuvers) getting out of bed when I was 5 days pp. With DS1, it took a couple weeks.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. I easily went to the bathroom by myself both times. Even in the hospital. It was my hospital policy that you be escorted to the bathroom the first time after you get up, which I did, but I had no need for the help.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? DH did get me the baby, but mostly because he could move a little more quickly. He would get the baby and change his diaper. I would get out of bed and get myself settled to nurse. This stopped after about a week once I got into a good routine.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? You will have to check with your doctor/pharmacy. It's hard to get pain killers as a liquid.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. I never felt like I was going to throw up. I did have about 2 minutes where it felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. A few deep breaths seemed to make it go away. I never even mentioned it to the doctors.

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

Soon2BMrsN · October 2011

1 & 2. No... by the time I got home, I was able to do these things. I did have to move more slowly.

3. Yes, he did.

4. ?

5. I had an epi since I labored before having my c/s. I was nervous getting the epi, but it went fine.

disneyfan0511 · October 2011

1. I did need a lot of help getting in and out of bed for about 2 weeks. I was really sore and slow moving. Our bed is really high though. Getting off the couch also required help.

2. I could get off the toilet by myself after the first few days. I needed help showering though, especially getting in and out of the shower.

3. My baby was in the NICU so this didn't apply.

4. I only took Advil and Tylenol, no huge pain pills. If you want liquid you can probably ask the hospital.

5. I was fine with this. The worst part was the shaking, I couldn't control how hard I was shaking and that freaked me out.

lewis514 · October 2011

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...

I didn't need his help but I did need a step stoll to get into bed (Top of our bed was as high as my belly button). I figured out in the hospital to get in/out.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own.

I just needed to take my time and I was able to get up/down okay.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?

No, DD was in the crib and I was able to get her without help.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?

I took percocet the first day after c/s and then just took Motrin. I only took Motrin once home.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.

Not that I remember.

pepomntpat · October 2011

I actually got around pretty easily myself. DH carried the baby up and down the stairs and did most of the house work, but I was able to take care of myself (bathroom, showering, getting in and out of bed) just fine once I was home.

My DH did get the baby, but she was in our room and eventually in our bed. He did the diaper changing and I did the feeding. We'd have done it that way even if I had a vaginal birth.

I don't know anything about alternative pills, but you will want something. Ask your doctor.

I didn't have any issues with the spinal other than some shaking for about a half an hour or so afterwards. I was a little nauseated during the surgery, but I told the nurse anesthetist and he put something in my IV to help. I never got sick at all...just felt queasy.

Good luck!

kate05 · October 2011

STLBecca:
1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch - My bed is not high so it may be different for you. I never slept on the couch and was able to get in and out of bed by myself. It was painful for about a week and uncomfortable for a few days. I found rolling off the bed onto my feet instead of sitting up was less painful.
2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. - The only time I had real problems using the toilet were the first two days in the hospital. I never needed help at home but it was uncomfortable for a few days.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? - I FF so DH got up and fed DD at night for the first weeks or so. Then we traded off.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? - I think most drugs have a liquid form or can be crushed. I only used the RX ones for the first week. After that I just took Advil.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. - I didn't have any problems. I had my c-section at about 4pm and got feeling back in my lower body in about 2-3 hours. The only thing I had was a small bruise where they put the needle in.
Congrats and Good Luck

iris427 · October 2011

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch... Nope, I could do that just fine.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. I had no issues with this either. And once the baby is here, you won't be getting up to pee anywhere near as much. Pooping was hard though, take your stool softeners!!

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? No, I was fine getting the baby on my own.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? No idea, ask your doctor. IIRC my brand name Percocets were pretty small but the generics were larger. My RX strength ibuprofen were like horse pills but you could just take 3 regular strength ones for the same dosage.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. No. It felt weird but I was in labor too so I was more focused on my contractions.

iris427 · October 2011

kate05:
STLBecca:

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? - I think most drugs have a liquid form or can be crushed. I only used the RX ones for the first week. After that I just took Advil.

Please be careful about crushing meds unless you talk to a doctor or pharmacist about it first. It can change the drug release mechanism and alter the amount that enters your blood stream. That's why drug users crush oxycodone (Percocet) to get high.

Switzerland · October 2011

DH had to help me get out of bed the first 2 weeks home. I remember I still slept on my left side with a pillow between my legs to help with the c-section discomfort.

DH also would get DD for me and change her if it was night time and I needed to nurse her. I did not have the energy to get out of bed and do all that. In fact I don't think I even did a single diaper change till DD was 3 weeks old since I was so exhausted from c-section and in pain.

I did not have a spinal, I had an epidural since my c-section was unplanned.

shibby00 · October 2011

STLBecca:
So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...I was not able to lay flat in bed for 2 weeks after coming home, it was too painful. I laid on the couch to sleep.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. I never needed help getting on/off the toilet, up/down for me was not hard, it was more forward and backwards that were painful.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?No, my DH never got up with me to assist with feeding LO.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?
IDK about this, I have no trouble swallowing pills. Just talk to your doc about this issue.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.I did throw up and felt like I couldn't breathe, it was very scary. The anesthiologist gave me IV meds to keep me from puking, but they didn't help, they switched me from a oxygen mask to a nasal canula to help with the breathing. I know now that the spinal can make your diaphragm numb, which makes it feel like you aren't breathing. Just communicate with the nurses and docs and tell them what you are feeling. I had labored for a long time and pushed for a long time before my c/s which makes for a longer and harder recovery. GL and congrats on your LO!

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

magdalina.h · October 2011

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...

I slept on the couch for the first week home. I needed help trying to sit up

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own.

I only needed help after the first day in the hospital

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?

In the hospital yes, but at home no. I was so tired and he slept much better if he slept on me so he was usually on my chest. My mom stayed with us and she would sleep when I was awake and watch Lucas while I slept

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.

I felt a little nauseous, but never threw up. They told me if I felt nauseous to let them know and they would give me some medication in the iv

SugarChick10 · October 2011

STLBecca:

So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...DH offered but I didn't need his help (we do have a high bed) getting in or out of bed. I was careful & took my time and was fine.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. I didn't need help. Again: was careful & took my time.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? Nope. LO slept in our room, next to my side of the bed in the Rock n' Play

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? Check with your hospital/doctor. I will say: make sure you keep up on your pain meds. My 1st nurse had me on a schedule; 2nd nurse left it up to me to ask for them...but didn't tell me that; 3rd nurse scolded me for not taking my meds often enough & then made sure I was on a schedule; 4th nurse kept me on that schedule.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. Nope. But I did throw up after I "ate" my liquid diet for dinner that night. My nurse sent down for a 2nd liquid dinner, but I couldn't tolerate it. I did better with crackers.

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

annabelle.27 · October 2011

STLBecca:

So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...

Yes, he did. He also had to physically sit me up. He did this for the first two weeks at least.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own.

It was painful, especially at first, but I did it on my own.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?

Yes. It was easier and quicker than him getting me in and out of bed.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?

Don't know if this will make you feel better or not- I had a really hard time accepting it- but my pain medication was in suppository form. Worked great, though.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.

No. It was weird not being able to move my legs (I actually didn't believe the recovery nurse when he asked if I could move them yet- I was like, "Of course!"... until I tried to.

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

hopkins5 · October 2011

1. I struggled getting up and down from my comfy couches more than my bed. It was painful but you quickly learn different ways to roll/turn (just like when you're pregnant) to make it easier on yourself.

2. I don't remember ever having troubles with the toilet. The shower, on the other hand, was a bit daunting at first. In other washroom-news, I strongly suggest taking your stool softeners. I took all of them they gave me and never had a problem going to the washroom after my c/s. Squeeze a pillow to help with incision pain while you're going to the washroom/laughing/sneezing/coughing.

3. SO always got up, whether I needed his help or not. He wanted to make sure DD and I were both okay. In the early days, he'd grab her from her bassinet and do diaper changes just because he could move quickly and get it done before she had a mental breakdown. While he was doing that, I'd get myself sitting up in bed and comfortable with pillows, ready to nurse her.

4. I'm sorry I have no advice for pain meds. Talk to your OB asap.

5. I had an epidural. I never threw up, nor did I ever feel like I could not breathe. I got the shakes really bad afterwards and was surprised at how long my body was totally frozen for. It took quite a while for the drugs to wear off, and I had to wait for that before I could nurse.

toriwc · October 2011

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch... No, DH did not have to help me, but it wasn't always easy.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. Same as above. It got easier after two days at home.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? No. I wish he had, but I got up myself to get her.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? Ask your doctor. He/she should know of something.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. I had a bad spinal experience which was not typical. That being said, yes, I had terrible nausea, but I didn't feel like I couldn't breathe.

Enami · October 2011

STLBecca:
1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...

No, but it was a challenge getting in and out of bed for a few days. But by 1 week pp, I was able to move fine on my own. We have a really high bed, and I thought it helped because I didn't have to pull myself up out of it. But I slept on the couch for a few nights as well, it was just easier.

STLBecca:
2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own.

I had a hard time with the toilet at the hospital, but no issues really after I got home.

STLBecca:
3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?

Not once we were home.

STLBecca:
4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?

Nope, sorry. I enjoyed every minute of my vicodin.

STLBecca:
5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.

No, but my spinal didn't take. I still have some back pain where they stuck the needle though.

pregaftertubal · October 2011

you've had a lot of great advice already so i'll just add this. after 3 CS, the one thing i cannot stress enough would be to TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDS!!!! if you have to, discuss how you will handle it with your dr. it is imparitive that you take your meds, and on time too. it really is like night and day when they wear off!

yellowribbbons · October 2011

STLBecca:
So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...
No, by the time I got home from the hospital (4 days pp), I was able to get in and out of bed by myself. Although, our bed is very high, so I used a small step stool for the first two weeks pp. I think that overall, what helped the most was the abdominal binder I was given by my doc at the hospital made all the difference in the world as far as moving around was concerned.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own.
We have low toilets and I was very worried about this too; however, it wasn't too bad and I was able to lower myself slowly without too much pain. My OB suggested I get a shower chair to use in the shower for the first two weeks, which I did. It made showering so much easier and far less painful than standing up.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?
No, we set up the pnp right next to my side of the bed and I got up and got her from the first night we were home.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?
Both of the pain meds I was prescribed were very small pills, not hard to swallow at all.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.
Didn't throw up, but like a pp said, it felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest for a few minutes. I took deep breaths, and the feeling went away.
I was very nervous, but just kept telling myself I was about to meet my baby and that thought kept me pretty calm. Good luck!

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

STLBecca · October 2011

yellowribbions: Do you rememeber what pain meds you were prescribed since they were little?

Thanks you so much for your comments everyone! I am still very nervous, but feel like I can prepare myself a little more.

yellowribbbons · October 2011

The smallest pills were called Narco (generic name for tylenol with hydrocodone) and the others were a generic prescription ibuprofen. Hope that helps!

melgrady · October 2011

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...I didn't have any troubles getting out of bed once I was home, I just had to be slower instead of just jumping out of bed. DH went back to work two days after we were home from the hospital and I didn't want to wake him every time I had to get up for DD in the middle of the night.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. I never needed help with going to the bathroom other than the stool softeners I took.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? No (see #1)

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? Pain meds were my friends for the first week after c/s. My SIL was really against taking percocet (sp?) and she regretted not taking them because her recovery was longer and more painful than mine.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. I got really nauseous but the anesthesiologist injected something that made the nausea go away almost instantly. I have asthma and never felt like I couldn't breathe.

Holly520 · October 2011

STLBecca:

So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...I did need help getting in and out of bed and up off the couch for the first few days. I think a stool really would have helped.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. I never needed any assistance getting on or off the toilet after my catheter was removed. I just took my time.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? Only a couple of times. LO was in a bassinet right next to the bed, so I really only had to reach over to get her.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? I don't really have an answer to this. You will probably want to take the pain pills, regardless of the size.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. I had an epidural, but yes I did have a few moments were I felt like I couldn't breathe and I did throw up (as best you can laying down with no control of your stomach muscles) during surgery.

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

monona9 · October 2011

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...

Once I was home I was able to get in and out of bed on my own. We have a low platform bed so height was not a problem. Be careful sitting up from a laying down position. I found it was better to roll to the side and then push myself up. Also it took me a while to find a comforable position to sleep in. I slept with two pillows under my knees, two to three pillows slightly lifting my head/shoulders and I hugged a small pillow on my stomach around my incision. Now I'm able to sleep on my side again.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own.

At the hospital I needed help getting to the bathroom and a few times the pain sitting down and getting up was pretty bad, but at home it wasn't a problem.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?

The first night or two at the hospital I did need help getting the baby to feed him. At home it was no longer an issue. We have an attached co-sleeper.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?

I'm in the same boat. I hate taking pills. I'm sure it depends on the hospital, nurses or doctor etc. but I couldn't swallow the giant vicodin pills so they gave me percocet (that were much smaller) and I was able to swallow them fine. In the hospital they gave me liquid ibuprofen and to take home I got the ibuprofen pills and a pill cutter.

At my hospital they put me on a schedule to get ibuprofen every 6 hours, but they only gave me pain killers when I requested them.. and I didn't know that. So I got behind on taking them and I was in an absorbent amount of pain. I agree with PPs, it's important to stay ahead of the pain! They then put me on a schedule for pain killers and I alternated percocet and ibuprofen ever 3 hours. That worked for me.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.

I labored first and had an epi in place.

ChiTown Bridget · October 2011

STLBecca:

So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch... I needed DH to help getting in and out of bed while at the hospital. I didn't need the help when I got home.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. I had no bathroom problems when I got home from the hospital.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? Nope. The baby slept in a bassinet on my side of the bed

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? Not sure about that. I was sent home with a rx for vicodin and then rx strength motrin

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. No throwing up or nausea, but I did have the feeling of not being able to breathe and panicked a little

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

EBathory997Wed74688 · October 2011

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...

Yes, he had to help me in and out of bed and off the couch too. You don't realize how much you use your core muscles until you can't.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own.

I managed to hold on to my sink to lower myself down and get myself up so i didn't need help there.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?

My baby only woke up only once a night so my husband was on the overnights until it got closer to me going back to work and by that time she was sleeping from midnight to 6:30 am

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?

I never took the percoset they gave me. I just did advil and was off of that by week 2 home.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.

The spinal was a relief for me because I had been induced (cervadil only because I went into natural labor after that) and went med-free through 15 hours of labor which included 6 hours of pushing. By the time I went for the c-section, I was having constant back labor so the spinal was a relief. I had no side effects with it what so ever.

ghdst1 · October 2011

STLBecca:

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help? No I was able to get in and out of bed but mine is low. I was up an walking around about 1-2 days after c/s in the hospital.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? I didn't have any problems. Using your legs to sit down and get up so it didn't have much impact on my stomach/incision area

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? I got the baby myself. We kept him in a bassinet in our bedroom and it was not far to bend down to pick him up. I then would BF him on the couch in the living room and that made it easier than on the bed.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? I personally hate pain meds. I didn't take any. I took 600mg ibprofen regularly and that was fine. I think there might be a liquid form of that but definitely check with your Dr to see for sure.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? They use a local to numb the area before they put in the bigger needle for the epidural. I didn't get sick or anything. It is important to keep breathing but the Dr should tell you what to do and if you are worried ask a nurse to stay with you.

marianj79 · October 2011

1.? When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch...

Our bed is not very high but I never had to ask for help getting in or out. It was slightly painful and had to be done carefully but as long as I went slowly and paid attention I was fine.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own.

I didn't even need help in the hospital with this although the first couple of times was really slow and painful. By the time I got home it was no problem.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night?

Nope, I was BF, so I got up with her all the time. Again, slow at first but no big deal.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take?

This may be an issue. All my pain meds were pills. I stopped taking narcotics when I left the hospital. I was only on high doses of motrin, and this was fine, maybe you could get a liquid version of motrin? The percosets I took in the hospital were quite small.

5.?When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous.

I did not throw up or feel as if I couldn't breathe. I do know that these are both semi-common side effects from the spinal. Try to remember it's only for a short period of time.

I hope this helps. My best advice is to try and not stress over these things. Everyone's experience is different, but it seems from polling my friends who have had c-sections that a positive outlook helps tremendously. Obviously, I mean as long as you don't have any serious complications. Good luck - and fingers crossed that the baby turns for you!!!

ETA: spacing and forgot to answer #5

jbdec28 · October 2011

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch... Bed, no. Off the couch, yes. It was harder for me to get off of the couch because it was low. I'm tall though, so that might make a difference. We also have a bed that is up high and it was easy to get out of. In the beginning I needed him to help me sit up from laying down but that was only about a week before I found ways to do it myself (curling up my knees and holding onto my legs to roll into a sitting position). 2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. I didn't need help on or off of the toilet but I did brace myself on the seat if I was feeling like it might hurt. 3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? For the first few days he helped with the diaper changes when she woke up in the night because it took me so long to get out of bed and get comfy to nurse her but after I got used to my mobility and comfort I did it myself. 4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? I was prescribed ibuprofen suppositories and told to take tylenol. The suppositories worked so well. A bit awkward to get used to using them but you can't feel it at all and that way you don't have to swallow pills. 5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. I vomited A LOT! But I think it was because I am very sensitive to motion sickness (I can't even swing on a swing set). When I was being wheeled into the OR I couldn't stop puking. I think that's not very normal. The meds didn't work for me. I never felt like I couldn't breathe.

Mrs_MBed · October 2011

STLBecca:
So far I am still having a c section in the next 2 weeks if baby doesnt turn.

I am trying to prepare myself for the recovery.

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch... After DD1 (unplanned c/s), I spent the first week on the couch as it was easier than trying to go up the stairs. After DD2 (RCS) I slept in my bed (high) as soon as I got home (we no longer had a 2 story house). I used a small step stool to get in and out of the bed. To get in I would step up and ease back into the bed and then use my arms to ease myself down. To get out, I'd roll on my side and push up (similar to the way you get up towards the end of the pregnancy), slowly move my legs to the side of the bed and slide onto the stool. I am planning on doing the same again this time.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. For this I would grab the counter/sink and use it to help me up - similar to the way I did at the end of the pregnancy

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? DH did not really get up with either girl, which was fine as they were in the bassinet next to me.
4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? I am not much help here, I took prescription strength tylenol/motrin after getting home from the hospital for about two weeks before I didn't need them anymore.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. I did not have this experience with my spinal, but did get sick with the epidural. If you tell them you are starting to feel nauseous they can give you something immediately so you don't throw up.

Thanks for any questions you can answer!

I hope that was helpful. I had a much more difficult time with DD1's c/s as that was an unplanned c/s after 12+ hours of hard labor. DD2's was a planned c/s that was much much better and I was mobile a lot sooner.

chrisncassie · October 2011

STLBecca:

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help?..I think I need to buy a step stool or sleep on the couch... Yes, H helped the first many times, but you will figure out ways to get in and out by yourself. Being able to do things on your own will help your recovery (at least it did for me)

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? I hope not! I understand needing help the first few days..but wondering when things get a tad bit easier to where I will be able to do things on my own. you will want to make sure you can brace yourself going down and coming back up. Consider buying/renting a toilet seat raise ...like older people have to use -- it will be beneficial until you can get your arms strong enough to brace yourself.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? No. But this goes back to my answer on #1, when you get home, get yourself in bed, have him there next to you to help if you need it, but figure out if you can do it by yourself. I forced myself to get in and out on my own at the hospital - and the only way that happened was to kick everyone out of the room so they didn't hoover over me.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. Does anyone know of small pills or liquid that I will be able to take? You might be able to manage on ibuprofen. ...at the hospital you will be hooked up to an IV at first, but when they take out your cathedar, they should also take out the IV's, then you will take pills.

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? Im not scared of actually getting it, but thinking about everything now is making me crazy and nervous. I had no problem with the spinal. It was much better than relying on just the normal epidural I had with DS#1. When you meet with the staff, ask them anything you want - even if you think its 'stupid', if it makes you feel more comfortable, ask.

sillybilly11 · October 2011

1. When you came home, did your DH have to help you get in/out of bed (especially if its high)? And for how long..when could you get up w/out help? Yes hubby had to help me into bed but we have a very high bed ...first few nights I just slept on the couch as I could barely move ...not trying to scare you as you will prolly be able to move better then me ....I had complications and a rougher recovery than most per my OB and massive bruising over a lot of my body.

2. I am getting up 7 times a night to go to the bathroom now..and realized how low the toilet is...is it extremely painful to sit/get up off the toilet after coming home? Will I need someone to help me in this area too? This can be painful but you will prolly be able to do it on your own. Take your time sitting down.

3. Did your DH have to get up every time to get the baby for you in the middle of the night? DH was wonderful and yes he got the baby every time for the first month.

4. Pain meds...I HATE pills...I am scared to death about taking them afterwards. I hate pills too ..but I took vicodin and motrin 300 ....

5. When you had the spinal..did you throw up or feel like you couldn't breathe? I had the epidural kind since mine wasn't a planned c-section ...I always get nauseated and got sick quite a bit during the surgery one of the worst cases of vomitting during a c-section my OB said she ever witnessed ....everybody reacts differently though

I am sure you will do just fine ....I hope my answers don't scare you ...I just ended up having a lot of complications ...so I had a longer hospital stay, recovery, etc ....but even all that I went through my OB was amazed at my recovery progress

good luck you will do great

mrsw23 · October 2011

Everyone is different, this is just my personal experience. You won't know how it's going to affect you until you have the c-section, but there's no need to worry yourself they're not as scary as everyone makes them out to be!

1. You may need help getting in and out of bed. I know I had to have my husband wash my legs and feet for the first two weeks because bending down hurt so bad.

2. I remember having some pain when getting up/sitting on the toilet, just grab something to help pull yourself up.

3. That is totally up to your husband. I had either my husband or a nurse hand my our daughter while we were in the hospital, but that was at the worst of the pain. Once we got home my husband usually brought her to me in bed for the first few weeks, just to help out.

4. No idea about the pills. I'm sure they can put it in your IV in the hospital though.

5. Everyone reacts to anesthesia differently. I never felt like throwing up and didn't have trouble breathing. It was just an odd feeling because I was numb but could feel them tugging on me. It's hard to imagine them delivering the baby and all you feel is a little tugging.

I hope you have a great delivery experience! It's rough, but every day you'll feel better!

Want a personalized experience?

Recovery after C Section ?(s)...

Re: Recovery after C Section ?(s)...

2012 Reading Challenge

Choose Another Board

Search Boards