Umbilical hernia? (And some woe-is-me stuff, my apologies)

peanutmuse · January 2014

Somehow I got one during my c/s or recovery. It's deep purple in my belly button and bruised for a couple of inches around it, and extremely tender around my belly button but painful in the center. Has anyone ever had one of these before? I have no idea what to expect in terms of long term prognosis.

On top of that, my blood pressure shot through the roof the other day. I had some scary readings, such as 180/130 at one point. I doubled up my Labetalol to the maximum daily amount within twelve hours and still had a reading of 170/100 at the OB's office on Thursday. I am now on nifedipine in addition to Labetalol and it's slowly going down (160/110 today). I feel like I just can't win.

But the good news is that little man's tongue procedure went well, and our lactation consultant measured my milk production for a feeding and it was adequate to switch to EBF.

Life is really starting to wear me down. Usually I'm upbeat about everything that has gone on and feel like it just makes me a stronger person. Maybe it's the hormonal shift, but I am really struggling right now.

daltosostarby · January 2014

I am so sorry that you're having such a rough time right now @peanutmuse! I'm glad Brennon's doing better, and I hope EBFing goes well!

Is Mr. Muse and/or your family helping you out? I have no experience with the hernia, but I how your recovery doesn't take long!

I'm keeping you and Brennon in my thoughts and prayers.

peanutmuse · January 2014

Thank you, @daltose. Mr. Muse has been absolutely fantastic and my mother has been at our house every day since I came home from the hospital except yesterday -- we gave her the night off, haha.

It's just been a rough week with 8 appts for me and the little guy. It would be hard enough recovering from a c-section without all of these extra issues. I really thought (for some strange reason) that having a tough pregnancy would somehow earn me an easy time now. I know it was foolish and overly optimistic, but I really hoped for it. I just don't know how much more I can take before I break. I feel silly for feeling that way because there are people who have it worse than me, and I know that. I'm just having a rough time right now. I'm sure it will pass.

JaneW2 · January 2014

No, it's not unreasonable to be disappointed, you had a hard pregnancy, and you expected that things would get easier after the birth. So far they haven't.

Hang in there. Do whatever you need to do to deal with your own health. And enjoy your baby all you can.

BuckeyeMommy4 · January 2014

I'm sorry

I really hope you catch a break soon! You are so strong to be able to deal with everything you've been through. I would have had a breakdown a long time ago.

So glad your Mom and DH are there for support.

Thoughts and prayers that things start looking up for you so you can just enjoy your little guy!

daltosostarby · January 2014

I'm so glad Mr. Muse and your mom have been such a help to you @peanutmuse!

I know I was really hoping you would have an easier recovery since your pregnancy was so rough. I really hope you're able to start feeling better soon. These post partum hormone swings are a bitch! Just know you can always vent to us!

Jmattis · January 2014

I don't have an experience with this, but wanted to say hangin there and hope you feel better soon

What I'm going through doesn't compare, but I've had a difficult recovery and have been feeling down lately as well. Hormones are a mother. I just keep telling myself my baby is healthy and this will soon pass. Sending positive vibes your way!

ksonne · January 2014

I'm sorry you are dealing with so much post partum.

As far as the umbilical hernia goes, it's when the fascia (really strong tissue under your skin and muscle) around your umbilical stump starts to separate. Usually it happens over time during pregnancy as everything in your abdominal wall stretches. I have an umbilical hernia and I can feel the fascial defect.

Some of the swelling and bruising could be from fluid getting in there from the c section.

And for long term, if it's a tiny defect, you don't need to do anything. If it's a small defect it needs to be surgically repaired bc small bowel can become incarcerated in it. And if it's a large defect, you don't have to do anything bc it's too big for bowel to get stuck, but it's often unsightly.

jwp325 · January 2014

@peanutmuse, I'm so sorry you're having a tough recovery time. I wish you had been able to catch a break somewhere. Postpartum hormones are a complete bitch! I cried constantly for nearly the first two weeks in relation to my struggles with breastfeeding. The hormones just intensify anything that isn't going well and make you feel even worse. It totally sucks and I hope you feel better soon.

moosebaby2011 · January 2014

I'm really sorry that you are having such a rough time. I give you so much credit for how well you've been handling everything.

sugarland726 · January 2014

I'm glad Brennon's procedure went well and that you can switch to EBF. That is really great news. I hope the blood pressure stuff gets worked out so you can just settle and have a normal newborn experience.

MamaP19 · January 2014

I have no experience or advice with the hernia, just wanted to say I'm sorry for all that you're going through! I'm glad BFing is working out for you though. It didn't for me last time and the PP hormones made it really awful to deal with. I think most of us can relate to feeling a little irrational or not in control of our emotions for a while. Hope things calm down for you soon so that you can relax and enjoy your LO!

angiek1 · January 2014

You just can't catch a break!! Hopefully all settles down for you soon and you can just enjoy life with your LO. Glad to read that your H is stepping up and helping you out and that you have your mom there as well. Prayers for you!

bee1916 · January 2014

I am sorry that things are going so rough for you, not only now but during your whole pregnancy. I really hope things turn around for you and that you get some relief from the high blood pressure, belly button and swelling. Your husband and mom sound wonderful and like an amazing support system. Stay strong- I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

LittleMommaBlueHen · January 2014

What a line up of tough stuff. I was really hoping your blood pressure woes would disappear when you had your little guy.Hang in there!

Glad to hear LO's tongue procedure did the trick.

valigrl21 · January 2014

I am sorry your recovery isn't going better. You have had way more than your share of challenges. But I wanted to say that I love your signature - your LO is so adorable. Thoughts and prayers that things turn around very soon for you.

RedSaffron · January 2014

Oh dang, I hope you can catch a break.. T&P's for you and LO.

2Dash · January 2014

Hey,

I've had an umbilical hernia before and I'm recovering from my second c/s.

The umbilical hernia goes down it takes time. I had it the whole time I was pregnant with Ds1 and no problems at all with my second pregnancy. So it's annoying but will get better.

As far as the c/s that takes time as well. I had a portion not heal properly this time and that was hard. I also thought that after a tough end of pregnancy my recovery would be easy. Well it hasnt been and that has gotten me down as well so I feel you.

The only thing I can say is at one week out I felt like I would never feel better, at two weeks out I really felt like I would never feel better but now at three weeks out I'm starting to feel better every day. Hang in there! Its tough.

LindsB314 · January 2014

I'm so sorry. You poor thing! You have been through so much and I hope things get better for you soon. At least you have a great support system. Moms are the best :-)

Arrgcr · January 2014

I'm sorry peanut! I was just going to page you about your BP and swollen feet! I've been wondering about how you're doing with it.

I'm glad his procedure went well and I'm sorry about the hernia. Also I'm glad your milk supply is good. I hope things go smoother for you.

Dishylo · January 2014

I have no experience with the hernia but I just wanted to pop in and say I hope things start to look up for you soon and I'm glad the tongue procedure went well.