Recovering from C-Section?

[annemariec]

My experience is similar to many.

For my first, it was unplanned. I was scared to death! My biggest fear was THE EPIDURAL (believe it or not). But, it ended up being my best friend. LOL. I had been laboring for something like 10 hours or so and let me tell you --- the pitocin labor is painful!!!
I was so happy to be pain free after the epidural. All went well with both surgeries.

Everyone is different, but the things that helped me:

1.) Arrange with your nurse to have your pain med brought to you on a schedule for the first day or two. I had extra strength tylenol. And the time or two I forgot to keep it on schedule I did feel some pain. Take half doses as it gets better. It's nice to keep the pain at bay.

2.) Arrange for some help at home while you recover. I had help on both occasions, it was a God send.

3.) Stock up on everything! (Baby, Kitchen, Bath...) It's nice to have everything that's needed. (Even more important when you are recovering from surgery.)

You'll do fine!
Annemarie

 

[aprilgail2]

It really depends on the person, I was released from the hospital after my c-section Sunday night and on Monday morning I was in the mall shopping. My daughter was only 5 pounds and I didn't have anything that small that would fit her so I went shopping for clothes and formula for her. It really only hurt getting in and out of bed...I didn't take any pain meds at all, not even in the hospital after my c-section but I had a room-mate there that had a c-section and she woke me up every night calling for pain meds so it really depends on the person.

 

[momof2OH]

I had two planned c-sections and both mine were a breeze. The worst part was the first one. I knew for a whole week I was having it and the night before I told my mom I wasn't going (I was almost 19). The thought of having my stomach cut terrified me and I worked myself up so bad. Well, that was 15 years ago and it was a breeze. My mom thought I was going to be a mess because my pain tolerance was 0, well I ended up having no pain hardly at all. As soon as I was able to feel my legs after the epideral, which was about 4 hours, I was up and walking around. The only discomfort I had was when I had to cough (sort of like crammping), but the tummy band helped. Since the first one went so well, I chose to have a c-section with my second.

Good Luck with yours!!

 

[cati]

I had an emergency C-Section with my first (after 24 hours of labor).

With the second I CHOSE to have a c-section. I loved it. I went in the hospital at 6:00 in the morning - she was born at 8:00. I had a spinal block which did not hurt at all!!! Felt kind of funny with my legs numb, but never had any problems with any of it. I did so well I was able to go home the next day because I wanted to. I was up that afternoon - took a shower that night. It is a little painful with the stitches and all (I am allergic to staples - I would recommend you tell the surgeon you want stitches). They heal much faster. If I was able to have another - I would definately choose again another C-section.

 

[TINKTWINS]

Well I wont lie, it is a bit painful. But not during, just after. However in this day and age pain meds have come a long way!! Ive had 4 sections, the first was 18yrs ago because DS was over 10lbs, and the 3 DS's that came along after were all over 9lbs, then 4 yrs ago I had twins each weighing in at 7lbs! Believe me, im glad I did not have to deliver them the other way, all my boys had big head, in fact they were all just BIG. Dont be upset its no all that bad. Good luck!!

 

[Sonya]

Mine wasn't so good. But I'm a big wuss and things didn't go very well anyway. Hopefully yours, since it is planned, will go much better. Mine was an emergency C and they put me out. When I woke there were no painkillers in me so it was pretty painful! (the IV blew) But once I got the morphine everything was OK. They didn't get me up right away but once they did I was walking all over. Really the gas pain was the worst. I was on painkillers for 2 weeks, Tylnol wasn't cutting it. I hear the 2nd one goes better, and like I said, since yours is planned maybe it will be much better like others have posted here.

 

[Samandmom]

I had C-sections with both of my kids. The first one was not planned. After 32 hours of Labor and not getting anywhere I am told that my DS is too big to fit. DS was born 10lbs 6oz and 22" long. I was very afraid, that I started to cry when I was told I needed one. My wacky MIL told the the Doc that I was afraid and wanted to know what my other options are I knew there was no other option, and she claims to be a great nurse. I was so glad when my Dr. said to her in a loud tone of voice "THERE IS NO OTHER OPTIONS" But anyways this not a pick on your MIL post.
While in surgery the doc said that I was going to feel a little pressure now. I just started to scream. So the Dr. looks an the anstistia Dr. and gives him the look like put her to sleep. So I was put to sleep. Recovery does take time. It took me about a month to really feel myself. I was walking like a "turtle" (as per my nephew) for few days. The only real painful thing for me was sleeping. I love to sleep on my stomach but could not.
With my DD it was a planned C-section. I recovered quicker with her. Maybe because I had to keep up with my two year old also.

Best of luck to you!!

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I had both DS's by C-section, and would do it again in a heartbeat. I had both of them at 8:00 in the morning and went home the next day before noon. I think a lot of it is your attitude!

 

[BethanyF]

My c-section wasnt planned, but it was a breeze. I actually fell sound asleep during the procedure.....it had been a very long, unproductive couple of days and I was really tired.

I had my son at about 11 PM, by 10 the next morning they removed my cathedar and made me get out of bed and start to walk. I was pacing the floors by that afternoon.

The worst part was going from one position to another (sitting to standing, laying to sitting, etc). I needed both of my hands for balance, so I needed someone around to hold the baby when I had to get up.

My hospital gave me a girdle (for lack of a better word) and it really helped. It was basically just a tight wide elastic thing that gave me some belly and back support.

I had him on a Thursday night and was begging them to let me out of there on Sunday morning. They kept telling me to take the extra day offered by my insurance, but I was fine and just wanted to get home.

We lived in a second floor apartment, so they really couldnt restrict me from walking up and down stairs, but they did tell me not to carry the baby when I was on the stairs.

Be prepared for any of the things mentioned in this thread and be pleasantly surprised when some of them dont happen. Good luck and just take things easy.

 

[KristiKelly]

I was in labor for 42 hours with DS, then due to failure to progress, had a c-section, due to scoliosis and a spinal that didn't take during labor, my OB chose to put me to sleep. When I woke up, I remember DH saying "it's a boy!" and all I could say was "hurt". Due to being put to sleep, there was no pain med. to help. The Dr. & nurses asked if I wanted a morphine drip, but I wanted to do everything right for my son ( I was breastfeeding) and refused. I had alot of pain. My Dr. said that it was due to the long labor that I had also gone through.

When DD came along, I had a scheduled c-section, but she came early and I still went into labor. The 2nd c-section was just as painful for me. I have a pretty high threshold for pain, but both of mine hurt. Many people say they would prefer a c-section, not me. My cousin had a natural delivery and was walking around within 2 hours of giving birth. Getting up & moving around is the worst part, but you must do it or you will be much more sore.

I don't want to scare you, you'll be fine. Does it hurt? Sure it does, it's major surgery. Would I do it again? I sure would. I've done it twice and would do it again - if DH gave the OK. You'll be fine!

A word of advice: Don't let anyone in your room who might try to make you laugh, I was scared to death to laugh or sneeze, my staples would've probably popped out!! Good Luck - It's worth it!!

 

[Mskanga]

Oh man, this reminded me when they took the catheter out and I needed to go to the bathroom, make sure you don't wait till the last second to go, it takes you 10 minutes just to get out of bed!
With the second c-section I also had a tubal ligation and it was much easier than the first one. That time dh and I actually had a "couple dinner" that the hospital provided for with fancy food and wine!!
You bet I took every day I could to stay in the hospital , I didn't ask to get released , I could take the pampering. My oldest one was fine at home with grandma and grandpa and my dh worked 20 minutes away from the hospital , so for a couple of days he would come after work and stay for dinner.

 

[paras4ri]

I also remember the person in my room had a regular delivery and she was in much more pain than I was.

I can second that comment. DS was born naturally and DD by c-section. I had a much more comfortable recovery with DD (and not having to go through labor was wonderful too!)

Best of luck!

 

[Stimpy]

Thank you all so much for the information and advice. I really feel more at ease! I knew I could count on other DISer's.

Honestly, now I'm a little relieved and am hoping for the c-section this time. With DS, he was 2 1/2 weeks late and I had to be induced. It was horrible! I was in "hard" labor for 12 hours from pitocin. The epidural wore off right before the delivery and the second epidural didn't "take". DS had a huge head and almost didn't make it out, they had the surgery room all ready for an emergency section. I have a pretty high threshold for pain, but the whole experience was a nightmare for me. (It's also why there is 4 1/2 years between DS and this baby!) I've been having nightmares all during this pregnancy about having to be induced again (Since I have gestational diabetes this time, DR said I would have to be induced again if baby was even 1 day late!)

Everytime DH went to the DR with me he would ask if I could get a section this time! (Like he was really suffering last time LOL) Dr kept giving the "only if medically necessary speech". Since DD is breach as of last week, I may be scheduled for c-section afterall. She has 2 weeks to turn on her own.....and the way things have been going so far with this pregnancy it would not surprise me in the least if she did a somersault the night before that 2 weeks is up!

Thank you again for all the help and advice. I made several notes to remind myself of the great advice you all have given! :hugs:

 

[Mskanga]

Stimpy;
The morning before I went into labor, I was told the baby was in position for labor, the doctor said , I will see you next week. Boy was he shocked when he saw me that same night at the hospital ( he was the one on call that night ) , but he was even more shocked that she turned completely and wrapped the umbilical cord around her neck the way she did.
Her heartbeat went down to 0 twice and I requested for them to find out the baby's position, that's when he did an ultrasound and found out what was really going on. The next thing I know is at 7 am ( barely an hour later ) I had all of my four OBGYN's in the room around my bed , discussing the course of action. THAT really freaked me out and I was the one to ask for a c-section, I wanted this baby out and alive ASAP. They all agreed that it was the best approach, 1.5 hours later she was born, perfectly fine.
Bottom line is, a baby is in position now, and an hour later they can be breached, that's what happened to me.
But I would rather have a c-section anyday over hours of labor.

 

[goodstarr]

You women are truly amazing. Being a maternity nurse for 17 years, I've seen my share of recovering c-section moms (and I also had one). For those of you who stated that you were up the very same day-WOW! (Our hospital usually keeps new c-sections in bed until the next day). For those of you who took little to no pain meds-WOW! (Most of our recovering c-sections request and receive 1 Percocet with 2 ibuprofen every 3-4 hours. And there are plenty who request 2 Percocets and 1 ibuprofen. As much as we discourage taking too many narcotics because it slows down bowel function, they insist and we must oblige) Most of our patients want to stay in the hospital as long as they can (and they do say that the reason is that they want to be taken care of while their baby is being taken care of in the nursery.) I felt that I slept better once I got home into my own bed, but we do oblige. Please remember that during your surgery, other things are manipulated and you shouldn't try to eat too soon. You must give your bowel sometime to "unkink" before putting too much thru it. The person who mentioned going to the bathroom often is absolutely right. A full bladder pushes on your incision and you end up in too much pain to get up to relieve the pain. Every 2-3 hours, whether you feel like you have to or not, you should try! There's nothing more embarrassing than having to tell your nurse that you wet the bed (I think ) Yes, you do still bleed after a c-section (don't laugh, many patients think that you don't). For once in your life, passing gas is good Getting staples removed is not that bad-takes about a minute and it "pinches" with each pull. Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[deno2]

3 babies-3 c-sections. The first c-section was not planned and after 2 1/2 days of induced labor, my bouncing 11 pound boy was born via c-section. It was at that time that the Doctors informed me that I have an extremely small pelvis and that natural childbirth for me was not an option. I got a staph infection with the first c-section (something that is not realy common) and I will spare you the details of that ordeal. The other 2 operations went extremely well. The most painful part for me was when they removed the drainage tube. I don't know if every surgeon does this because I had one with only one of the kids. One thing that I found to be very helpful, was wearing control top panty hose, (with the legs cut off) after surgery. They kept everything tucked in nicely and I just felt way more comfy.

Good luck with your surgery and congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family

deno

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by goodstarr
For those of you who stated that you were up the very same day-WOW! (Our hospital usually keeps new c-sections in bed until the next day). For those of you who took little to no pain meds-WOW! (Most of our recovering c-sections request and receive 1 Percocet with 2 ibuprofen every 3-4 hours. And there are plenty who request 2 Percocets and 1 ibuprofen.

Oh man I would never take that much pain meds unless I was in so much pain I was vomiting. I don't like the feeling of pain medicine and try not to take it if possible. I wasn't up the same day since I was attached to a automatic blood pressure cuff and a bunch of IV's and a cathedor but I was up the next day because my daughter was in NICU and the only way I could see her was if I got my butt up and I wanted to be there for all her feedings so I walked down there every 3 hours. The first day they sent me a polaroid picture to my room of her.

 

[mrsv98]

Oh, I just remembered, I wore bicycle shorts under my clothes, the tight spandex kind, and that made me feel SO much better. Not quite as consstricting as a girdle but they held all my parts in the right place!