Starting to get nervous about my upcoming c-section...

[antkim]

I haven't really given it much thought until now.In 3 months I will be having this surgery. I had my DS "regular" birth but unfortunately I had some complications in healing which ended with me having a corrective surgery 2 years later. My OB and surgeon have both agreed that a c- section is the better way to go this time around so that I don't undo any corrections they made. I'm just nervous about the healing time of this surgery. Anyone care to share their experiences? Both good and bad welcome!LOL I suppose it can't be much worse than the 4 years it took for me to feel better from DS #1, right?
Kim

 

[Beanie]

Hi Antkim!

I had an emergency C section with my son that caused complications for me later on, so when I got pregnant a year later with my daughter, I was to have a scheduled c section that time around!

With my son, I had been in labor for 7 hours when my doctor said that he wouldn't be coming out that way. Everytime I pushed, his head was getting knocked around, as he has a very big head for a baby! Anyway, he was going into distress, so a c section took place quickly after and he was born. I had complications as my uterus was ripped pretty bad and I had to stay in the hospital for 7 days, but in all, it was definitely worth it to deliever my husbands one and only son out of 6 kids!

When I got pregnant with DD, my doctor had said I wouldn't be able to have a vbac, but I knew that anyway, so as time got closer, he scheduled me to have a c section. DD wasn't going to wait for that day though and decided to show up 3 weeks early, but everything went fine and she was born without a problem. I stayed in the hospital for 6 days with her.

Good Luck to you and please let us know how everything goes!

 

[Justhope]

My first dd I had natural the 2 nd time around I had a C-section and Ihave to tell you it wasn't bad . I only stayed in the hospital 24 hours dd was really wanting mom to come home . I had a wonderful experience it was painful right afterwards (like when you get up the first time) but after that it was fine. I went home and was doing laundry and cooking that day I believe.

Having had one each way the c-section was not a traumatic experience. The thing I hated the most each time was the epidreual (sp) I could do without that.....lol...

Its not as bad as you think aannnnnd just think you will be able to sit comfortably afterwards...


Good Luck ,
Hope

 

[Lanshark]

Kim,

I had 2 c-section births. One in 1986 and one in 1990. The medications had improved so much in those 4 years that I can't imagine how good they are now. I had very little pain in the 1990 c-section. I attribute that to two things. One is the meds were better. The other was the fact that I was very diligent in getting up and moving around as much as I could after the surgery. It may be difficult the first day but once they allow you up try to get yourself moving. My son was in NICU for a week. I could call the nurse for a wheelchair to take me there or I could go slowly and walk there. I chose to walk because I could spend more time with him. It took me forever to get there but it was only down 1 long hall and around a corner.

When I went to the hospital they prepped me by inserting an IV and an epidural (sp). They also had me hooked to a bunch of monitors. The wheeled me into surgery and my husband met me in there. I felt absolutely nothing they did. My husband held my hand the whole time. I felt as if I may be bouncing on the table alitte as they removed the baby. They showed me the baby and took him (1990) and her (1986) to be cleaned up. It was at this point they increased my medication and the next thing I knew I was in recovery. My husband joined me and then I was taken to my room.

I could honestly say the pain was very manageable. I had a pump I could press to administer more pain meds and I don't believe I used it. I kept waiting for the pain to increase as it did with the 1986 birth and it never did.

Hope this helped.

 

[Serena]

Hi Kim,
The circumstances that caused my need for a c-section was scary. And afterwards, I was so relieved to have a healthy, alive, baby that it didn't seem like much trouble at all.

What kind of incision are they going to do. Since mine was an emergency they went the quick way on the outside and the bikini on the inside. So I was cut both ways.
The one thing that I read was to make sure you don't constantly stoop over trying to protect it. Sit up straight and walk straight. It doesn't feel very good, but it'll help it heal better. Or so I was told.
Make sure you have plenty of help at home. And I mean, helpful help. Not someone that says they are there to help and just entertain others that come by. I pulled a muscle in my back trying to move around with the baby while my help was in the kitchen playing cards with friends.
I was a mess after that. It took forever for me to be able to move without pain.

The rest is a little graphic, don't look if you can't handle it.

I had staples all the way up to my belly button. It was interesting to see. And the staple remover was interesting as well. It didn't actually hurt, or not very much at all, but I thought it should so I was pretty tense. They taped me close and it was supposed to come off as I healed up.
The tape come off a little early and the incision came open somewhat. I just taped it back closed and make sure the tape stayed on and it healed up fine.

If you have any other questions just let me know.

 

[browneyes]

I'm sure you'll do fine, Kim. I've never had a c-section (although I begged them to give me one during the pushing stages during both births ). My ex SIL had 4 c-sections and she healed quite well, and very quickly. I've heard a lot of people talk about how perfect a newborn c-section baby's head looks compared to what my kids' heads looked (they had to have the vaccuum used on them to get them out).

 

[Justhope]

Oh yeah I forgot I was cut so low that now you cant see the scar and I was also glued to close the incission so there were no staples to remove. Thank goodness

 

[annemariec]

Hi Kim,

I'll be having my second c-section in about 5 weeks. I had my first section in 2001. The first was urgent. After 10 hours of labor without an epidural, I welcomed the c-section. (I had the bikini cut.) It healed well & I didn't have any problems. I was on, I beleive it was Darvocet for a week or two for pain (that's pretty standard I think). I halfed the dose once I got home and did fine. I did take the Darvocet preventively, i.e.- on schedule before I felt any pain. I would recommend doing that. After surgeries it's a usually a common practice. If it isn't at your hospital, ask for your pain med every 4 hours for at least the first two days. Mine was late getting to me a time or two and I started to feel the pain. But the medication took care of that.

Oh, are you allergic to surgical tape? I found out the hard way when the bandages were removed. The nurse said it's better to get it off quickly and when she pulled it off, my skin went with it!! Argh! So, I'll be asking for a different tape next time!

I got around fine. I think if I remember right, you have to limit going up & down steps for a bit. Not long. Some docs say wait two weeks before driving after the surgery, some say longer (I think mine said 6 weeks, I could be wrong on that.) You will be put on clear liquids immediately after the surgery. The nurses will come in and listen for bowel sounds and check your incision. Once they hear the bowel sounds you will graduate to soft foods and then on to a regular diet. I think that will take anywhere to a day to a day and a half generally.

I actually had a harder time getting over the hard labor (Induced with prolonged Pitocin) than the surgery!

You will do fine!

Annemarie

*Just hope, I'll have to ask about the glue this time! Glad you mentioned it.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I've had 3 c-sections and NO REGRETS!. The 1st was an emergency and I was put under (very scary). The second two were scheduled. I could have opted for the VBAC but I really liked the idea of planning That may sound a little odd but we had to arrange for child care (no close family members) so it worked out well. My last c-section was a regular party, my husband, my best friend, and 2 residents watching along with the doctors, nurses etc.

As far as recovery, the first one was hard, due to the fact that it was an emergency. It took me awhile to recoup. The other 2 were a breeze in comparison. Don't forget the percocets

It really isn't as bad as it may sound.

Good Luck.

 

[mrsdon]

I had a c-section way back in 82. It was an emergency, so i was cut the long way. You do feel pain for a little while, but then you are fine.

 

[amid chaos]

It'll be no big deal as long as you park yourself and that beautiful new baby on the couch for a few days when you get home and let everyone else take care of the house, you, and rest of family!

 

[Mskanga]

I had two c-sections, the first one was emergency with no complications, the second one was my choice and if I ever had another child, I would have another c-section. The recovery wasn't bad at all, just take the time to enjoy your new baby and let dh help out with the house.

 

[luvtogo12]

My best advice is to get up and walk as soon as you are allowed. I had three C-Sections and recovered quicky from them because I walked as much as they allowed. It gets easier every time you get up.

Sadly, I asked to be knocked out for the birth of my DD because I was soooooo scared. I have huge regrets about that now, I missed out on one incredible experience. I stayed awake for the birth of my 2 DS's because I knew how much I missed the first time around...it is amazing. Enjoy your pregnancy. Try not to let fear get in the way of that.

You will need help when you get home, don't be afraid to ask for it.

Good luck!

 

[Talking Hands]

Both my daughters were born via C-sec. Severe toxemia with the first plus to small a pelvis with the first. Second a repeat due to small pelvis. No big deal really. With the first there were so many other problems the C-sec wa the least of my worries. With the second no problem at all. They are both beautiful young ladies now and well worth the experience.

 

[padams]

I had 2 c-sections. DS #1's head was never going to fit through my hips so after a day of labor, I gladly had a c-section. Because I had had an epidural about 12 hours earlier, I could feel nothing. I was sore for a day or 2, but nothing compared to the stories of my friends' episiotomies. My biggest fear was during the c-section was that the "curtain" that is hung over you below your neck would fall, and I would see the action (I am the squeamish type). DH watched both c-sections with fascination.

For DS#2, I had a scheduled c-section because he was 2 weeks overdue (I had been trying for vbac). It was a great experience. I woke up the scheduled morning, took a shower, styled my hair, put on makeup, and went to the hospital. I walked onto the maternity floor, and there were all these women wandering the halls who were in labor (and appeared to have been there for a while- memories of my first childbirth experience returned). I almost felt a bit guilty knowing that in about an hour, my baby would be born, and I looked like glamour girl this time.

Because I had my epidural only 15-20 minutes before my c-section this time, I actually had some sense of feeling in my body. I could feel a pulling or tugging sensation in my abdomen as they took out DS#2 but no pain. Because I hadn't been drugged out for so long on this one, I recovered much quicker.

My incisions were made (in the same place) below my bikini line, approx. 5" across. After 5 years, the scar has faded and virtually disappeared.

You will need some help for the first 3 to 6 weeks. I was not allowed to carry anything heavier than my baby (8.5 lbs) so no grocery shooping, laundry, vacuuming, etc. for the first few weeks. I also couldn't drive for a couple of weeks.

 

[antkim]

Thanks for all the responses! I feel much better now. I was mostly concerned about the healing time. My DH is taking 3 weeks off from work so he will be home to help. He's an RN so I know he will take good care of me! Sounds like it will be easier to heal from this than my 1st experience!!!!! I'll take a few weeks over a few years!
Thanks again for your stories-they helped!
Kim

 

[02bBarbie]

no personal experience, but best of luck to you!

 

[lisajl]

It will be okay...I promise!

My first two were "regular", my third was emergency c-sect.

I laid down on my bed and heard something "pop". I thought it was my water.....nope, blood.

I told them at the hospital and they said, "oh yeah, whatever"
Then when the doctor checked me she and the nurse said, "Oh my!" The doctor then informed me the placenta had torn away from the wall of the uterus.

Emergency c-sect was the best bet. I could have endured labor,but why wait? I might have still had to have a c-sect.
So, she apologized, and I said, "Let's go"!
I just wanted my son to get here safe and healthy.

I must say the hard part of regular delivery is sitting down afterwards. With a c-sect the hardest part is standing up straight.
I thought my insides were going to fall out. But, I felt better after day 3, they took out the staples and home I went.

My insurance would have paid for 5 days, but I just wanted to go home. In retrospect, I should have stayed. I think I would have done better....we had a waterbed!
It was horrible to try to get out of. If you have a waterbed, sleep on the couch!

You will do wonderful....good luck and have a happy, healthy baby...that is all that matters.

Lisajl

 

[lorin]

I had an emergency C-Section in 1998. The best advice I can give to you is to walk as soon as they let you. My DD was in NICU and the only way I could see her was to walk (very slowly) to NICU. By the time I got home from the hospital 3 days later I was walking around with no pain. Best of luck to you and your family!!

 

[6_Time_Momma]

My first was a c-section followed by 5 vag deliveries.

I had a spinal. I was quite a bizarre feeling afterwards not being able to move your legs on command!!

I stayed 4 days in the hopital. I think I was "sore" for maybe a week. Totally back to feeling good by two. Stayed off work for your usual 6 weeks.