cross post: recent c-section feedback? (within a year)

[sonrisa]

Hi MMMoms,

I usually post on ML and got pregnant. Someone suggested I cross post here.

I'm not looking forward to my c-section recovery. My last one wasn't typical. I thought I'd ask around for a normal perspective. (I went with a one year window because that is when I remember feeling the discomfort had ended and I had fully recovered. If you are further out but feel it hasn't ended yet or want to give feedback, that would be great too.)

How long ago was your section?

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it?

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?)

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember?

Thanks!

[twiga]

My DD was born at the end of May and I ended up with a c-section. It was not scheduled. I ended up laboring for about 21 hours and pushed for 3 hours before it was determined that she was just not going to come out. Her head was turned to the side and she was (surprisingly) quite big- almost 10 pounds. My recovery was pretty good. I did have extra pain in my abdomen but that ended up being from an infection in my uterus. Once that cleared up (back in the hospital at 6 days and home by 2 weeks) the pain eased up pretty quickly. By three weeks I was just taking some Advil here and there as needed and was fine for a 4 hour car trip to the beach.

We had DD in our room in the bassinet part of a pack and play. For the first week or so, DH and I switched sides of the bed so he could get her out for me to feed. I had to have help sitting up in bed and getting positioned. That really only lasted a few weeks or so and then I was able to do a lot more. Remember to hold something over your belly if you have to cough or sneeze. Just rest and focus on the baby. When I did too much, I definitely could tell because I would be in more pain. I would say, 6 months out, I don't really have any issues from the c-section.

ETA: Next time I will definitely take something extra for the constipation. It was horrible!

[thebreakfastclub]

How long ago was your section?   9 months ago on Monday.

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it?     No - I needed an induction at 39.5 weeks due to pre-e.   The induction went great and I was pushing 6 hours later.   The baby had been pretty low for a couple of weeks.    The OB theorized that he had dropped and twisted a bit while he was so low, and his head swelled to the left.   So after 2 hours of pushing, he was so close that the nurse could reach in touch him... yet he was stuck.    Getting that close and then needing the C/S was rough; I think I would have rather made no progress at all.    

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?)   I spent the standard time in the hospital.   I took the Percosets for a couple of nights but stopped because I started to realize I was tragically constipated between that and the iron.   Once I finally took care of that nightmare, I felt x1000 better.    I was able to walk up steps when I returned home, and I walked Target, etc that first week (albeit slowly).    I had to go to the OB alone for a BP check at 3 weeks, and I was able to manage myself.    I think I really felt better at the 3-4 week mark, and I stopped bleeding red around 4 weeks.   That was a turning point, at least mentally.  

I played in a softball tournament at 3 months PP and forgot all about the C/S until after the first game.   I was so proud of my recovery in that moment.   These days, the only thing that bothers me is if I hold DS in a standing position and he happens to be on the incision.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember?    I would have taken something serious for constipation right away (more than what the hospital gave) and tried to eat more fiber that first week.   I would have brought my boppy to the hospital to help hold the baby better.    I would not have packed PJs or a hair straightener!

GOOD LUCK! 

[allibee8]

I had a RCS 8 days ago, so I am fresh off the surgery. I had hoped to VBAC but did not go into labor on my own by my due date.

My first CS was a mess. I had an abruption, a hemorrhage, and precipitous labor. Then I had a terrible infection. It sucked, and I really didn't want another CS as a result. But here I am.

I won't lie. It sucks. But it doesn't suck half as much as last time. It was so much better in the hospital this time. I had a lot of pain, but I knew what to expect and managed decently. When I came home, it seemed to get worse which was probably largely because I had a toddler waiting for me and couldn't rest much.

Today - day 8 - is the first time I'm really feeling like I am getting a lot better. My husband still has to do a lot for me, but I'm getting in and out of bed decently, cooking a bit, and walked a good distance in the parking lot of the pediatrician's office without much pain. I'm only taking Advil for the last 36 hours.

So, I'm not thrilled. I do have pain and swelling. I wish I didn't have another C, but I am also doing much better than last time. Much. Just because you had one bad experience doesn't mean you'll have another.

Best wishes for an easy and fast recovery.

[6fsn]

I've had 3 c/s. At 2 wks past due we tried Pitocin for 2 days. DS didn't want to come out so they did a c/s. I was cleared to go back to working in a papermill at 6 wks.

The hospital didn't do VBAC and the doc didn't think I was really a candidate. So c/s 2. I had no restrictions.

The third I was told to limit steps since we were no longer in a ranch. They also had me doing breathing exercises several times a day in the hospital.

My only advice is keep up on the pain meds and let people help you. Hold a pillow on your belly to cough or sneeze.

[sugarbear]

Nov 20, 2013 11:39:39 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

How long ago was your section? I had one 3.5 years ago and one 8 months ago.

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? The first was not. I pushed for four hours and his head kept getting stuck. The second one was scheduled.

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?) For both, it was super easy. I had some emotional trauma to get over with the first one (long story involving a really dumb resident who made a giant error during my surgery), but otherwise, I was up and at 'em within a week, for both. I took the narcotics for a couple days, the strong Ibuprofen for another week, and then no meds at all. I did not have any discomfort with either, beyond the first few days. I know there were movement restrictions, but they seemed pointless since I was stuck on the couch with a newborn anyway. I mean, the no stairs thing? I had to go up and down the stairs in my house. That didn't seem to bother me.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember?
I really think my experience was made better by staying fit throughout my pregnancy.

Thanks!

[sonrisa]

Nov 20, 2013 12:19:11 GMT -5 jenny1980 said:

Are you eligible for a vbac?

Yes, but my body isn't made for birthing babies.

I come from a long line of women who nearly died or nearly lost children during their second labor. I already had a really crappy attempted first labor. I can't handle a worse one this time only to fail again. Especially with a toddler at home. Last time it was okay that I couldn't walk or carry the baby for months. due to nerve damage. This time I won't have that luxury. 

[chickens987]

How long ago was your section? 14 months and 6 days

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? Yes, it was scheduled.

How has your recovery progressed? My recovery was super easy. I took nothing stronger than mortin after I left the hospital. Didn't carry DD in her carseat until about 3 weeks, and took it pretty easy for about 6, but I felt "normal" within 2 weeks. I still sometimes get faint pangs in my incision area, but they're not painful.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember? Biggest one for me was holding a pillow to my stomach when I laughed, sneezed, or pooped

[sonrisa]

Thanks for all the feedback :-)

[LaceyV]

I'm 6 weeks out and my recovery has been awesome. It was not scheduled, I was in labor for 16 hours and stalled at 2 cm so I had a c section.

I was up and walking around the mall 5 days pp. I had some discomfort for the first week and a half but a Percocet every 8 hours helped with that. By the two week incision check I was off the pain meds. I did have swelling around my incision but it went away around the 1 month mark.

I wasn't supposed to do a lot of heavy lifting or house work for 6 weeks but I didn't really follow that and haven't had any issues.

[thebreakfastclub]

Nov 20, 2013 12:34:52 GMT -5 allibee8 said:

I had a RCS 8 days ago, so I am fresh off the surgery. I had hoped to VBAC but did not go into labor on my own by my due date.

My first CS was a mess. I had an abruption, a hemorrhage, and precipitous labor. Then I had a terrible infection. It sucked, and I really didn't want another CS as a result. But here I am.

I won't lie. It sucks. But it doesn't suck half as much as last time. It was so much better in the hospital this time. I had a lot of pain, but I knew what to expect and managed decently. When I came home, it seemed to get worse which was probably largely because I had a toddler waiting for me and couldn't rest much.

Today - day 8 - is the first time I'm really feeling like I am getting a lot better. My husband still has to do a lot for me, but I'm getting in and out of bed decently, cooking a bit, and walked a good distance in the parking lot of the pediatrician's office without much pain. I'm only taking Advil for the last 36 hours.

So, I'm not thrilled. I do have pain and swelling. I wish I didn't have another C, but I am also doing much better than last time. Much. Just because you had one bad experience doesn't mean you'll have another.

Best wishes for an easy and fast recovery.

So glad to hear things are better the 2nd time.   If I did have to have another, I think it would help knowing I could lean on the experience from the last time around.  

[fortnightlily]

Unscheduled.  I was laboring fine until they broke my water, then the baby's heartrate dropped and wouldn't recover so they took me for an emergency c/s.  Ended up the cord was wrapped tightly around his neck.

Recovery was surprisingly easy.  The incision never bothered me much.  I only took ibuprofen, and only had trouble getting up and out of bed for two or three days.  I kind of missed the catheter the second day because it was annoying getting up to go to the bathroom .  The gas-in-shoulder pain bothered me more than the incision, as did the restriction to broth and jello until I passed gas (this seriously made me angry because I ended up not getting a good meal until the morning before I was discharged).  

On doctors orders, was restricted on lifting anything heavier than the baby for 6 weeks, which was limiting because I felt fine but wasn't even supposed to lift the infant seat, stroller, etc.

[eddy]

How long ago was your section? 18 months ago
Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? Yes scheduled

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?) I took the meds full time for a week. After that I tried to take it slow, but really didn't feel pain. Just some restrictions on being able to do certain movements for about a month afterwards.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember? Take miralax if you don't poop by discharge time.
Thanks!



Read more: pandce.proboards.com/thread/256108/cross-post-recent-section-feedback#ixzz2lD8aVlDp

[chickens987]

Nov 20, 2013 13:02:29 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Thanks for all the feedback :-)

I totally misread your post and still answered I will say it's my inclination that the recovery from a scheduled c-section is easier simply because you are rested and your body has not gone through the stress/exhaustion of labor.

[Deleted]

Nov 20, 2013 11:39:39 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Hi MMMoms,

I usually post on ML and got pregnant. Someone suggested I cross post here.

I'm not looking forward to my c-section recovery. My last one wasn't typical. I thought I'd ask around for a normal perspective. (I went with a one year window because that is when I remember feeling the discomfort had ended and I had fully recovered. If you are further out but feel it hasn't ended yet or want to give feedback, that would be great too.)

How long ago was your section? 11 weeks tomorrow 

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? No. Water broke at 10 pm the night before. I was in labor about 11 hours but didn't progress at all. Picotin at 11 hours, still no progression. Epidural at about hour 12 or 13. DS was I duress at every contraction and getting worse. The doctors suspected a cord around his neck but he was just sunny side up. 

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?) emotional was way tougher than the physical aspect. Don't get me wrong, it is major surgery and I'm almost 40. But I was up walking within a few hours because DS was in the NICU in the basement. I took half the dosage of pain pills in the hospital and was totally off prescription meds within a week of discharge. 

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember?
Instead of a pillow I had a stretchy corset bandage. I much preferred that - less to remember. Take good care of yourself and don't allow many visitors. I had so many visitors that the Nurses made comments about it. Make sure DH or someone you are comfortable seeing you naked is there full time for at least a week. No matter how extroverted you are, you will want time to heal and nurse. Getting out of our high bed was a little difficult for me at first - you might want to sleep on the couch instead. 
good luck!

[sunshineluv]

How long ago was your section? 19 months ago

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? It was scheduled. I had an u/s the day before my due date, and DS measured 9 lb 15 oz, with a large head. They scheduled me for the next morning. (He was 10 lb 4 oz, with an off the charts head.)

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?)

It was actually a really easy recovery physically. I was only on a high dose of advil after I went home, and was able to carry Henry up and down the stairs. I had discomfort, but no real pain after leaving the hospital. (Emotionally the PPD sucked). My only residual effect is about every 6 weeks I get a welt on my incision scar, it is in the same spot, and itches for a few hours then goes away. I asked my ob, he thinks maybe a ingrown hair, but there is no hair, it is weird, but nbd.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember?

I am stuggling now with whether to do a RCS or a VBAC, I only have to decide at 37 weeks. I lean toward RCS. My fear is a long hard labor only to end up in a RCS situation. This thread scares me a bit, because I had such an easy time with my recovery, and I know that is not always the case.

[mandapanda18]

Nov 20, 2013 11:39:39 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Hi MMMoms,

I usually post on ML and got pregnant. Someone suggested I cross post here.

I'm not looking forward to my c-section recovery. My last one wasn't typical. I thought I'd ask around for a normal perspective. (I went with a one year window because that is when I remember feeling the discomfort had ended and I had fully recovered. If you are further out but feel it hasn't ended yet or want to give feedback, that would be great too.)

How long ago was your section? July 1, 2013

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? No, I was inuduced due to cholestasis, I had been having contractions regularly for 3 weeks, but not dialating. I was placed on Cytotec (sp?) to get my cervix to open, after 10 hours baby's heartbeat started to drop everytime I got up to use the bathroom. It progressed to me not being able to move at all with out his heartrate dropinng and then where it was droping when I had a contraction. I was unmedicated during the entire labor process, and when it came down to putting an epidural in for surgery, they couldn't (after trying for 45 minutes) so I was placed under general anethsia. It was terrible!

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?) I was in the hospital until 4th of July, I never took the vicodin that was prescribed, only motrin, so pain wise I was pretty good. I got up and walked immediately and I think it helped to speed my recovery. By 7/5/13 I was walking 2 miles around the park in my neighboorhood.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember?

Thanks!

[arch01]

My c/s was 23 months ago (Friday actually!).

It was unscheduled. Labored for 23 hours, pushed for 2.5 of those 23 hours. He just wasn't coming out.

My recovery was fantastic after I came down off the meds. The cocktail they gave me messed me up pretty badly, but it was due to my labor issues. I never had anything more than ibuprofen in the hospital after DS was born, and I wore a compression bandage (a la Belly Bandit). It helped a TON. Get up and move ASAP. I remember bitching at the nurses because they kept trying to convince me that I was going to fall and/or get sick because I was looking at the floor the first time I got up instead of looking straight ahead. I knew from previous experience that looking at the floor kept me balanced. I was out walking pretty normally within a week, we did laps around our neighborhood when he was a week old.

[rubysapphire]

I just had a planned repeat c-section in September. My first one was two years earlier and was unplanned. My experience with the first one was awful (I got an infection, long recovery, etc.) I was terrified to have another one and couldn't even talk about it without crying. My second one was so, so much better. The fact that it was planned and I didn't labor at all or have my water broken made such a difference. The only thing that was difficult was I had a toddler at home, but I got through it. I had help the first two weeks, and then my H went back to work and my only help was the occasional friend or family member. I managed to not pick up my toddler at all for the first four weeks, and by that time I felt great. I honestly didn't think it was possible because my first experience was so horrible, but the second one was pretty great!

[ladygrey]

How long ago was your section? almost 5 months ago - June 24

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? yes - breech baby

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?) I had a great experience and recovery. I was soooo nervous and upset about having to have a c/s when I found out that DD was breech, but everything went so much better than I expected. I took minimal meds (percocet for 4 days and ibuprofen for 6 days afterwards) and at 10 days pp, I walked 3 miles around a local lake. I was a little uncomfortable and sore for the first few weeks, but never experienced any of the horrible pain people describe when sneezing, coughing, sitting up, etc.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember?
Get up and move ASAP afterwards. I think it was about 8 hours after surgery that I did a slow lap around the birth center, and the next day I walked down to the hospital cafe to get a much-needed Diet Coke . Also, don't be afraid to ask for help - DH changed 80% of the diapers those first two weeks, and it was great just to focus on recovery and BFing.

[Deleted]

How long ago was your section? April of 2013

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? It was scheduled

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?) The first three weeks were rough for me. I had a lot of pain and took pain killers every night for 2 weeks which effectively put my husband in charge of all night wakings. After the third week I felt much better. 7 months later the only lingering effects are the occasional itchiness on my scar and very rarely a brief (like 3 second) twinge of pain.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember? Walk as soon as you can, ask for and accept help, use the support band the hospital gives you! I lived in that thing for weeks.

[holly116]

How long ago was your section?
I've had three, most recent two months ago. 8/2010, 2/2012, 9/2013

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it?
First was after 15 hrs of labor, next two were scheduled repeat sections.

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?)
I feel totally and completely back to normal and have been for a while. I'm currently 9 w pp. I've never taken anything stronger than ibuprofen. I took 800 mg every 8 hours at first, weaned myself down starting at maybe a week pp. Was off of it entirely 9 days pp. I could still feel tinges of pain till probably 4 weeks. I tried to take it as easy as possible at first to really try and heal quickly. I stayed the whole time in the hospital (3 nights). In was in no rush to get home. Stairs limited for about a week. I didn't regularly lift my other kids till week 4, but did so occasionally (in and out of crib, into car seat only) at 3 weeks pp.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember?
This third c-section was by far my easiest. I was a ball of anxiety because my second wasn't that great and all I had ever read was that it was so much easier the second time, especially if you're skipping labor. In retrospect, my hesitation was based on my overall pp experience with DS1. I'd get off the pain meds as quick as you can. First, if you're trying to BF, it can mask if you have latch issues because the pain will be dulled. Also, if you're caring for another child, feeling a little pain when you overdue it will prevent you from really overdoing it too soon, IMO. It sucks for a week, but it gets better fast. It's better than the tail end of pregnancy lol.

[catwithspots]

1. 1st c/s 5 years ago, 2nd c/s 5 weeks ago

2. 1st-No (failed induction), 2nd-Yes

3. 2nd c/s is more fresh to remember the details. Recovery easier than the first, and I was able to walk after the catheter was removed. I can't handle percoset or vicodin (sp?). I rotated Tylenol 3 and Motrin and stayed on both for a week. Once I was home, I stopped the Tylenol 3--works great but makes me so sleepy. I did not feel comfortable taking care of a newborn with the effects of T3! I took the motrin ike clockwork, and by week 2 I was on motrin as needed.
My doctor request not to drive until the 2 week checkup and to lift no more than the weight of the baby.

4. Advice: keep up with the pain meds until you feel you dont need it and ask your hospital to provide you a belly band (back brace. I wore the brace for two weeks and anytime I was in the car. It helps with support for walking and reduced the pain from the potholes in the road!

[djc315]

How long ago was your section? Just under 13 months ago

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? No. I was induced at 41w1d and labored for 30 hours. Baby's head was transverse and I didn't get past 6cm. Baby had heart decels so they decided a c/s was the safest option.

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?) Recovery was easier than expected. I felt back to normal at 1 week. It was difficult getting in and out of our raised bed and moving fast for the first 3-4 days. I did take the ibuprofen and whatever else they prescribed (along with Colace!) on a regimented schedule for the first 5 days.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember? Take all the Colace! Take it easy, accept help when it's offered, ask if you need it.

[pescalita]

Here's the c&p of a PM I wrote at 4w pp with my recent RCS for another GBCNer who was anxious. I'm 11 wks pp now and have been back to normal for awhile. Last week I carried J in the moby for about 7 hours around SF.

Hey there! I'm feeling really great, I did have a repeat C 4 weeks ago tomorrow.

I'll give you the bad first, and there's really only two things: first, going in "cold" instead of exhausted from labor made me a LOT more anxious. I'm generally trying to ward off a panic attack any time I'm in the presence of doctors, needles, or hospitals, so that was rough. Second, the spinal block is painful and uncomfortable to get in. I barely felt the epi going in the first time, so I wasn't expecting that to be a big deal.

The good news is that the extra pain going in is totally worth it. The spinal is WAY better than the epi. I felt much less tugging and pressure during surgery (a good thing when they had to wrestle out a baby 1.5 lbs bigger than his brother) and I was in way way less pain in recovery.

A couple of things that were unique to my situation: I felt pretty crappy the first day, definitely not better than with my first, BUT, I had lost about a liter of blood in recovery (my uterus needed help contracting down properly). Once I started taking iron, started eating real food, got a little sleep, and had another day under my belt, I felt a lot better.

Also, I was discharged at 36 hours post-op with A to visit him in a different NICU, and this time we stayed 96 hours. So I felt a ton better this time by the time I got home and didn't need things like help getting in/out of bed, lots of pillows to sleep, I don't remember how long I needed that the first time and whether I would have had I been in the hospital longer.

I had morphine the first night with A, which I hated. This time they put me on something that started with a T that they called a souped-up Motrin, and it was great. I was on that and percoset and then switched to regular Advil after the second day. I took about three percoset total once I was discharged. I was off Advil by 2 weeks.

I do feel like the soreness was better this time, even considering the longer hospital stay. Last time I was walking normally by day 12, and this time I feel like it was more like 9. I was able to lie flat on my back and on my sides way earlier.

At this point I feel mostly normal. I still get a little tugging at my incision if I'm walking a lot or using my abs and my core is a still weak. The actual incision is still pretty numb.

All in all I'm glad I never have to do it again, but it wasn't that bad. It's all temporary. Each day gets better. Good luck!!!

[Deleted]

I have had 2 -- the first was after laboring for 31 hrs -- that recovery was the pits and I thought I was going to die.

But when my second c-section was scheduled, my recovery was a breeze. The most painful part was getting up the first few times to walk -- the burning sensation is so intense but the more you walk the quicker you will recover. I also wanted to avoid constipation/big poops after surgery like the plague (due to first c-section experience!) so a week before I took Colace and 2 days before the scheduled c-section I ate foods that would not constipate me and make my stool softer. Worked liked a charm. 

Best advice I have is make sure you have some time of belly support band, helps make sure your insides don't feel like they are falling out -- take all the pain meds and request more if you are feeling pain -- if your body is in pain it will stress out and everything else won't work smoothly. Get up and walk as soon as possible after the catheter is out. Makes a huge difference in recovery. 

[dlphndoc]

How long ago was your section? My first was 2.5 years ago and my second was 2 months ago.

Was it scheduled? If not, what preceded it? Neither one was scheduled. They were both urgent due to PIH/pre-e and baby in distress. I did not labor with either one.

How has your recovery progressed? (Meds? Pain? Discomfort? Movement restrictions?) The first one I had pre-e and was in the hospital for a week. This time I did the standard 3 days. I was up walking in 24 hours with both. I took Percocet on night 1 and Motrin the rest if the time (about a week). I was doing stairs & lifting baby right away, in fact I was rooming in with her alone from night 1. I had to wait 2 weeks to be cleared to lift my son (30 lbs) and to drive.

At 2 weeks pp I was back to taking my son to all of his classes (soccer, art, music) and the playground. I didn't start actively working out or going for long walks until 4 weeks pp.

Any other thoughts or tips I should remember? Listen to your body. If you need a pain killer, take it. If you need a stool softener, take it. If it hurts, don't do it. You don't need to power through anything or prove yourself to anyone. Remember to eat & stay hydrated, more than you think you need.