3rd C-Section recovery questions...TMI alert

[MotherGoose]

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Edited March 29, 2016 by MotherGoose

[Ananda]

I don't think your experience is typical.  I have had three c-sections at 3 year intervals, most recently 8 weeks ago like you.  I always heal very quickly: discharged from hospital next day, no pain a week out.  My experience isn't typical either I'm sure.  I doubt your trouble has anything to do with it being a third c-section.   I would guess that the adhesions and cellulitis are what is stalling your healing.  Everyone is different and all recoveries are different.  I think if you hang in there and rest when you feel pain you should heal.  When is anyone's guess.  Sorry, you truly have my sympathies.  Perhaps think back to your previous c-sections.  What helped you then?  For me babying my abs while walking as much as possible helped.  Sitting & resting for too long made me sore & crampy. YMMV  :grouphug:

[prairiewindmomma]

Your experience is not typical (for those who have normal recoveries).

 

I'd start on some probiotics (for the abx), do some gentle yoga stretching, and eat well.  I'd plan on it being several more weeks. :(

[Bambam]

I feel your pain. I ended up with a resistant MSRA staph infection with my last C-section. It was tough. It took a long time. As much as possible, try to take it easy. Nap when you can, eating well when you can, asking for help if you can.  I can't remember how long it took to feel mostly better. Hey, I can't remember much at all about it anymore! 

 

I hope you will be able to rest extra during the holidays. 

 

 

[JFSinIL]

I was told not to pick up anything heavier than a gallon of milk for a long time. The amount of pain you describe makes me think you are simply doing too much, too soon. It is always possible to develop an abdominal hernia, too, if you lift/strain too much too soon (as I know, alas).

 

I had three c-sections after a major surgery to remove a large fibroid, then a tummy tuck/hernia repair (my first babies were fraternal twins, 7.5 and 8.5 lbs so I had a major abdominal hernia and lots of that loose "elephant" skin). This was years ago. Then last year our car crash lead to another (emergency) abdominal surgery, plus another one to re-hook my innards together, then ANOTHER one to repair a hernia that developed over my (now healed) broken hip.

Eight abdominal surgeries. I'd say I feel your pain...but I have not had any major infection to deal with like you have.

[Kristie in Florida]

My third c-section is coming up in March. I'm thinking of you today and wondering how you are doing.

[ktgrok]

I was told 6 weeks to feel better, 6 months to feel normal. And that was without the infection. I have had cellulitis in my feet, and on its own it is very painful.

[MotherGoose]

Update: 3 months post c section and I feel pretty well but still have pain. I'm doing most of what I want to do but I definitely notice it if I do anything requiring abdominal muscles. My doctor told me I'd be well by now but I'm not. At least I have a sweet, smiling baby to compensate me for it!

[Bambam]

I'd call the doctor and let him know. Maybe some physical therapy will help to strengthen those muscles and help with the pain? I don't think it is normal to still be experiencing pain unless you are lifting heavy objects. 

[Mom2Five]

Hugs to you! I had my 5th csection in 8 years last December...I guess the December before last (2014). It was a long recovery as far as pain. I begged my Dr for more pain meds and he gave them to me until I think I was 6 or 7 weeks out. I took nothing after my first two sections so that was saying something. I don't remember exactly but I'd say I was at least 3 months out or longer before the pain disappeared. I was going to end up going to a pain management dr. I didn't deal with an infection or any complications either. I wouldn't think that would help. I would definitely let your dr know, but it could just be taking you longer to recover. Take it as easy as you can. I didn't get out with the kids for a while after my last csection and did as little as possible.

[Annie G]

Recovery from my first c section was a breeze. So when I needed a second I didn't hesitate. But I was in pain forever. It felt like they'd taken a Jaws of Life tool and winched my abdomen muscles apart far enough to drive an ambulance through there.  Literally for a year it hurt when I used my abs. My doc acted like I was being a whiny baby and dismissed my concerns.  It took a LONG time for me to be able to do a sit up without searing pain....I'm talking years.  Most of that was because when I tried I felt a searing pain in my abdomen...which means I didn't try all that long. 

 

All that to say...sometimes a recovery takes a lot longer and it way different than a previous experience.  Hang in there- I hope you feel better soon.  And congrats on that baby!!