Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I love this board!! Thank you so much for all of your stories. Hearing that it isn't so bad is really calming my nerves. I know that part of it is not having a definite answer as to when. My stomach will be in knots until 2:00... Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I didn't have a planned C section - My water broke and I went into labor, but Sean was just too big to come out on his own so I ended up w/ one -

Honestly, it was not a big deal - AT ALL

I would never elect to have major abdominal surgery but it really wasn't that bad. -

The only think that bothered me, was the fact that I had the shakes from the epidural and when they upped the epi for the section to completely numb me, it got 100x worse - It wasn't painful but it was unpleasant and uncomfortable and my muscles were exhausted.

But everything was fine. - It took about 45 min from beginning to end b/c my OBGYN sewed me up layer by layer - I have a small scar that no one but my DH would ever see .......
Recovery wasn't bad at all - I was numb for awile, which I didn't like - but it went away in a few hours -

I wanted the pain med drip and all of the IVs out of me ASAP so I could get up and shower - so mine came out only a few hours after post op - when my Dr. insisted most people keep them a day or 2 .........I couldn't stand being confined to my bedl so I had them removed and they gave me oral painkillers .....I could tell when the painkillers were wearing off b/c I couldn't move easily - but I was never in horriffic pain - Uncomfortable yes, moving like a 100 year old woman, sure - but NEVER major pain.

You will be fine !! Everyone's experience is different - Do yourself a favor and ignore those people who want to tell you their horror story - A lot of that is personal perception and how you handle situations as well - KWIM? Good Luck !!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

I had a c-section after 10+ hours of labor. DD never dropped either and she was crammed in there and refused to come out!

I never had surgery either before this (except to remove my wisdom teeth) and honestly, it wasn't all that bad. The surgery itself seemed to go by quickly. I did vomit while surgery was taking place and my blood pressue was high for a few days.

My doctor must have done a good job, becuase I got nothing but compliments on my incision and how good it looked from the staff at Winthrop. I didn't take any painkillers except for Motrin.

I was in the hospital for 4 days and once home, you really feel a lot better. I tried to refrain from doing the stairs a lot and heavy lifting, but after a while, you just need to do these things.

Of course, I felt like I couldn't stand up straight because I was afraid of the incision (which I did not look at until weeks after). I healed very nicely and have had no problems or anything.

Now, 19 months later, you can barely see my incision. It is smooth and light in color.

Don't worry - I know you're scared, but it really wasn't that bad. I think I felt worse after my wisdom teeth surgery! And you have a beautiful tiny bundle of joy to enjoy!!!!

Wish you all the best!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

heather -

while i wasn't worried about a c-section (i've had my tummy opened up more times than anyone should) - i was worried about the recovery...

now that i've had it done - i'm petrified of a vaginal delivery! the c-section was no problem at ALL for me! the recovery was easy, fine, etc...

any questions, you know how to get me (text, email, etc)..

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

my birth story is posted as well. I had my DD via C-Section exactly 7 weeks ago. I would say the hardest part was getting out of bed for the first time. Just try to take it easy and not do too much after the section even if you are feeling ok. I still notice that sometimes if I do too much, I am a little sore the next day. I feel great though overall...try to relax, it will all be ok. :)

Re: Talk to me about c-sections

OMG my csection was really not so bad!!!!! I got a little nervous right before but it went so smoothly!!!!
I think the worst part about it was that I couldn't eat anything until night time and I was STARVING!!!!!! (so sneak in some food with you lol) Don't worry about it I think you will be ok. 5 days later I was walking and doing pretty well. Good luck!!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections **UPDATE**

bumping for update!

Re: Talk to me about c-sections **UPDATE**

My C-section was the easiest part of my whole labor! Recovery was a little rough, but I made it through with only motrin. Although it is not desired it is not so bad and I would prob just schedule one for my next baby.

I had staples instead of stiches and it was incredibly easy.

Stay an extra day in the hospital if you could or if they give you an option.

Try to have your staples taken out before you leave the hospital ( I was so nervous but it doesn't hurt at all) this way you don't have to go back to the ob as soon as you get home.

GOOD LUCK!

Also, I was literally vacumming within less then a week (and getting yelled out too!) The more you get up and move around the faster you recover

Message edited 11/10/2009 5:11:28 PM.

Re: Talk to me about c-sections **UPDATE**

good luck heather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!