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Scheduled repeat c/s - a nervous mommy and a baby who didn't want to wait!
It is no secret that I was dreading a second c/s. My first was an emergency c/s and I was so bitter about it, even though the recovery wasn't that bad. I never in a million years would think I'd be a c/s person....not that there is anything wrong with it, but I'm pretty earthy and mama nature and all that, plus I have great child-bearing hips...I can't explain it.
I was told I should have a second c/s because the baby was estimated to be big, just like my first.
I went back and forth with the idea of a VBAC and then decided that I would have a c/s ONLY IF I could have it scheduled with this one great doc - who I trust above and beyond and I know would put my mind at ease...she is absolutely amazing. I scheduled it a day before my due date. I figured this would give the baby some time to come on his own, if it was meant to be.
In the wee hours of the morning before my scheduled c/s, I started having contractions. I ended up going to the hospital, and they confirmed I was indeed in labor. They called my doc and she came down and we were headed into the OR earlier than we thought!
Now, I am a horrible patient. I'd love to be a doctor, but I am squeamish when it comes to things performed on ME.
Prior to the c/s, I met with the anesthisologist (sp). He looked like he was 12, which made me nervous, I won't lie.
I asked him if they could give me a little something to take the edge off after the baby was out, as I am prone to panic attacks and I would do much better going into the c/s if I knew I had resources available to help me, should I start to panic.
During my last c/s, I ended up with a huge panic attack and they had to knock me out. I told him all of this.
He said no, that he would talk me down and I would be fine. I was very upset and couldn't understand why. I begged and pleaded, and he just kept saying, "Don't worry, I will talk you down." Look, I know that people can be "talked down" but come on, dude. Now is not the time for a therapy session in the OR. I don't want to have to sit there and chant.
I ended up speaking to my doctor (who knows I am so nervous about this), and I told her what he said. She said she couldn't see why they can't give me something after the baby was out, so she spoke to him and I ended up getting my way. Apparently doc trumps anesthisologist (sp)
I thanked her. I told her I was going to try NOT to need the sedative, but it was nice to know it was there, should I need it.
I walked into the OR, which was so weird. They administered the spinal, which took forever and seems like they had to keep doing it over & over. I started to tear up and ask what was taking so long..
That pain is such a weird pain..like a tender/soreness/bruise pain. Then my legs got warm and tingly.
I think they started the operation and then brought DH in. I started feeling kind of fuzzy, which I asked about - they said it was normal. It's such a surreal feeling to be awake and have all this going on and be aware.
SOMEHOW I managed to stay calm! The baby came out, he was adorable, but they didn't let me see him right away. He was over in that little baby area for quite awhile and I kept asking if he was okay. No one would say anything, but I heard him crying a lot, so I knew that was a good sign.
I still can't believe I stayed awake for the entire thing. They DID end up giving me a little something, but it didn't knock me out. It just took the edge off.
I was sent to recovery, and baby was sent to nursery. I hate that. 
I kept shaking uncontrollably in the recovery area, which I recall happened last time, too. I was also very itchy. All of this is normal, and can be a reaction from the drugs. They gave me some benadryl to help with the itchiness, but it didn't work 100%.
They finally wheeled baby over to me, but I still couldn't hold him. The bucket of placenta was on top of his little bassinet, and my DH almost fainted. 
I was finally brought to a room, and got settled in. The goal the first day was to get me out of the bed and sit in the chair for an hour.
The next day they took out the urine foley and the IVs, and the goal was to walk around a bit. When I got up, I was hysterical. My BACK, not my c/s area, HURT LIKE HELL. It was all from that spinal. I was so worried but they said it was normal and gave me an ice pack. I couldn't even stand up straight due to the pain in my back, but it eased off.
I took a shower. It was IMPOSSIBLE. DH had to help me, and help me get dressed.
Each day got easier and easier, but it's no picnic.
Biggest tip: TAKE THE MEDICATION AND BE ON TIME WITH IT!
I was on a cycle of Oxycodone every 4 hours, Tylenol, and Motrin every 6 hours
They wanted me to take 2 Oxycodone , but whenever I did, my nose got itchy and it made me feel anxious. 1 Oxycodone worked, but didn't make all the discomfort go away..but I'd rather a little pain then feeling anxious.
ANOTHER TIP: DO NOT ASSUME the nurses will come around at night or whenever to give you your pills.
Sometimes they tend to forget or be late
on it, especially if your med time fell during a shift-change. Best thing to do is SET YOUR ALARM and then call them 10 or 15 minutes prior and let them know you are DUE FOR YOUR MEDS!
If you are BFing get all the advice and tips you can from the nurses or lactation consultants on staff. They are wonderful. I also pumped in the hospital and used one of their fancy pump machines. They also even gave me a free Ameda hand pump! which was so nice.
Anyway, I still don't like c-sections or the recovery, but it's all worth it. And my little baby is so cute and he's healthy, so I'm happy overall. 
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