Oh Alicia!!
Honey... it was SOOO much easier the second time. My first was also an emergency C-section. I was pre-eclamptic and he was in distress. I tried natural labor, we got a good ways in, then he would start to decelerate his heart rate when I would contract. After dropping his rate from 157 to 54, she finally decided to go c-section because she feared the cord was around his neck. After blood pressure meds, labor meds, an epidural, and meds to stop my labor. I nearly bled out on the table. My son had the cord around his neck not once... but 4 times! We made it through, but it was awful.
My second one... WALK IN THE PARK! It was scheduled, I knew what to expect. THey did a FABULOUS job with my spinal. THey were able to give me astromorph that lasted over 24 hours for pain control. If this says anything, the day after I delivered, I was up around my room picking things up because it was cluttered. With my first, I barely made it out of bed day 2. I believe the difference is that my body never actually went into labor, just surgery. The combo just wiped me before. My healing time was about a week before I was lifting my 2 year old. That was tough, but we found ways to snuggle in my lap sitting down. That worked out well.
Congratulations!! I am sure the second will be easier on you. Not to take away the fact it is still major surgery, but I think it might be easier for you since it will be scheduled. Best wishes!!