I had a c section, but it was a while ago! Dec 18th of 2007. I have been working out since then, however, not nearly as hard as I can. I was in pretty good shape (still could have been better) before I got prego. I worked out 5 days a week, and was never bothered, except for normal soreness. I have been working out HARD recently. like I used to. But its been within the last 3 weeks. As of yesterday, my stomache is realllly sore. The weird thing is...I almost feel like I can feel exactly where they cut me inside. From doing ab work outs (like I said, I have been doing them for a year, but not like this) I have the normal muscle soreness, but its in a straight horizontal line, and it seems to be where the made the internal incision. Has this happened to any of you??? Its to the point today that it is uncomfortable to lean over. I am guessing it just normal soreness, maybe the scar tissue breaking up???? what do you think?
Thank you all! All of your responses were very helpful, and reassuring!! ( i just love this website!) I havent done abs for the past 2 days, and let it 'rest'. But I am going to do them again tonight. I am sure its just the scar tissues as you said, and will start massaging the heck out of it! haha
No lets just keep our fingers crossed it starts working, I gained a ridiculous 77lbs with my boy, and the tummy proves it :( Dang that extra skin! lol
hello:
my name is J. and I am also a c-section mommy!!!! I know how you feel!!!! I still get sore where my scar is and the area is still somewhat numb around it too!!!! I cant work out like I used to...I had my c section in aug. of 2006.....
J.
I went to a physical therapist for months after my C-Section and they were very informative about scar tissue. When I felt my c-section scar I could feel the scar tissue just below the surface. My therapist had me rub the scar pressing down on the tissue both horizantaly and vertically several times a day. Over a few weeks I felt the scar tissue get less and less. Then we started pushing deeper to get to the deeper scar tissue. They said it was important to break it up because scar tissue is indiscriminate on where it grows and if left to itself it will really tie up your core muscles. When scar tissue is left to itself anfd then stretched or moved later it can cause a lot of pain. I had a c-section with my second child and was never informed about scar massaging to help break it up. So when I was pregnant with my 3rd I felt intense pain as the scar tissue pulled away and ripped the more pregnant I got. My doctor said it was totally normal. The funny thing is if my doctor had told me how to properly treat scar tissue it would not have happened. I would see about visiting a physical therapist they have a lot of information about treating scar tissue since they usually deal with patients who have it. I now have no pain with my scar and there is no scar tissue that we can feel underneath. I am able to work out agian pain free and have my pre baby figure back. including my abs :) Hope this helps.
Well, I can't speak for a c-section, but I did have abdominal surgery (appendectomy) when I was younger and about two years later was brought into the OR with severe abdominal pain. It turned out that scar tissue in my abdominal space had formed after my sugery (this is known as adhesions) and basically glued together some of the muscles, tissue and organs in my stomach. They had to be removed by laparoscopy and I have been pretty much pain free afterwards.
Adhesions are pretty common post-surgical complications and can happen at any surgical site but are most common in the stomach and pelvis - they usually don't hurt until months or years later, as the scar tissue hardens and becomes less flexible.
I would suggest that you talk to your doctor.
I agree that it could very possibly be scar tissue. A side note - I believe most doctors make the external cut for a c-section horizontally, but the internal incision is usually vertical. I know it depends on the doctor, though, and if the c-section was planned or an emergency one. I'd check with your doctor just to be sure. I just had my 2nd c-section less than a month ago. :-)
I haven't had a c-section, but I have had other major surgeries that ended up creating quite a bit of scar tissue in both the skin and muscles. Years later, I still have problems with the deep scarring on occasion. One thing that does help (even though it can be painful sometimes) is scar massage. You want to deeply rub the scar to help break it down and relax it. Ideally you would have started this once you were healed, but it can still help some now. Good luck! :-)
I had a c-section about a month before you did. However, my being in shape and your being in shape are quite different. I will tell you this; I have my self a hernia (spelling) right before Chirstmas, it was under my scar. The doctor told me that it can take 2 years to heal all the way, so I would have it checked.
I have had three c-sections and never had anything like that. My last was born in Oct. 2007. Since then I have worked out HARD (I've lost 60 lbs.) and never had anything like that. I would recommend seeing your doctor. If for nothing else, a little peace of mind. Good luck!
Yes it is normal. When they cut you open they cut through your muscles. That is why we have that lovely shape that I have termed 'the mushroom belly'. I am sure that the soreness will go away with you doing the harder workouts, it'll just take time. I would say though that if it feels like there is ripping or tearing going on or if it doesnt go away to talk to an advice nurse about it. When I was doing the hard ab workouts I had the soreness also and it seemed to go away for me after more use and the muscles themselves go stronger.
Hope this helps. :)
Stef
R.,
I have the same issue. I even have a small lump in the center of my c-section area...the doctor has assured me it is scar tissue, and that my body will adapt over time to the discomfort. If it gets too bad, he says to take an aleve and put a hot pad on the area to relax.
Good luck,
T.
I had the same problem. I asked my doctor and he said it was me using the muscles that I haven't used in a long time and I was stretching them with the scar tissue. He said not worry and that I could take tylonel for the pain. Hope this answers your question and good luck to the exercise.
I had the same thing only I couldn't walk more than a mile without being in extreme pain for a year and a half. I felt so sore and sometimes there would be pressure with it. The one thing that really helped me was pilates. I also took an adult tap class and the instructor was so helpful. She showed me abdominal exercises that really helped. Also doing plies help build that area up. I hope this is somewhat helpful. Good Luck!
I would go see your doctor to make sure nothing is wrong but then if you're okay maybe try some ultrasound & massage to breask up the scar tissue. If you need a good doctor who does this let me know.
