Pain After C-section - Fort Smith, AR

Ive had two csections and you might try Ibuprophen. Nothing is gonna take all the pain away. You just have to hang in there. It will get alittle better everyday. Hang in there. Good luck.

I had my first c-section on 12-22-07. And I still have pain, not all of the time but frequently. On mineit's just one side, but it stills aches almost 7 months later.

It's normal. I have had 2 c-sections. After my first one I was in pain for a long time and then had discomfort for years. After my second one, I was only in pain for a couple of days. I wouldn't worry about 10 days. It's normal.

I had a c-section 7 1/2 years ago and was fine after a few days, but please keep in mind that every person's pain tolerance is different. You may want to call your doctor and go in and have them look at the incision to insure that it has not become infected. Feel better soon....
G.

how were you cut? If you got the across the stomach it is more painful but if you are up and down than the pain should be ease in a few more days to over the counter meds. But it is normal after 10 days to still need the Rx pain meds up to 2-3 weeks depending on your level of pain. But if you are concern about it call your doctor. Because to much pain could be an infection.

It's normal to need the Rx pain meds after 10 days. Take it as easy as you can, take your meds and if you actually get a chance to sleep, enjoy it! Eventually you won't need to take as much, but you really have to take it easy and don't overdo it. I've had 2 C-sections. They first one was the worse of course because I didn't know what to expect even urinating was a challenge! Take it easy.

Tips for recovery after cesarean from International Cesarean Awareness Network
Only care for yourself and baby. Remember only lift baby for 4-6 weeks postpartum
Enlist others for daily chores and meals. Freezer meals are a help.
Eat healthy foods and drink ample fluids. Continue stool softeners as needed.
Have a basket for snacks, water bottle, phone, medications to carry with you
Enlist others to help with other children
Consider hiring a postpartum doula or other support person
Create several diaper/baby need stations throughout the house
Rest and increase activity slowly
Have baby sleep nearby for easier nighttime feedings
Find emotional support at www.ican-online.org and your local ICAN chapter

Your contact person for your local ICAN Group
ICAN of NW Arkansas
Fayetteville

Contact: Aly Kirkpatrick
eMail Address: ____@____.com
Telephone: ###-###-####

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at my 2 week post op visit, my ob told me to start weaning myself off the pain meds, i was still pretty uncomfortable, so i did it slowly. i remember feeling the same way "is this ever going to end?" it will, give yourself the time you need.

Hi C.. My instincts say that something is wrong. Go back immediately & request/demand an ultrasound to double check that everything was removed after the surgery (i.e., sponges, etc...) I was 34 when I had my C-Section & went home after 4 days with no pain pills, & the incision was completely healed by 10 days (outwardly, at least). I never really had any pain. It's better to be safe than sorry. Also, make sure you are taking it easy. Do not do anything strenuous for the first month, as in 'scrubbing the tub', etc... Good Luck.

C.

I have had 2 c-sections. The first one, no pain. The second one. I told over the counter pain meds for about a week. The more you move, the more it will get sore. However, the more you move the more the muscle will get back to normal. So, start slow and walk a little every day. It will get better. Now, if it come with fever, call your Dr. now. I got an infection with my first one and I didn't know it . I got a bad fever and had to get on meds. Good Luck and Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Honey, You just had a baby 10 days ago!!! It is fine if you still need pain meds. Although I didn't have c-sections, This last time I needed pain meds for a while. If you are concerned, call your OB/GYN. They will help you out. they may be able to give you something a bit stronger or want to see you sooner just to ensure everything is fine. It sounds like you are just a normal woman trying to do more than you need and expecting more of yourself than you should. I ought to know I do the same thing. I have to constantly remind myself that my baby is just 3 months old and that I have two kids now not just one and that I don't have the time or energy that I had before. If you are nursing or pumping sometimes that can make things seem worse. It is going to take you time to heal. Take it easy and if you can, get some help.

I needed pain meds (prescription for about 4 weeks after my c-section. Every person is different, but I had a lot of trauma with mine (twins) and 4 years later still get pains where the incision was, the OB/GYN says it is from scar tissue, but I have not been the same since it happened, I think I am possibly a special case. I couldn't hardly walk until about 3 months after I had it (12 weeks).

You could also have an infection, if you think that might be the case call your Dr. and see him. Even if it looks fine on the outer incision, it could be the inner one that is infected.

C.
My daughter in law had a c-section 6 years ago and really had a hard time. She took a lot of pain meds and became so tired that she really could not function well. We found by cutting back on the heavy pain meds from the prescription, using Aleve,not laying in bed so much and some walking, helped in her healing.
I also think everyone is different in the time it takes us to heal.Follow your doctors advice, he knows best. Also 10 days is still soon to be feeling no pain after a c-section. Give yourself plenty of time to get well. Your new baby needs you
S. Miller

Have you tried taking a couple Motrin instead of the prescription? If so and your pain is still pretty bad I would tell your doctor that you would like to be checked for an infection. I don't exactly know how long severe pain is normal but I know I was on a prescription for a long time after my pregnancy and when I didn't take it my pain was so severe that I would double over. I finally called the doctor and got an emergency check-up, ends up I had a uteran infection. SO if you want to be sure I would schedule a check up with your doctor and tell him your concerns and level of pain

It's only been ten days and a C-section is major surgery! Your pain is normal, give yourself at least another 2 weeks and if the pain hasn't subsided talk to your doctor. I had pain for a month after mine and I have a much higher than normal pain tolerance. Take care and stay in touch with your doctor!

i was still very sore 10 days after mine. i asked for a Rx of the hospital ibuprophen, because the pain pills knock me out. but watch the cut mine went red and i had to take Rx and but a warm rag on it. just remember some people have a high pain tollerance, and some dont. i dont....so your pain might be different. but its gonna be sore!!!!

I required Rx pain meds, percocet specifically, until I was 5/6 weeks post-op. Not to diminish your hope for recovery but that's how it was for me. Yes was scary when he cut my supply off but I fell back on my reg OTC pain meds, Aleve, and been ok. I think this week I'm offically pain free and I'm 7 weeks opst-op. Everyone is different so talk to your doctor about your pain level.

Yes, I was still hurting at this point. I too wondered if I should be but I was. Could you break or cut the pills in half? Check with your doctor or nurse to see what they say about that. IT does take at least six weeks to start feeling good. K.

I have had two c-section and I know I had pain 10 days after I had them. I definitely know that I still had pain with my second c-section because that was just two months ago. My doctor told me to take 800mg of motrin every 8 hours for pain if I did not want pain medication. Matter of fact they were giving me that in the hospital. They would only give me a pain pill if I asked for one. You might ask your doctor about it. Having a c-section is just like a surgery. You have to treat it like a surgery as well. So having pain 10 days afterwards would be completely normal. You will feel your normal self in about another week or so. It just takes time to heal.

What is "normal" depends on each individual person/patient. I also had a lot of pain after my c-section, mostly because I didn't sit still like I was supposed to. I was taking prescription pain meds for probably 3-4 weeks, but then I was fine with plain tylenol. Give yourself some time, and don't feel bad if you need your prescription. That is why they give it to you. My doctor had to explain to me that a c-section is major surgery, and it takes the body a while to recuperate. Good luck and congratulations.

Gurl, a c-section is just not going to be a walk in the park and then you are done. I don't care what people say... It's still a MAJOR surgury on your lil body. To still be in pain is COMPLETELY normal. Don't be so hard on your self there. I've had three of them and with this last one... we had company in town and they wanted to site see. lol. I do want to add that with my son (my first c-sect) I got a uterus infection (very painful). If it's not too much to ask.... Please go to the doctor. Just to check and make sure. From my experiences, it's time for the pain to be subsiding, but not def not diminished. If you can't make it to the good ole doc... then it is okay to take the heavy med (like vic or the perk) and then wait 3 hours and take a mortin (maybe even 2 depending on what dose amt it is). With your hours factored, you can be take a pain reliever every 3 hours as long as your switching them. I found it best to write down the med and the time to keep track cuz it gets confusing. I also tried to put in more of the motrin and little by little take out the hard meds. Weening is so much easier on yourself than cutting cold turkey.

IF U ARE NOT RESTING, the pain will hurt worse. So, get a lot of rest! If hubby can't help: ask for family and friends. You need time for yourself and that baby. My prayers are with ya. This too shall pass and you'll be playin with your bouncin' bound of joy. Goodluck and congrats on your new one! Sorry about the spelling errors. If you need anything else. Feel free to email me back. Hope this helps ya!

There is no 'normal', it all depends upon the person. Some people just have a higher pain tolerance level than others. It's nothing to be ashamed about.

I would start trying to add some over-the-counter meds to your regimine of pain pills, though. That way, you can start upping the dose of the over-the-counter medicines while lowering the dose of your prescriptions. Try skipping a dose of the prescription medicine and see how it goes with a few Motrin or whatever. You don't want an addiction to mess up life with your newborn!

I was in pain for several weeks after both of my c-sections. I took the prescription pain medicines for probably a week of that, then switched over to Motrin or Tylenol, whichever I had in my cabinet at the time. I have a high tolerance for pain, though, so it can vary by that.

Going to doctor soon, suggest you follow C.'s advice and insist he do what you ask. One never knows. Real problem hear is insurance companies pushing out the door. Ask your doctor if he complete say so would have kept you in the hospital anothe day or two. If he says yes, suggest you fax him confirming your conversation. Then send a copy to your insurance company that you hold them responsible if something serious happens. - I am not one to suit but I am one for covering my rear end. Nothing probably will happen but you need to protct yourself and your family.

God Bless

I've had two c-sections, and what you're going through is very normal. You're going to be extra tired until you're healed, and you're probably not getting enough sleep anyway with a new baby! Try the over the counter meds. If you deaden the pain TOO much, you can hinder your healing by overdoing it and putting too much stress on your muscles and tissue. My first baby was an emergency c-section, and they deadened the pain too much in the hospital with an epidural that I was allowed to dose myself with until the medicine ran out. That c-section took seven months to recover from before I stopped having stabbing pains every time I used my stomach muscles at all. The second one was more painful in the beginning, but I recovered in two months because I wasn't overdoing it. It's pretty typical for a c-section recovery to take two months or so.

Listen to your body. If you're in a lot of pain, slow down a bit. Get up from bed and chairs slowly and carefully. I found it helpful to roll to the side a little to use my oblique muscles more than the muscles running down the center of the stomach. Walking 15 minutes at a time several times a day also helped me ALOT!

Get as much sleep as you can. Sometimes people forget that a c-section is considered MAJOR surgery because it's common. But it cuts all the way through your abdomin. Don't overdo it, and give yourself several months to heal. And again - sleep, sleep, sleep if you can. It will help you heal.

Best Wishes,

T.

I had 2 c-sections and had pain for quite a while after each one. My first one was worse than the second because I labored for 12 hours before I was cut. I think what your experiencing is normal but if you are this unsure about it call your doctor and ask questions. No one knows your body like you do and if think there is something wrong don't hesitate to call your doctor. I can't stress enough that you need to consult your doctor if you think something is wrong or that you shouldn't be on Rx pain meds by now. My doctor both times had me take over the counter meds in between my Rx doses.

C., I had 2 C sections and a major abdominal surgery even before that for a ruptured ovary. I never took the pain meds more than two days. It just seemed to suddenly lessen and go away. I was not pain free but it was definitely tolerable. I don't like to take any medicine, especially Pain medicine because I like to monitor what is going on. Also I was breastfeeding and medicine and milk don't mix!

Ten days seems inappropriate but I'm not sure about your pain threshold. Do you hurt while lying still or only when you move and contract the muscles? If you are hurting while lying perfectly still then I would call the doc.

M

I only had like 20 pain pills after mine, and I hurt to the point of crying. You are going to hurt for about 2 months regardless of pain pills. It's awful, but hopefully you've got someone to help you out with the little one. My mom was there for me. That's the only way I made it.
And really doctors don't want to give you pain medicine even if it really does help. They think we should just suck it up because we'll all become addicts if we don't.

Try and be patient with yourself. You've been cut on and THAT HURTS!!!Take this a moment at a time....
Some of US mom's want quick recovery (I know I always do) and it just doesn't happen like that for us.
Blessings
C.
Louisiana

I have had 3 c-sections (my 3rd on June 2) and I believe your pain after 10 days is normal. It is major surgery. My first was very painful afterwards, but I think it was due to overexertion, breastfeeding and not staying to the medication schedule as closely as I should have (which is very easy to do when you are taking care of a little one(s) ). I took my meds until I felt I didn't need them for pain. Only you can decide if you need Rx meds or not. And be sure to let your Dr. know at your check ups or even give him/her a call. Better to be safe. C-sections for me have gotten less painful, but everyone is different. I am 6 weeks postpardum today and was having some pain and discomfort up to about 4 weeks. Just be sure to take care of yourself. Take it easy when possible, I know it's easier said than done. Stay to your medication schedule even if you think you don't need any at the time. God Bless.

Hi C.,

Is this your first c-section? Also, are you breastfeeding? My children were both born via c-section and I had a harder time with pain management after my second child. I was taking Tylox and I took me several weeks to recooperate. And because I breastfed, I had very strong uterine contractions that were almost as bad as the labor ones. My bleeding also lasted longer the second time. I'm not sure of your circumstances, but if I were you, I would call my ob/gyn if it lasts more than 14 days. That is the average time given before you can start light housework, driving, and light lifting.

S.

C.,
Pain after one week is normal. Try rolling to your side, then drop your feet of the bed and push to sitting with your elbow. Do this to get up and down and you will reduce the stress on the incision. If you want to take yourself off the meds, be sure to control the pain somehow. Motrin is a good option. Be sure that you feel you can handle things with or without the pain meds. Remember, when you sleep you heal. You have to expect to be tired for a while. If you cough or sneeze, hold a pillow low to your belly for stability. You can also do this when getting up and down from a chair. This helped my after both of my c-sections. Best of luck, B.

Everyone heals differently. From a nursing and from having 2 previous C-sections myself, I can definitely give you some advice.

First, if you have prescription pain medication, you can still take Ibuprofen (Motrin) over the counter. The best way is to time it that you have something in your system constantly, and time your activities at least 30-60 minutes after taking medication. Ice sometimes helps the incisional pain. Also, always "splint" your abdomen when you are doing anything strenous, such as getting up, sitting, bending, or coughing. (Hold the area tight with a pillow, or even just your hand if no pillow is available)

When the pain becomes more controlled, you can switch the prescription pain medication to Tylenol, and alternate it with the Ibuprofen. So... if you are taking the pain medication every 6 hours, you can take the ibuprofen in the middle, so you are taking something every 3 hours for pain. This will give you better pain relief since your pain level will stay low.

And, 10 days after abdominal surgery, you are still healing. Try to not overdo it. Allow friends and family to help you every chance you get. And always make sure you get enough sleep.

Hi, I have had two c-sections and they are very painful. I was in the hospital for 4 days with my first because i had blood clots and so after that i was in the bad for 2 weeks when i got home. No it is not unusual to need pain meds still your body has not healed at all. With my second i was in the hospital another 4 days with Gas problems and they sent me home and i was put on laxitives and gas medicine and didnt go to the bathroom for 8 days. Gas build up is very common in c-sections and could very well be your problem. It was worse pain than the actual incision. it takes a while to fully recover from a c-section and some heal slower than others. I hope this helps and you have made it through the worst part so just stick it out a little longer and please dont quit medicine cold turkey take your self off ittle by little till you can take tylenol or asprin.
D.