I am asking a question to see if any of you out there have had the same problem. I can't get into the doctor for over a month. I will see my daughters doctor this month and plan on asking him the same question.
So I am a runner. I was running before I got pregnant and started running about 4 months ago which was 5 months PP. My daughter is almost 9 months now. My new years resolution is to run a half marathon, so I have been training for this since the new year. I run about 20 miles a week and the most I have run at one time is 9 miles. After my more intense and longer runs I am sore and tender in my c-section area. I did not jump into running again I have built up to the point I am at now and do not push myself too hard during runs. I have noticed that the area is now swollen. Should i be concerned or is this normal for the strain I am putting on my muscles?
This doesn't sound normal to me. I started running again about six months post c-section, and have run a half-marathon. I have never had any pain or issues with my scar or incision site.
first of all, GOOD FOR YOU!!!! I always feel a sense of pride when I hear other runners talk about their goals and especially other moms and especially c/s moms! It's tough, but you can do it... and you ARE doing it, so way to go!
secondly, the pain or tenderness you feel could be from the scar tissue. it's swelling up most likely from the restriction of your shorts or pants that you're wearing during the run, and when you use your core on your long runs (you do, but don't always notice) you are restricting blood flow to the core and the capillaries will sometimes burst. sort of like when you wear the wrong shoe, if it's too tight, many runners get the "black toe" bc their feet jam into the soles and their capillaries burst.
same is for every part of your body when you're running. you need supporting, yet breathable clothing.
the good news, is that it's nothing to worry about. ive had this same thing happen. sometimes the scar will itch or hurt. but my last c/s was almost 2 years ago. i began running 2 months pp and it was worse in the beginning but tapered off. it's all about breathable clothes.
lastly, definitely work on your core. that is essential for runners and posture, your stride, your back, hips, knees... everything falls into place when your core is in shape. runners NEED a good core strength.
so even though it will feel odd now.... definitely find some good core workouts before and after your runs and you'll notice a BIG difference.
the plank is a good one to start. also, if you have an ab roller or could get one (pretty cheap these days) those are GREAT, and not too strenuous... doing 3 sets of 15 rolls will get you started each day.
here are some other really good ab exercises:
http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/ABSolutely_Effecti...
last, if you really feel that something just isn't right, i would not wait to see your doctor and would leave a message with the nurse or call and tell her what's going on just to be safe. see if there is any change in color, if so, that might indicate that your clothes are too tight or something might be wrong. be safe, not sorry.
just wanted to note that this did happen to me, and when i spoke to my obgyn this is what she advised me. it did eventually go away.
I would try to get in to see your primary care physician or your ob/gyn, whichever is the one who is NOT the one you can't see for a month, just to get it checked out.
Get the swelling checked out. I too am a runner and had a c-section with #2. I started running before you did but I never noticed any swelling....discomfort yes, but never swelling....makes me worry about a hernia or something else. Better safe than sorry. Maybe running in some sort of compression biker shorts might help. Best wishes and hope they figure it out! I did 2 triathlons this summer between babies 2 and getting prego with our 3rd. Best experiences of my life!
When in doubt, get it checked out. Let the professionals tell you if it's nothing to worry about. I just figure it's better to be safe than to cause any damage that would prevent you from doing something you love.
I'm also a runner. I jogged through the first few months of pregnancy (even walked 21 miles of the LA Marathon at 7 months...so close!) I think I started running about 10 or 12 weeks PP. I definitely remember tenderness and itching, but no swelling. My problem was the pressure I felt in my groin after long runs. It literally felt like my uterus was falling out or sitting right on my pubic bone. My ob just giggled when I told her that. Eventually and with a lot of hard work, the sensations lessened. I ran a half marathon 5 months PP and set a new marathon PR 7 months PP.
Good luck!
I had a C 6 months ago, and I still have pain around the scar. Occasionally, I'll feel pulling while working out, but I just push through it. For me, the doctor did NOT cut the muscle (just separated it), so I'm not concerned about a tear or rupture.
The only concern I would have for you is the swelling. It could just be the redundant pressure on the area (all the bouncing) that causes it to swell up. But after 9mos, I would not think that's a normal reaction.
I would not wait for your appointment. Call and try to get an urgent appointment today or tomorrow. That area needs to be looked at, especially if you want to have more children. My incision site still itches but I have never been sore or swollen since my recovery (15mos) so there is something not right with that area.
Pain and swelling indicate that something is not right. I suggest that you call your doctor and talk with the advice nurse. The doctor may want to see you earlier or may recommend that you stop running.
