This c/s business is hard core

[SuburbanHippie]

I can't believe I still feel like garbage.  It's been a week now since DD's birth and I almost feel like I've already peaked at feeling "ok" (the day before I had my staples removed) and now I'm going back downhill.  I feel like someone kicked me in the lower stomach.  I'm still using pain meds periodically through the day/night so I can actually lay down to rest.  I spend most of my time sleeping in the recliner though because it doesn't put any pressure on the ab muscles that way.  My lower back has been crampy for 3 days now and my bleeding doesn't really seem to have gotten much lighter in the past few days.  I feel like this is the longest recovery ever.  My DH goes back to work on Monday and I'm just terrified to have to take care of everything myself again. 

[mamaw/two]

I'm so sorry you are having a rough time, sending lots of healing vibes your way.

[stellabluz]

So sorry to hear you are having a hard time, rest as much as possible this weekend and maybe two good days of that may help you start off the week.

[lovelylisa]

I know how you feel. I'm 4 weeks out and while I did feel a lot better, I overdid it a bit yesterday and was in pain again all last night. I agree with a pp, take it easy as much as you can before your dh goes back to work.

Take care.

[awallrising]

Sorry you're having such a tough time.  I found that taking ALL of my pain meds on schedule really helped.  They won't hurt the baby & they will help you to feel better & hopefully heal quicker.  IMO being in constant pain & discomfort is not conducive to the healing process.

I didn't have staples or external stitches so that may be causing you add'l pain that I didn't have.  Make sure you move enough, but also make sure you get enough rest & let that incision heal.  A C/S is major abdominal surgery afterall!

Hang in there, it'll get better!

[mareseatoats]

DDCC - Have you tried belly binding? I've heard a lot of csection mamas say that the support and "tightness" around their belly felt really good. I hope you're feeling better soon!

[MarineWife]

I'm sorry you are having a hard time. I hope you start to feel better soon. I had a long recovery from my c/s so I know how it is.

Do you have any EMAB c/s recovery stuff? I can't remember what it all is but they make a bunch of stuff for post-surgery.

[SuburbanHippie]

I'm starting to feel better again.  Hooray!  I think I overdid it by bending/squatting in the garden to pick peas.  I've chilled out, let DH do everything, taken my pain meds on more of a schedule and I'm on the mend again.  I'm going to try belly binding today again since it's DH's first day back to work and I'll be on my feet more.  Thanks for all of your advice and support. 

[awallrising]

Glad you're feeling better.  Even though I know a lot of natural Moms don't want to take meds, it's really a big part of the road to recovery.  I hope I don't have to have a repeat C/S.

[greenmama66]

((( hugs))) no advice but hugs to you..........

[MarineWife]

Glad you are feeling better. Taking it easy is the main thing to do when recovering from major surgery whether you feel better or not. Enlist as much help as you possibly can so that you can let your body repair itself.

[lovelylisa]

Hope today goes well for you!

[SuburbanHippie]

Originally Posted by lovelylisa 

Hope today goes well for you!

Thanks.    It's not going very well unfortunately.  It's about a thousand degrees outside and humid as heck so my kids are bouncing off the walls.  The baby picked today to be super fussy and not want to sleep without me holding her.  The dog ran away because the kids left the gate open yesterday, but I found him quickly.  I forgot to turn the dryer on so we were super low on cloth diapers for the afternoon.  It's been one thing after another all day.  I'm on the verge of tears.  DH is just as miserable at work as his assistant accidentally switched his schedule for today and he was late.  I wish I could press the fast forward button on today. 

[lovelylisa]

Originally Posted by SuburbanHippie 

Thanks.    It's not going very well unfortunately.  It's about a thousand degrees outside and humid as heck so my kids are bouncing off the walls.  The baby picked today to be super fussy and not want to sleep without me holding her.  The dog ran away because the kids left the gate open yesterday, but I found him quickly.  I forgot to turn the dryer on so we were super low on cloth diapers for the afternoon.  It's been one thing after another all day.  I'm on the verge of tears.  DH is just as miserable at work as his assistant accidentally switched his schedule for today and he was late.  I wish I could press the fast forward button on today. 

Oh no! What a day! Things can't just be simple sometimes, you know? Did you get to try the belly binding? (I know on days like this its hard to even get a chance to do anything planned)  Did the pain go down some?

If it makes you feel any better, (at least it'll make you laugh) my lil one nursed constantly this morning, waited for me to take off my glasses, and then shot milk through her nose directly into my left eye. It was  painful (yet impressive in its accuracy) and the high point of my day. Things just went down from there lol

Here's to a better tomorrow right?

[azzeps]

I hope your tomorrow is better!  I'm sorry it's been a rough recovery for you.  It is so hard to bounce back from a c-section.  I think people forget that it's major surgery on top of having a newborn to care for!  I'm glad to hear you are taking the pain meds.  I didn't want to do it either, but I found it was much better for me if I did take them regularly.  That's why you have them, and you will heal more quickly if you're not in constant pain.  Take care.