Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[lizziedripping]

Omg LR - I can't believ you'll be meeting your princess on Monday!!! How exciting, so pleased and excited for you This is one little girl who has been a long time in the coming, she has almost reached celebrity status on here lol. Monday will be the first day of the rest of your life chicken, you are about to become a mother! Such a mix of emotions, but I guarantee it'll be the loveliest day of your life

Stitching is usually done internally after a section nowadays Hun. You do get a scar, but it is more like a long thick line without the typical stitch scars criss- crossing it. The stitches dissolve and you don't need to have them removed - much better. Yey darlin', your 'day in the sun' is imminent

Liven - the nausea could be late morning sickness - sometimes happens in some women. The kicks could also cause this if you have a sensitive stomach. Pregnancy in its late stages throws up so many weird and wonderful symptoms that I wouldnt be surprised if little one is causing this. It's certainly nothing to worry about hun. I certainly felt queasy throughout my pregnancies off and on, and tho I was never as sick as I had been in the first trimester, my stomach always felt unsettled until delivery

 

[LaRockera]

Thank you, Lizzie. Your words mean so much to me.

To all you ladies that did a c-section, how was the pain afterwards? Was it manageable, and did you have it for many days?

Apparently here you get to stay with the epidural and a catheter for 24, no eating, and get painkillers, and then it starts to get better.

I'm not excessively fussed about it as there are so many more important things to think. Just wondering.

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi LR. Wow, they keep you topped up with epidural for 24hrs, that's brilliant I didn't really feel anything for the 12hrs following surgery, but the day after I was sore but wasn't allowed to move anyway so managed fine. I was given basic pain killers as and when I needed them.

On day 2 I was encouraged to move, it was painful, I walked with a stoop and could only manage a few steps. It was tough trying to breast feed on that day because even trying to move myself across the bed was uncomfortable. I must stress tho that you should ask for more pain relief if you feel like that - I didn't but afterwards realised that I could have.

Day 3 was a transformation and suddenly I could walk more easily and managed a shower with very little help. From that day I went from strength to strength, and with the help of diclofenac and co codamol was able to manage at home with occasional rest breaks and minimal walking. Within 2wks I was feeling much better and within 3wks was pretty much back to normal.

I think my recovery was hindered by anaemia, recovery from the twins and 8mths of bed rest, but even then I'd say it was still comparable to my recovery after my son's vaginal delivery. Certainly no worse. Put it this way Hun, I managed 4 kids and two newborns fairly well despite the section (testament to the fact that a section is not actually that bad).

I was tired and sore but it was manageable. I think that the first baby is always an adjustment, and the change does take some getting used to. You will be tired, at times exhausted, but learn quickly to accept help and support from wherever it is offered. Don't try to be a hero (an easy mistake to make with your first), you'll only burn yourself out before you have begun.

You do need to rest after the op, but rest is often hard to come by with a baby to look after. Pace yourself in those first few days, let others help, catch some sleep and take care of yourself. I barley slept in the hospital, so came home anaemic and exhausted. The first night in my own bed was bliss, and I left Dh with the babies so that I could get a head start and give my body chance to heal. The next day I was refreshed (kind of) and ready to tackle life with 4 kids.

You're gonna be a great Mum LR, but accept your limitations in those first few weeks and don't try to be all things to everyone. I did this with my first and it passed in a chaotic blur. You have a good support network, so use it. The dynamic of your lives as a couple is about to be turned on its head, so give yourselves a chance and delegate if you can. Get the balance right from the outset, and family life will be amazing

 

[chistiana]

Larockera- OMG i cant believe it, only 4 days and xanthe will be here!! Seriously cant believe it, i am soooo excited for you!!!! I dont have first hand experience with c section but when i had ds i was in a room with 4 and the 3 had had a c section. I was the only one eating like a pig fat pig while the other ladies were on tea! But, it seemed to me that it wasnt necessarily that they had to have the catheter in for 24 hours..it sounded kind of a deal to me..if you manage to get up and walk they get the catheter out and if after that you manage to have a poop then you get to eat! But anyhow i dont think you ll be bothered by it at that point!wooohooooo hope we talk again before monday!!!

 

[chistiana]

Cant I ask you ladies a question even though i think i m repeating myself..??? Bbay hasnt been moving much....i mean at 22 weeks at thought ok, not very active yet, 23 weeks could still be small (plus got that day when baby kicked the shit out of me so i was very happy) but she s been extremely quiet for the last coupe of days. And when i say extremely quiet i mean 2-3 kicks a day. Do you think it might just be a position? I have a fetal doppler and i cant always hear her hb almost straight away but could something be wrong? I have a docs appointment on monday but i m just going a bit paranoid now! Thanks

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Christiana - reduced movement is most likely due to a change of position, but if you're worried then it can't do any harm to have th ehosiptal listen in to your lo. Most of the time, at this stage in pregnancy, babies are still relatively small, flip around constantly and movement ebbs and flows. It is rare for less movement to indicate a problem, and common for it just to be one of those things. Even so, for your peace of mind, why not let them take a look. You don't loose anything by going in. I know you'll only be worried sick unless you do anyway chick

 

[chistiana]

Thanks Lizzie...i feel so embarrassed to go in again...i was there last friday with the same complains (plus some pain) and i was telling them lo isnt kicking and staff and as soon as the poot the monitor on she started a party. The mw was looking at me as if i was completely crazy, wasting their time.. Anyway, i think i ll have a listen now and wait and see if she at least kicks by tomorrow, if not then i ll go...i guess i d rather be safe than sorry even if that means they all talk behind my back about "the crazy woman is back"!Thanks again lizzie, you always help put things into perspective!

 

[Mommy's Angel]

LR, I was dead set about having a c-section and seeing what my friends went through with natural (though I did give birth to Jackson at 22wks naturally) I'm glad to have had the c-section. I had the cath out once I could show them I had a good amount of pee coming through and the bleeding wasn't bad. Then I had to have stool softener for bm once the cath is removed. They give you a heads up.

As far as everything else, it's an odd feeling not being able to move your lower body. Try to keep calm. BREATHE in and out during the section just to help calm your nerves and let your doula or nurse how your feeling when or if you feel lightheaded. I really didn't feel that way. They tell you that you'll feel pressure but no pain. I felt no pain at all and the pressure is basically the odd sensation of your baby coming out of your belly. Nothing painful at all during. It's more fear of the unknown paired with excitement to see your baby.

Once your sewn up, you'll go to recover where you wait for most of the spinal to wear off. Or at least I had the spinal. Basically similar to what you went through for the cerclage is a similar numbing sensation so you have a heads up already.

By the second day I was LITERALLY up and only on Ibuprofen with no other drugs. I honestly wasn't hurting at all and in fact was doing too much with the major surgery I had had. It wasn't as bad as I thought at all. The worst part of it was basically dealing with night nursing staff on recovery unit. They were not good nursing staff we had that stay during the evening shift and overnight. Day shift was AWESOME though.

You'll do just fine. Just remember to breathe if your nervous. I tend to freak out of the unknown so not knowing tends to put me over the edge. I just had to keep my eye on my doula and husband while waiting for Amelia. It was one of the best days of my life as you will find out yourself in a few short days.

Looking forward to hearing your story dear friend.

 

[LaRockera]

Thank you, guys.

To be fair, the only thing that kind of saddens me is that DH won't be in there with me to greet Xanthe when she's out- in Greece husbands are not allowed during c-sections unless they're doctors themselves. But other than that, I don't mind dealing with the pain or anything. It is nice to know though that it's no biggie.

I was told I'll stay 24 hours with a catheter and the epidural, no food like Christiana mentioned, and then on the second day I go wireless and start walking.

Gratefully, my mum will be with me all the time. Well, she's only allowed visitor's hours in the hospital (DH is allowed constantly, save for nighttime as I'll be in a three-bed room) but she'll be with me at home for months to come, and she's a perfect mum, in all honesty. She and my dad and George won't let me do anything by myself, which is a great relief.

By the way, I won't have internet at home and my phone dates back to the prehistoric era so no internet there. But DH may come with the usb plug-in internet thingy so I may be able to post an update or some pictures after a few days.

I'm still here for the time being though.

Oh. And I got a cold, but hopefully it's mild. I'm coughing a bit, called my doctor and he gave me a bucket of medicine to take- like proper cough syrup and such. He also told me not to worry about baby catching the cold if I still have it, as she will have my antibodies. Which is very relieving.

Have I mentioned how invaluable you've all been to me? Yeah. You have.

Christiana hon, I agree with Lizzie. Do you have an anterior placenta? Baby has probably shifted positions, but never feel like a fool to call. Better be safe than sorry. Give them a call to put your mind at ease.

 

[lizziedripping]

LR Hun, don't worry about your cold, newborns rarely catch viruses due to your antibody protection they acquire in uetro -if you breast feed too, she'll get your immunoglobulins from this specific virus and won't get it or if she does it will be extremely mild. I haven't yet had a baby who has suffered with any bug for the first few mths of life, even when in a household full of nasty viruses. My kids had a nasty flu virus start 2 days before the twins arrived - and had a fever with it too. The twins had a runny nose for a day, but no fever and hardly noticed it

 

[book.fish2011]

Wow LR, Monday is the D-day? I cannot imagine how excited you must be.

As you yourself said section pain is nothing to worry about. I think you'll momentarily forget it when you hold your gorgeous daughter in your arms.

Waiting for the news.

 

[chistiana]

Larockera-george will meet Xanthe literally a few minutes after she s born, dont worry about that hun! She ll be out before you know it!!
At 12w they told me i had a anterior placenta but then at 22w they said it s posterior. Anyway ds woke up at 4.30am today and bubs started kicking and turning at that time so i m a little more relaxed today. She hasnt moved since this morning but maybe she s a night bird!thanks hun, i wish i could get off this bed and come see you and xanthe!but i pl be thinking of you!xo

 

[LaRockera]

Thank you, guys.

Christiana, don't worry about coming to visit, your support is more than enough. Lizzie, thank you for all the reassuring info (as per usual) and bookfish, I hope you're feeling much much better, hon.

xxx

 

[JimmyJam]

Yaaaayaaaaaaayaaaay! Xanthe's coming! Totes good luck LaRock. How bloody exciting. Little Munchkin with a gorgeous name. I hope everything goes swimmingly for you both & will wait with anticipation for gorgeous pics. Love good news. Love it.

Thanks everyone for kind wishes to me & congrats to my pa. he is a bit of a star & am so proud of him. Had a shitty day yesterday, night before last was on a v busy ward with ladies coming in & out in labour, dopplers pulsing, lights flashing, alarms bleeping, lights on & off. I was a complete wreck with no means of escape from it, at not yet 25 weeks facing the possibility of losing my baby daily, listening to women moaning at term, & with no TV or privacy my only refuge sleep - which was denied me. Suffering anxiety & breathlessness from poly. I was a total mess. Couldn't stop crying all morning. Then Matt kicked some butt & they've given me a rooooom! I don't have a TV yet, he's going to bring one in, but at least I can cry & sleep in peace. at least I have some space. I couldn't have done that for 8 weeks, no way no way.

Have only missed a day or two on here but it feels like a week. How is everyone doing this evening? Christiana, glad to hear bubs is belting you again, Liven you are sooooooo close & BF how are your spirits lovely? Any news from Olga, have I missed her post, has she been discharged yet?

Lizzie - don't care what you say, BF is right you are a hero & one amazing lady.

Kate - am on Edith Dare & any time from 3pm is great. I really look fwd to it.

Just had hospital veggie curry - and it was edible. But can't believe how am going to cope for weeks staring only at these 4 walls

Happy Friday All.

Jimmyjam xxx

 

[JimmyJam]

Kate - am so intrigued by yr secret weekend. Need to live vicariously through you. Can't wait to hear all about it ... xx

 

[heychickie]

LR, I found the c-section not bad. The first, for Grayson at 24 weeks, I was put under general anesthesia (it was an emergency), and they had me up using the bathroom later that day. This time, at term, I had a spinal, and they kept me in bed and cathetered for 24 hours. I could only have a clear liquid diet (jello, broth, juice) the first day, then on to normal after that. I did have to get a suppository to have a bowel movement, the gas pains were intense.

Anyway, once I was up and around, I was tender (and had a cold, so sneezing, blowing nose and coughing were painful), but the pain (and the cold) got better quickly. By the time I went home, 3 days later, I felt ine to go upstairs, etc. Getting out of bed was difficult for a week or so. Now, 3 weeks post-partum, I feel pretty much normal, and feel little need to restrict myself (aside from lack of sleep...)

 

[chistiana]

Hey jimmy!sorry for that crappy night but yayayayayayayay for etting your own room and matt kicking some ass!good for you!!once you have the tv in the room you can spend some time watching complete no need for a brain series (i just love them, i m sorry!). Plus a book here and there, a visitor a day...and remember you might be out sooner than expected!!! Bring pictures in your room to make it more homey for a while too! Anyhow, i dont know what i d be like in a hospital but just like lizzie and many other ladies on here you too are a big hero for me! Keep the chin up hun, 2 days to 25 weeks (1 really!!)

 

[HelenGee]

LaRock- how absolutely amazing, can't wait to see Xanthe, what a little superstar. As for the section, just to echo what's already been said, I'd gladly put myself through a section, I found the first night tough, as the night staff were hopeless. I buzzed them as I'd got stuck in a painful position trying to reach Oliver from the crib, a rather nasty midwife came and told me off as they were busy and asked me not to call them. Needless to say, I buzzed them every time I needed anything as they'd annoyed me lol. I'd never been in a hospital overnight before and was uncomfortable. The day staff were brill tho, and by day 3 I was walking up and down the ward so I could prove I was well enough to go home. Like Lizzie, I was anaemic by the time I was discharged, but apart from that the section was a doddle. Btw, we all had colds when Bella was born, she caught a snuffle, then Oliver had bacterial tonsillitis when she was 4 weeks old, then a chest infection. Bella caught neither due to her immunity. It will be amazing, my hunny,don't worry.

JJ- I am in awe of you and your Dad, it's an amazing achievement to receive a knighthood, it's testament to a lifetime of hard work and tenacity. You show the same traits in your character too, what phenomenal people you are and how lucky am I to have met you well done to Matt for getting you a private room, you need that space. Hospital exaggerates your emotions as you are surrounded by strangers, and afraid. Please don't suffer alone. Can anyone lend you a portable DVD player so at least you can escape the noise?

What an inescapable amount of stress you and Matt have been through, houses, children, work....it all just seems so difficult and so much to shoulder. No matter what we've tried to ease the financial stress, it all seems to backfire as the recession takes hold....fingers crossed for everything eh?

Ladies- thank you all so much for your kind words and thoughts, it's beyond humbling to receive help from you when you've all got so much to worry about. Lizzie- I have taken your advice and sought support, however, anyone in a position of authority, the head included seems to think that it's just my job to shoulder all of these burdens. Having spoken to my head of faculty, she has said that she'll help, but she is as stressed as I am, although she has no consideration for the fact that my moving classrooms all day has implications for my level of work. I've spoken at length with a colleague today, who broke down, feeling exactly the same as me. We've devised a plan to support each other, it's not mutiny tho! It does make me feel a little less beholden to this hellhole of a school. I should have known this would happen, as soon I returned, I was told in no uncertain terms that I should be grateful for the school's understanding of my sickness absence on bed rest. Cheeky buggers!
There will be problems too, as all this lugging books around has worsened my prolapse, and my consultant is now organising a laparoscopy, with a view to repair surgery. Despite my saying to several staff who could help, they have refused to act, so when the hospital sickness notification is handed in, I'm sure there will be further discussions about why I need surgery.
In the meantime, this weekend, I'm doing minimal work and have taken the "stuff 'em" attitude, just so I can take a step back, enjoy my munchkins and plan an alternative income. I have done tutoring before, so it's an option, I'm also considering primary age language clubs, or language lessons for parents and their children together. Either way, like JJ and Kate said, I'll get through.

 

[chistiana]

Helen- so sorry your school sucks so much, i really dont get how people can be so rude and insensitive! Good for you for giving then the stuff them attitude, they deserve it and you deserve to enjoy your los and some stress free time after all you ve been through! I used to work in a school before i had ds but since then i only tutor kids with learning difficulties and i have to say that despite the fact that it s a stress durings holidays (no income then) and having the uncertainty about next year, it has proven a savior for me!i have all morning free to enjoy my ds and i can be more frexible when needed. Plus my students have been amazing even during this hard time, they all come to my house and we work from
My couch so i didnt even have to miss out on any income with all this bed rest! I really hope ou can find a less stressful solution than that hellhole!smile hun you have your munchkins and dh, that s all you need!!

 

[olga2424]

Hi Ladies,:wave::wave: hope your all well and looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
Kate - yes, I was under prof Shannon and what a fantastic guy! I was really blown away!! He was so knowledgeable and clear in his explanations ( would highly recommend to any one with preterm issues and cervical problems) he scanned me and also did my FFN test.
Jimmy - Congs on the fantastic news re - amnio, I had this big smile on my face when I read your post hun and things are even only going to get better next week. Absolutely fantastic now that you've got your own room and can be away from all the laboring ladies, pulsing monitors and crying babies. I know 8 weeks in hospital is not easy but you might find that the poly may ease off as you get further along and you may be discharged earlier than expected.
Lizzie hun, hope all is good with you and the family.

Larockera - Congs hun....amazing that you will be meeting little Xanthe in a few days time
Christiana hun how are you? I also do get days when buba is not so active and for reassurance, I would use my doppler.....You can always get a cheap one on ebay for under £10.
Book.fish hun - congs on reaching 20w and before you know it you will be 24w. So how is the thrush dear? Has it subsided yet?

Update from me: I was finally discharged from hospital as my seond FFN test again came back negative + I had a growth scan/TVU, my cervix remains stable (16mm) and my little munchkin's estimated weight was 907g at 26w.
The prof was very positive and reassured me that although my cervix was still on the short side, he believes I wont be going in labor any time soon as my hospital had predicted.
Am starting to feel positive but also remain cautious of infection as I have had 2 FFN swabs, and 2 TVU scans in a week.....I think I won't breath until am at least 28w which is 2 weeks away (PHEW!!).The past 3 weeks in hospital have been really tough on me and wouldn't have gotten through them with out your support and reassurance on here.
Lizzie you are such a gem hun, Larockera, Jimmy, christiana, kate Book.fish, Helengee and anyone Ive missed...thank you all so much! I know am not out of the woods yet but at least am back home with a little bit of hope and not just filled with 'doom and gloom'.

I have been discharged back to my old hospital as the prof feels they can cope in case bubba comes early (Apparently the NICU @ st. Heliers hospital should be able to cope with babies that weigh at least 800g).
Am praying that I make it to 34 - 38w (fingers crossed)

Last night I slept in my bed after such a long time and boy did it feel so bloody good! Am going to try and stay as positive as I can and just take each day at a time