Recovery questions - emergency section

[shocker]

I had my section 10 days ago and am only just starting to feel a bit better, i went for a walk yesterday to the supermarket and another short walk around a shopping centre today. I was up and around the day after my section as i had general so they wouldnt let me before then, i dont know whats overdoing it and what isnt? I also wanted to know how long it took for you to stop feeling stiff? It was an emcs after a 40 hour induction and honestly the first week was hell pain wise, i feel a bit better but not sure whether or not to push through it or rest. Im just desperate to feel normal and get out and about

 

[devon_91x]

I only felt stiff for the first 3 days i think then i was fine. I had my section on the sunday and i remember i went for a long walk on the Wednesday and my midwife saw me and went mad at me =/ I wouldn't push yourself tho, its a massive surgery and if you really don't feel good pushing yourself will just make it worse. Make the most out of resting and you will soon start feeling yourself.

Congratulations on your LO aswell x

 

[JeepGirl]

I think recovery after a EMCS is harder than a planned CS, well at least thats what my OB keeps telling me as my planned CS is getting closer. I had a EMCS and I was about 3 weeks before I could walk normally and that was for only very short amounts at a time. I was hunched over and stiff for 2-3 weeks. I had pulling pain when I moved the wrong way for months after.

I can't understand why when anyone has major abdominal surgey they are told not to do too much and take it easy. But when a woman has a CS she is expected to be supermom and get back to herself so quickly!

Don't push yourself too much and set back your recovery. Listen to what your body is telling you, if you are feeling pain or discomfort, take a break and relax.

 

[cluckerduckie]

It took me a while to recover from mine. I had a emcs after 3 days of induction. This is the time where you need to be resting. It took me about a month to not feel stiff nor really uncomfy. It's okay to rest! Walking a little will help, but do not over do yourself!
Btw, I didn't see your birth announcement! Congratulations!

 

[LDC]

Congrats on your LO

I also had an emcs after a three day induction and non progressive labour.

By day 10 I was able to walk around much better but I'd be ok for a little bit and then get really tired and sore, so would be walking around like an old lady after about ten minutes!!

I felt "better" by three-four weeks and then had to remind myself not to do things. Sometimes I forgot and would carry the washing upstairs and downstairs, then would know about it the next day.

I got told not to lift, twist or drive until my six week check. I did drive at 5 weeks though. Just make sure you take it easy and do what you feel comfortable with, but don't push yourself.

Xx

 

[dgirllamius]

I had a planned c section but I don't think the recovery is much different to be honest.

I didn't spent too much time sitting down, I just walked about the flat and stuff just to get used to walking and getting about again. I seriously thought I would never feel the same again.

I started to feel better about a week afterwards, and I was driving again a week and a half later. Though I had no choice there, shopping needed doing and my OH was busy moving stuff over from our old flat to our new one. My mum was here to help me but she can't drive my car as it has foreign number plates

My back gave me grief for weeks and still does now from time to time. Whenever I felt like I had enough I rested and I made sure I rested for a long time. Don't overdo it that's for sure and if you feel like you need to sit down then don't hesitate to, but it's good to keep moving about too

 

[JeepGirl]

If you are planning on driving, check with your insurance company first. My insurance company wont cover you to drive for 6 weeks after a c section.

 

[shocker]

Thanks everyone i dont drive, but was hoping to go on a trip out to town with baby by myself in a few days and was wondering if i should but feeling much stronger today after finishing a course of anti biotics and the pain is totally manageable now thank god so just a case of being careful i think x

 

[hopefulfor1st]

I had an emcs (with a general) almost 4 weeks ago and feel 100% !!
I came home on day 5 and was putting washing on line and doing housework the next day.

 

[tigra85]

I had an emcs and was walking within 36hours, think the motivation was my baby was in NICU and I had to get up out of bed to be able to see him and also show I could go toilet. Within a week I was walking around fine, the Dr's here told me to move around, the more you move the quicker you heal, but don't push your body, if it tells you your in pain then rest!

 

[Stelly]

I bounced back pretty quick, I had an emcs under general, once I was allowed to the next day I was walking down to the NICU etc fine. Didnt need any pain meds from day 2 on... I tired easily because ai was so fluid overloaded, but the csection recovery was way easier than I thought itd be. Just listen to.your body, youll be able to tell if you are over doing it.

 

[helena]

I would recommend moving about, not resting too much...they do say moving helps recovery. It did me. I was moving my legs lots right away that I could, then walked after 6 hrs, showered alone and walked more the next morning after 24 hours and didnt look back. I swear my easy recovery is due to me keeping active. It hurt for the first minute of each walk in the early days, but the pain and stiffness gets walked off after a minute. For me. Good luck xx

 

[hopefulfor1st]

I would recommend moving about, not resting too much...they do say moving helps recovery. It did me. I was moving my legs lots right away that I could, then walked after 6 hrs, showered alone and walked more the next morning after 24 hours and didnt look back. I swear my easy recovery is due to me keeping active. It hurt for the first minute of each walk in the early days, but the pain and stiffness gets walked off after a minute. For me. Good luck xx

Yup the midwifes made me move asap

 

[Agiboma]

After my section it took me a whole month to be able to walk up straight, i only got up to the bathroom really.