A.T. asks from Summerville, SC on January 08, 2009
C-section Discomfort After 1 Year
Hi Moms,
It has now been 1 year since my little one required a C-section delivery and I am still experiencing discomfort, is this normal? The incision site is still sore to the touch and I have to avoid elastic waist bands (such as jogging pants, unless it is a thick elastic as found in maternity clothes which are okay). I also have to avoid any pressure to my belly area. I plan to set an appointment with my OB but wanted some input from others who had a c-section. Thanks!
So What Happened?™
Thank you for your responses! At first I was feeling a alone in the pain but see that others have similar situations. Well, I saw my OB today and the she explained that the source of the pain is my scar. Apparently I have a type of scar (very thick) that is commonly painful. The scar itself is painful and she suspects the abdominal pain is the nerves radiating the pain from the scar. She explained that the pain is not likely to go away. However, if I have a future c-section she can surgically remove the scar and reseal the skin and treat it to hopefully prevent this type of scaring from happening again. So, at this point this is a pain I will live with. Thank you again and I hope those of you in a similar situation will find relief.
Featured Answers
J.B. answers from Detroit on January 09, 2009
Hi A.:
I had two c-sections, and the bumpier the scar, the more it bothered me. I couldn't wear pantyhose, or certain underwear. It also itched a lot. If I had to do it over, I'd insist on being stiched up, not stapled!! The scar from the staples was much worse. I put Mederma on it, and body lotion. Both of those helped.
Good luck.
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J.D. answers from Grand Rapids on January 09, 2009
I had a cesarean 3.5 years ago. Recoverys can be tough! I did experience itching, and even numbness for about a year, but pain/soreness a ear later is probably not normal. They have information about recovering from cesareans on the ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) website.
http://www.ican-online.org/recovery/home
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J.S. answers from Grand Rapids on January 12, 2009
I had two c's and healed within about 3 months for both. I was also an "older" mom (mid to late thirties at the time). Sounds to me like something didn't heal or there is some kind of infection. I would definitely get that checked out ASAP !
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L.N. answers from Benton Harbor on January 08, 2009
I had one c-sec done on the incision site from an abd. surgery and I have had no pain like you are describing. I can't say I am an expert on c-sec recovery statistics, but extended pain is something I would check out. It simply isn't okay to be in constant pain.
~L.
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N.B. answers from Saginaw on January 09, 2009
unfortunately this is common, as I have it too, discovered after much research and several trips to more than one doctor. a c-section is major sx and takes so long to heal, there's really no time line on when it's complete. numbness, pain, sensitivity are all "normal" for this sx, and the reasons are not very clear; most likely because of all the nerve damage that goes into cutting through so many layers in the abdomen, after the area was so stretched for so long. these are the answers I've acquired, good luck to you at your OB appointment.
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K.A. answers from Detroit on January 08, 2009
It does not sound normal. I had a c-section and did not have any discomfort that long after the surgery.
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J.S. answers from Kalamazoo on January 08, 2009
I had a csection with my son who is almost 4 now and I dont remember any pain lasting that long .. a few months maybe but not anywhere near a year.. i would get it looked at ? Did you lift alot after you had your child .. maybe you have a hernia or something or it could be something normal for you and it just takes longer for your skin to heal .. get it checked out tho for sure...hope everythings ok
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R.W. answers from Jackson on January 08, 2009
It can be very normal...very normal unfortunatly.
some thoughts
1. If you have a lovely c-section "shelf" (flap of skin/fat that overhangs the scar) You could have a bit of yeast overgrowth going on that could make the skin more sensitive
2. Scar tissue Mayan Abdominal Massage will work to break it up and make the scar softer/smoother and may relieve the pain
3. If you think you might need more recovery support www.ican-online.org/forum
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M.T. answers from Detroit on January 08, 2009
I have had 2 c sections. My 17 yr old was breech when I had her when I was 22 and I also had a set of triplets when I was 33. I did not have pain after a year with either of them. I wouldn't be doing any back bends but all in all the pain didn't last a year. I would definately talk to your OB about it.
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A.G. answers from Detroit on January 09, 2009
I had c-section three years ago with my first baby. I felt discomfort (on the inside) for about fifteen months. I didn't have any infection or any issue at all. It just took a long, long time for it to heal. Hang in there. If it makes you feel any better... I had my second baby and second c-section 25 days ago. I feel way better already compared to how I felt fifteen months after my first c-section. My conclusion is that every surgery is different and everyone heals differently. See what your OB says, but be patient. I know it's hard.
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