Gas Issues Post C-section

Updated on November 16, 2008
L.G. asks from Saint Paul, MN
10 answers

Have any of you experienced painful gas after a c-section? My daughter was born 9 months ago via a repeat c-section (1st was breech and therefore an emergency c-section) and ever since she was born I get horribly painful gas (like worse than menstrual cramps - & mine used to make me puke they hurt so bad!) whenever I drink any type of carbonated beverage! I didn't have this problem after my son was born, but I don't know what would have been different? It hurts a lot and it is difficult to get it to come out and it is nasty and embarassing! I went to my family doctor about 3 months ago and she thought it was unusual and went to my OB/GYN who recommended increasing my fiber and if it was still a problem to see my OB/GYN in 2 months. I've tried increasing the fiber but I still can't drink pop. (and I have a love affair with mt dew, so this is very difficult for me!) Have you experienced this? what did you do? Did it ever go away? I'm very frustrated by this and really don't want to go through a lot of painful/embarrassing tests with my OB/GYN, just to have her tell me there's nothing that can be done.

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So What Happened?

Well, my doctor insists that it will get better over time (something about the intestines needing to recover and get stronger after being pregnant) and to just limit the things that make it worse (ie: pop) and increase the fiber. I rebelled over the holidays, paid dearly, and my new years resolution is to try again with her advice. I have my annual check up in April and hope to get more answers then. Until then, I'm sick of doctors and am just trying to get through this.

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J.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

You should see a chiropractor. I had that problem too and I now know that when my sacrum bone is out of place the gas gets trapped. Ever since I have been seeing one I feel great. And the medical doctor was no help. I go to Amy Abrams in White Bear Lake. But I know there are lots of good ones out there. I would try that before you do any tests. It is less invasive.

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K.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

wow...i went thru that after i got my tubes tide...my mom got me going on liquid peppermint-put a 1/2 teaspoon in real warm water...and drink works great....also try rolaids antigas-works pretty good-but if it continues it could be more wrong than meets the eye.good luck!!...

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C.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

You might want to see an internist or GI doctor just to have this checked. I have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) that probably started slowly after my first pregnancy, got worse after the second and became acute five years later. The hormones from pregnancy and everything that goes with it can have huge and long term effects on your body. Painful gas is just one symptom of IBS, but there are other things your doctor might want to check out too. My IBS is mostly under control with diet and lifestyle changes. You might not want to hear this about your pop, but I just try to avoid the foods that I know cause me problems. I see a chiropractor too, I think someone else suggested that. Good luck--I know how frustrating it can be.

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J.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

Looking at a picture of what happens to your intestines and organs when you are pregnant it is surprising more women do not say the same thing. I know that I had to go to physical therapy for my wrist after I delivered and my physical therapist said that with physical therapy they can help you recover from the effects of pregnancy and put your body back in the right places. Just an idea of something you can ask your OB for a referral for post delivery physical therapy.

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J.R.

answers from Davenport on

I know you don't want to hear this, but Mt. Dew is one of the worst sodas out there; you should probably just quit drinking it - that would help with the digestive issues, as well as be better for your general health. My mom is a dental Hygienist, and Mt. Dew is HORRBILE for your teeth - it has citric acid and sodium benzoate as well as all the sugar and the caffiene...none of these things are good for you. Also, there are 110 calories all from sugar in one of the mini-cans of Mt. Dew - empty calories like that are not goint to keep you healthy and energized for your kids! There was a recent study that showed adults can gain 15 lbs. in one year by just drinking 1 mt. Dew a day in addition to their regular diet.

I hope you can get this resolved!

Jessie

K.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

My daughter was delivered through an emergency c-section and have had a similar issue with gas. It has been over 2 years, I can sort of drink pop (I still let the carbonation die down first), I also had trouble going #2 for over a year but that has gotten easier the past few months.

My OB/GYN told me to increase fiber, but it took forever to actually "work" (almost 6 months to seem like it was helping, not sure if that is normal or not). Also my OB/GYN said that those muscles for #2 needed to be built up again, she gave me "exercises" to do but I never thought they worked (m maybe they did, if they did it took a long time to work). I still have gas problems but it is not painful any more. Talk to you OB/GYN if you are still experience problems because it could be something they can help with... your doctors do “embarrassing” tests ALL the time so don't worry about it, it is the doctors job to do them and if it will help you then it is worth it.

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M.K.

answers from Sheboygan on

See a GI (gastro-intestinal) specialist or an internal medicine doctor. It may or may not be related to the c-section. On a side note--I had terrible diarrhea after my 1st was born, followed by/with 2 gallbladder attacks. Gallbladder came out, diarrhea continued--I now take medication that I was gradually able to decrease but not eliminate the dose; after #2 was born, I had in increase, so I increased my dose a bit and am now back to my low dose. I swear, pregnancy does more to a body than women ever report. I did NOT have those problems pre-kids. I am hoping to piggy back your post to see if there is some relateed info! Sorry for sharing so much, but I just wanted to let you know that you are not the only one with "funky side-effects" (he he!) after giving birth. Good Luck!

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L.W.

answers from La Crosse on

L.,

It could be scar tissue that is contributing to the problem, too. I still have problems and my c-section was 13 years ago! Check with your doctor. I saw a physical therapist for a while - who taught me how to massage the area so as to decrease the problems caused by the tissue - since they couldn't find any other reason for my pain. I hope you find relief soon.

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A.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

It sounds as though you need a good doctor to find out what the problem is.

During an extraction a lot of damage can be done, and often it takes several attemps by people such as yourself to find the cause.

If you would like to chat or find out more we may be able to help you :)

http://forums.a-little-wish.co.uk
http://pph.a-little-wish.co.uk/case-studies/post-pregnanc... (I know this is about post preg hyster but it will give a little idea of what people deal with after surgery that may help you find an answer)

Good luck

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G.N.

answers from Lincoln on

You have to decide if you are embarrassed more or in pain more... which one matters most to you?

I had a repeat C-section also (baby is 2 1/2 months) and I sometimes have trouble passing gas. I also feel like when I have a BM, that there is still more in there but I cannot push... it's like my abdominal muscles don't respond as they should.

I have not asked the doctors though and I've got no idea of what is normal.

It might just be time for you to quit drinking pop... juice and water are healthy choices that can benefit you anyway!

Good luck with this. Painful gas is nothing fun! :(

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