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!
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.
Hi Angela:
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.
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
My son will be four in twelve days. My scar is still kind of numb/sensitive. It's just weird. I've gotten used to it but it took a while. Numb and sensitive is one thing... I don't think that it should be sore after a year. If it's really bothering you, I'd go and get it looked at. Good Luck!
Hello,
Im a mother of a 13yr old and a 16mth old and had c-sections with both. Even after the first one, I was still tender at the two ends of the incision. The doctors told me that it was just scar tissue and unfortunitly that is what come with c-sections. After my second child the doctor actually told me that I may want to consider having any more children because of the amount of scare tissue from my first c-section. Butn Im not letting that stop me from having my 3rd and last child when we decide Im ready.
Anyways, I hope I was able to help. Jennifer
I didn't have a C-Section but I did have abdominal surgery and I had problems with sensitivity in the scar for a very long time. It did eventually get better though. Everyone heals differently and it would be a good idea to check with your doctor to rule out infection or anything first. I just remember not being able to wear pantyhose for a long time because of the seam running across my scar being very painful by the end of the day. Most of my jeans rubbed it and made it sore also.
I seem to remember the area being uncomfortable for quite a while. Not painful, but just felt strange. I wore support underwear for a long time and that always made my belly feel better (plus helped me fit into jeans, ha ha). I would ask your doctor, he/she may be able to tell you details such as what kind of incision or anything during surgery that could account for this.
I had two c-sections one 12 years ago and 14 years ago. Does your scar hurt? Or is it just sensitive? Still to this day mine is very sensitive. If my underwear rub there it will get very irritated. I have a good area that is totally numb also. Also my scar still will get very itchy. If it is actual pain or pulling that you feel, I would definitely get to a doctor.
I've had two and am 14 mos out from my second. my incision is still sensitive and somewhat numb. Occassional I have some paid in the area when doing ab work or lifting.
I think that you should see your OB asap. I don't think what you are experiencing is normal. You may have an infection.
I've had two c-sections and haven't experienced any pain like you're having.
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.
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.
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
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
It does not sound normal. I had a c-section and did not have any discomfort that long after the surgery.
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.
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.
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 !
