https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 01 May 2026 13:45:37 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds/page/2#post-2719306 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 08:41:18 +0000 Dr. Pepper 2719306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: one of the reasons you are seeing a decrease prescribing of opiate is that the federal government (DEA) is cutting manufacturing limits of these medications:</p> <p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/dea-cutting-prescription-opioids_us_57f50078e4b03254526297bd" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/dea-cutting-prescription-opioids_us_57f50078e4b03254526297bd</a></p> <p>As a pharmacist who works in the hospital world, we are taking measure now to decrease opiate use across the board to prepare for these cuts. I can't imagine having limits on the amounts that can be produced. What is supposed to be done when the quota for 2017 has been used up? Let patients be in pain? Also, won't this lead to price gouging like was seen in the recent EpiPen disaster? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds/page/2#post-2714174 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:20:16 +0000 LuLu Mom 2714174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I stopped Percocet after 6 days with number one and switched to Tylenol and Advil, with #2 I was more sore and stopped during the day but took it at night to help me get some sleep for about 10 days. I slowly weaned myself from 6 hours to 8 and then 8 to 10 etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds/page/2#post-2714170 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:12:42 +0000 Boogs 2714170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blue: I know! The whole birth was strange and so many things went wrong. At the end of it, my baby and I were literally lucky to be alive, so there's that I guess.</p> <p>@Mrs. Pen: "This far out" smh that sucks! I'm glad you're getting by okay at least, but I would feel a bit frustrated like you are. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds/page/2#post-2714137 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:31:09 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2714137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: I know, I was surprised too. I've known her for years, and she's prescribed me controlled meds for my anxiety attacks before. She actually said I shouldn't be having so much pain "this far out" from my surgery? I thought that seemed odd since I sent her the message at only one week pp.<br /> she did mention contacting the surgeon who did the c section, but he was an on call hospitalist, so I doubt he'd refill either.<br /> Either way, I think I'm doing okay enough to get by with Tylenol and ibuprofen, but it was frustrating! I definitely hear you re: doctors tightening the reins on opiates. As a nurse, I'm seeing this a lot with my patients.</p> <p>@Mrs. Blue: @Boogs: yeah that's so interesting! I'd never heard of, or would have even considered, an ab binder!<br /> @2littlepumpkins: that is interesting to hear! This time, I feel I'm a little more cautious because it was surgical. But my first (Vaginal) was five years ago and I cannot remember how long recovery took or specifics at all- just vague bits and pieces. I know the first week was difficult, but I don't remember much after that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2714128 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:21:52 +0000 yoursilverlining 2714128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: That is really frustrating (and surprising) that you couldn't get a refill. You're only 11 days pp! I understand why doctors have had to swing away from pain meds since they were being so loosely prescribed / the pain med and opiate crisis in so many areas, but I personally feel like its swung too far the other way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2714116 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:10:15 +0000 Mrs. Blue 2714116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: that's so interesting! I've had c-sections in two different hospitals and they both offered one as soon as I was out of recovery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2714114 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:09:25 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2714114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: it sucks that you couldn't get a refill. Good call on saving it for when you really really need it. </p> <p>Each day will get better. :). And eventually you'll forget what it was like. The newborn haze helps with that too. </p> <p>@Mrs. Blue: I didn't know hospitals gave them either. Im in Canada. My friend overnighted hers to me once she found out I had had a csection so it was at my house when I got home. It was so beneficial! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2714053 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 23:11:02 +0000 Boogs 2714053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: Definitely try to take it easy, otherwise you really feel it later.</p> <p>@Mrs. Blue: Mine never gave me an ab binder, I only heard about it here. My MIL ended up getting me one and I could hear angels sing, it was just what I needed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2714018 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:36:56 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2714018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: just popping in out of curiosity. Had vaginal deliveries. But fwiw I did have a longer recovery the second time around, probably because of all the activity. It sucked wanting to do so much and just being sore. Good to hear you're moving in the right direction. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2714006 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:07:20 +0000 Mrs. Blue 2714006@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: I can't believe the hospital didn't give you some kind of binder for your abdomen! That is insane. Order one immediately. It will help sooooo much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2713999 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:58:52 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2713999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: I am feeling a little better now, thank you. My doctor won't refill the Percocet, so I am saving it for when I need to leave the house/do more activity. I'm alternating ibuprofen and Tylenol, I'm still sore but not in severe pain.<br /> I definitely want the ab binder though! It seems it would help.<br /> I'm 11 days pp now. I had stopped bleeding two days ago.. then did a lot yesterday and a little more activity today, and started bleeding again so I think I still need to take it easy and rest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2713993 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:44:54 +0000 Mrs. Marshmallow 2713993@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was taking Advil and Tylenol for a good three weeks (never percs). I just continued to stretch it out and lower my dose after probably 10-12 days. </p> <p>Take what you need to feel comfortable @Mrs. Pen: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2713772 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:26:41 +0000 Boogs 2713772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>An ab binder would make a world of a difference! It's something I wish I knew more about at the time. I was also given Motrin 600 and slowly tapered off that, but man it hurt for a good while and stairs were the worst! I couldn't even lift up my legs enough to get in my bed to sleep for probably over a week and it hurt to lay too vertically. Hope you're starting to feel a bitter better now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712769 Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:31:05 +0000 ValentineMommy 2712769@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wasn't given Percocet after I left the hospital. I left with a precription for Motrin 600, which I took for about a week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712375 Sat, 18 Mar 2017 11:21:06 +0000 oliviaoblivia 2712375@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first I barely touched my Percocet. With my second I used half my Rx. With my third I was fine with just Advil.<br /> Every surgery is different. Be gentle with yourself and let others help however they can. You'll be back to normal soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712340 Sat, 18 Mar 2017 08:58:16 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2712340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: with my first I felt okay a few days after and weaned off the pain meds onto just ibuprofen, but then went back to life and quickly regretted it and went back on the pain meds. Take it easy &lt;3 major surgery is painful and everyone responds differently. I'm sure your OB will prescribe more if you need them. With my second I took them until they were gone and then switched to ibuprofen and was okay. I was told to avoid stairs completely, so maybe cut back on that as much as you can. Lots of hugs &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712327 Sat, 18 Mar 2017 07:17:28 +0000 azjax 2712327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took the full schedule of Rx strength ibuprofen and Percocet for about 10 days after, then tapered the Percocet over about 4 days and stuck with the ibuprofen. My OB recommended frequent spurts of gentle walking to help with recovery and firmly advised against any bending or lifting anything heavier than baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712322 Sat, 18 Mar 2017 06:19:26 +0000 erinbaderin 2712322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They only offered me anything stronger than Advil for the day of my c-section. After 24 hours they just gave me Advil every 4 hours. I was pretty shocked the first time that that was all they would let me have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712311 Sat, 18 Mar 2017 04:09:04 +0000 My Only Sunshine 2712311@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: I'm always amazed at the people who only took over-the-counter pain mess after a cesarean. I took Percocet on schedule for like 4 or 5 days after discharge with my first and at night for much longer than that. An abdominal binder really helped SO much. I got one at the hospital but it was very similar to this: ProCare Premium 9", 3-Panel Elastic Abdominal Binder, Small/Medium (Waist: 30" - 45") <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010E7MQQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3IpZybQW1WDBN" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010E7MQQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3IpZybQW1WDBN</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712289 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 21:56:15 +0000 Grace 2712289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was only on it for a few days, but I think you've probably been more active than me. I didn't do a flight of stairs until 3 weeks pp. Walking is good, but I'm talking about 10 min puttering around your house. No major work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712281 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 21:29:33 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2712281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sandy: thank you! Hopefully I'll hear back from my doctor on Monday. It's interesting that all three of your experiences were different!<br /> @Mrs. Goose: yeah, I think my mom will be coming to help for a couple days next week. Yeah I'm not totally bedridden, but I'm trying to rest as much as I can. I had a very busy few days initially post discharge so I think I needed to recover from that by being less active. And I have somewhere to go both Sunday evening and Monday morning so I'll still be leaving the house and I'm even nervous for that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712278 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 21:11:22 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2712278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: he wasn't even originally going to have this week off. He just started this job in February so he feels really bad taking time off. His boss has been super understanding (his wife had two c-sections!), and told him to take whatever time he needs, but anything extra will be unpaid. He has definitely been an amazing help and realizes surgery is huge, but we both feel we don't want to compromise his brand new position by taking more time off. The upside is that he will be on spring break starting April 3. But that's still two weeks away.<br /> I am planning to have my mom and sister come at least 1-2 days next week to help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712274 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 21:07:07 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2712274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: my friend who had a c section a few weeks before me (both c sections were surprised!) let me borrow her belly bandit. I felt like I could walk around so that was good. I think when people say be active they mean within reason. So I definitely think gentle walking around is key, but don't start cleaning your house or bending down a lot/at all. Being bed ridden isn't a good idea either though. Which sounds like you won't be doing anyway. I think walking or gentle movement keeps your blood circulating more efficiently and actually helps speed up your healing as long as you don't feel too weak or start bleeding a lot as a result. Pick and choose your activities and don't be afraid to leave things on the floor! Ha. Good call on the keeping daycare up. </p> <p>Also, roll out of bed or off couches and use the back board and your arms for support vs your ab muscles. That was a big help for me moving. </p> <p>And I agree with shootingstar. If he can't take time off is there any relative near you that can come and help you out? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712269 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 20:53:14 +0000 ShootingStar 2712269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: Is there any way he can take off more time? A c-section is major surgery and some people think it's no big deal. He should be waiting on you, hand and foot. Your only responsibility should be to feed baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712267 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 20:47:51 +0000 sandy 2712267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: your OB will give you refills of pain meds. Do not feel bad for asking if you need them!</p> <p>With my first - unplanned csection - I took Tylenol after discharge </p> <p>With my second - planned csection I was on pain meds for weeks and weeks and weeks. I had to get a refill twice bc I really needed it. </p> <p>With my third - planned csection I took Percocet for about 2 weeks after discharge and then switched to Motrin. My OB was completely willing to give me a refill but I told him I was fine. </p> <p>Each surgical experience is different so don't feel bad if you feel you still need the pain pills </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712256 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 20:33:34 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2712256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Goose: @Madison43: @gotkimchi: that sounds like a great idea! Any recommendations for a support belt??</p> <p>@Madison43: ha it's funny that you say to move around more and the post below you says to rest ;). No, it's actually been a crazy week and I was sent back to the hospital, and also had a clinic appt so I've felt like since I was discharged in Sunday, I haven't had any time to rest and recover. The last two days I've felt better when I just spend most of the day resting in bed. I get up to go to the bathroom and take a shower everyday, and that is taxing enough right now.<br /> @ShootingStar: @Mrs. Goose: I'm trying to rest a lot more. The first few days home were difficult and I had to unintentionally be more active and I felt it has delayed my recovery. I'm resting more now. But Monday, DH returns to work. I'm keeping my five year old in daycare though until I feel I can manage both boys safely, then he'll spend most of my maternity leave at home with me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712254 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 20:23:29 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2712254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Pen: I was only given ibuprofen and Tylenol to take and was told to take two of each (regular strength) every 4 hours. I think I did that for at least a week and then decreased slowly in the second week. A few days after surgery I thought I was okay and left more time before the pills and woke up and started crying and asked my midwife for something stronger and she asked if I had kept on the schedule and I said no. Once I kept up taking the pills regularly I was fine. By two weeks I wasn't taking anything anymore. </p> <p>Also, pp with the support belt suggestion is huge! It helped me a lot. And rest a lot. It's definitely a shock to the system. I hope your recovery goes well and don't worry about however long you need pain mess. Get your prescription refilled just so you have it and you don't have to take it if you're feeling good. I assume your regular doc will/could do it for you. Call the surgeon and or your doctor to see who can and who it will be easiest with. My midwife didn't do my surgery and could have written me a prescription and I was in and out of emergency and a walk in clinic and saw the surgeon within the first week after my c section and I think any of those people could help. You definitely don't want to be left with nothing and then in pain because it will feel scary and make life harder. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712248 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 19:40:43 +0000 ShootingStar 2712248@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it was about 10 days both times. It was definitely less than two weeks because I had stopped by my 2 week appointment both times. The biggest thing is not to do too much. I always hurt so much more after trying to do too much. Try to take it easy, not much walking and only lift baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712246 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 19:34:27 +0000 Madison43 2712246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gotkimchi: yes! A support belt is a game changer. I wore mine forever because it also kept my incision from getting irritated by my pants. @Mrs. Pen: it sucks, but are you moving around a lot. I found that I experienced the most pain after I had been sitting or laying down for any period of time. Walking around the house a bit really helped loosen everything up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-c-section-and-pain-meds#post-2712243 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 19:07:52 +0000 gotkimchi 2712243@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: do you have a support belt you can wear? I got one at the hospital and that helped </p>