c-section incision is infected

[cpatow]

ARgh.

I just knew something wasn't right, and here I am the one who has been preaching about how easy c-sections have been for me and how easy the recovery process is. So it's been one week today and I'm still on 1-2 percocets every 4-6 hours. I just knew THAT wasn't right and totally not like me. Then when I'd walk it would feel like everything was jiggling around inside, almost like I had to hold my belly to keep everything from feeling like it was coming loose. At night I have to sleep in a reclined position and I can't sleep on either side and never flat. When I'd get up for a middle-night feeding, holy s*** does that hurt. The actual incision area is okay (probably because it's still totally numb) but insdie just felt like everything was ripping itself apart. Totally unreal pain and totally nothing I have ever experienced.

I decided to call the doc today and they had me come in right away to make sure I wasn't having any internal bleeding from the internal incision and stitches. She took one look at my belly incision and said, "Sweatheart, you have an infection at the wound site and you will be needing your percocet for a while".

*SH**"

I start treatment with antibiotics today and go back in on Thursday morning for a progress check. I don't have a fever so at this point it's not systemic or anything so hopefully we've caught it in time.

Anyone else go thru this?

Christina

[AbbiandEmmasmom]

I had an infection with my first c-section, but mine also came open.  I had a busted blood vessell which left me with alot of clotting that caused it to open.  My doctor was too busy worried about her retirement to give me an antibiotic ( i guess).  Anyway 5 1/2 months later it still wasn't healed, I thought this was normal because this was my first child.  When my new doctor gave me an antibiotic it healed immediately.  I'm sure yours will heal no problem since they have you on something.  Good luck and take it easy.  Glad to hear everything else went good for you.  Paula

[kellym]

Oh, gosh.... I went to get my staples out and mine opened as well. I almost puked I was so upset. She said, don't worry this is normal and put the steristrips on, thank goodness. Well, how terrible for you. I had suuuuuch bathroom problems they gave me a suppository and it had me wrenching like birth in the bathroom for over an hour. Crying my eyes out. I thought for sure I busted something inside by the bruising I had from it, ugh....
I feel terrible for you because isn't it just the worse thing ever?  I want to tell you though, get yourself a probiotic to take because you certainly don't want any yeast infections especially on the boobies while you're nursing. Speaking of boobies, boy do mine hurt...hope this goes away SOOON too!!  Take it easy, and that's an order!!

[marie1210]

I had a c-section 5 weeks ago and thankfully, no problems.  It did take a while for me to be able to lay flat on my back or either of my sides.  I think sleeping in a reclined position is normal.  I did for about the first 2 weeks.  I had my stitches removed in eight days, my dr. re-taped it and told me I could remove the strips in 5 more days and start using neosporen.  I guess I got lucky or a really great doctor because I can't even see my incision.  I think I just had a really great doctor though.  Hang in there.  The first week or two is the toughest.  It does get better.  Soon, this will all be a distant memory.  =)  Do take it easy though.  Rest is the best for healing.  Keep your baby close so you don't have to go to far and make people do stuff for you. =)  Take care!

[guinness413]

how do you tell if it is infected? what are the signs?

[40smama]

Christina - I too had a nasty wound infection at my last c-section before this one.  I took an antibiotic to help.  I'm so sorry that the pain has been soooo bad!!  I think I took Keflex also or something similar.  It shouldn't take too long but mine took about a week for the infection to clear up.  You poor thing!  Don't worry about having to take the Percocet - it's probably the only thing that's making it possible for you to function.  I hope it clears up quickly.

[cpatow]

Ugh!!! I hope mine does not split open but they took the steri-stips off so there's nothing holding it together except for the healing that's taken place this last week already. They told me it may split open and there's nothing that can really be done to prevent it except for my own mobility choices, so I'm going to try and do as little as possible. The pain is way better today but I also wrapped my stomach with ace bandages (for light support, not super tight) and that helps everything from feeling like it's jiggling all around. They put my on Keflex for the infection so hopefully it will kick in quickly. I go back to the doc tomorrow morning.

:0)

[nursekim]

Mine got infected too....it wound up splitting open and draining for a month.  I was on antibiotics for like 2 months until it closed itself.  It was my first so I didn't know it wasn't supposed to be that painful.  I couldn't lie flat on my back or either of my sides.  Just make sure you take all of your medicine and keep us posted!!

[montie2]

My first c-section got infected. I had to stay in the hospital for 7 days and they wanted to keep me another 2 weeks.  I refused so they let me check out with a thing in my arm to hook an IV to.  I had to go to the ER for 7 days twice a day and get IV antibiotics to clear it up.  My infection was caused by the incisions in my uterus, I was cut horizontally and then vertically as well, and apparently my uterus ripped while they were trying to get my son out.  

Sorry you are having troubles but a few days of anitbiotics and you will be feeling much better.  
PS. Where the heck are the pictures????

[alikat1205]

just listen to your body, i am sure you will do great and get that vbac!  just don't have the mentality of  'i'm doing this no matter what'.  i did have the feeling something was wrong, but wanted to continue.  the nurse told me it was ok, when it wasn't, and i kept going.  don't count on the nursing staff, many have never seen a ur and wouldn't know it if it was going on! (like mine!)  trust your instinct, know that the odds are in your favor, but be ready to change to a c/s if at any time you feel something isn't right.  i know you're going to do great!

[melimeli]

oh I think my infection was on the outside incision...

[alikat1205]

I never had an infection but I did have a difficult recovery.  It took me months to be able to stand or sit without pain.  The first month was excruciating.  Walking was nearly impossible, so I can understand the pain, and I am so sorry to hear it.  Please don't deny yourself the pain meds or try to tough it out.  And make sure you take all those antibiotics!  Are you planning to get pg again?  Talk to your dr. b/c there are studies showing that an infection from c/s can cause future fertility problems and increases your chances of uterine rupture.  You will want to go to a stronger antibiotic if you aren't getting any relief by the time of your check up.  Don't delay!  I have never found c/s to be easy or an easy recovery. I have heard that a warm wet washcloth on the incision site a few times a day can feel like heaven.  If there is oozing - I have also heard (but not tried) a feminine pad across the incision helps.  

[melimeli]

happened to me with my last one... it went away pretty quick.. sorry... but it will heal