How similar is a c-section to hysterectomy recovery??

Question

I feel like such an idiot asking this, but I literally don’t know anyone who has had a c-section and have two close friends who have had planned hysterectomies. Their recoveries were both really brutal. 😭 I’m scheduled for c-section for end of September and now I’m terrified of the recovery!! Can anyone talk me through how similar (or not) they are??

Answer

I had a planned one and the recovery was not as bad as everyone made it out to be in my opinion. I mean I know not everyone’s CS goes well but mine went really well and I recovered quickly. Yes you are sore and in pain for a bit but it wasn’t that bad. The worst day for me was the day after the CS. That was the day they quit giving me pain meds through IV and started me on pills and they made me get up and walk for the first time. After that things just got better 🤷🏻‍♀️ Just take your pills and walk as much as you can but be very careful to not over do it. You will be sore for a while. It is a major surgery. Always ask for help when you need it 😊

Answer

I’ve heard scheduled c-sections are easier recovery-wise. I had an emergency c-section and my recovery was really hard. It took about 2 weeks to somewhat feel okay. BUT while I was in the hospital, I stupidly tried to wait as long as possible to take pain meds and I think that was my biggest mistake. 
They have amazing drugs that will get you through. Take them as soon as you can for as long as they will let you. You are gonna do great!! Just think about that baby in your arms at the end of it all. Soooooo worth it.

Answer

Id equate it to slightly worse than a laparoscopy. There’s definitely moments - Contractions of my uterus after we’re horrid (but I had a lot of other complications and emergency c), standing to walk to the toilet the first time was excruciating and first poop was horrid but overall not that bad. Getting up and around and turning is challenging but I healed well and quickly.

Answer

Same, mine wasn’t as bad as I was expecting it to be. There were definitely things that made it easier than my vaginal delivery, but it was harder in other ways. I had a bad tear and the stitches felt “off” for at least 3 months. Every time I sat down, it would take multiple attempts to get comfortable. But this time that wasn’t an issue at all (obviously) but my stomach was so tender that nursing was scary because the baby would often kick, which hurt. And no one told me about the numbing that could happen! It’s been two months and I’m still numb. Weird.

How similar is a c-section to hysterectomy recovery??

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