Is it normal for an incision to hurt 5 months after a C-Section?

Dona - posted on 12/14/2012

I know you posted a while ago about this but I thought I would share in case other moms are having pain for a while after the c-section. I had a lot of pain after my second emergency c-section, much more pain and much longer than after my first. I thought it was due to being my second. My doctor sent me to a surgeon who found a bad clot wrapped around a nerve that was getting infected and I had to have surgery to have the clot, infection and the nerve removed. The nerve ended up being too entangled in the clot to leave so I have a numb spot on my stomach now. It's kind of weird but the pain went away immediately. They said if I had waited, things could have been much worse. The surgeon originally thought the clot was the size of a pea but when he went in, he found that it was the size of a large grape! So, if you are having actual pain, I definitely encourage you to tell your doctor and have it evaluated, it could end up being something really serious.

Angela - posted on 12/08/2012

hi there ive had 2 c-sections one was nearly 14 years ago and i still have an itchy scar with that one but i was pain free by 2 weeks (i have 2 scars because the first one healed that well the surgeon couldnt find it lol) and my second one i had was nearly 3 years ago and i still have pain not all the time just if i have to hold on to go toilet or if i cough or sneeze too hard or im made to suddenly laugh lol but i had complications with my second but to get to the point of being out of pain every day it took nearly a year with my second

Carol - posted on 11/01/2011

I found it helpful to put a soft man's handkerchief over the incision inside my slacks so they didn't irritate it. I also used vitamin E oil on the scar. It was nearly 2 years before all the tenderness subsided. Praise the Lord, my other 3 children were VBACs (vaginal birth after a cesarean). If you plan more children, check out ICAN for information on VBAC. (ICAN=International Cesarean Awareness Network) They might also have info on cesarean recovery.

Ileta - posted on 11/01/2011

I had a c-section 3 1/2 years ago and it still bothers me to this day! Its not all the time but occasionally it will itch our be very sore as if I just had it done. As long as it's not red our oozing then you should be alright!

Regina J - posted on 11/01/2011

it is truning cold so you well hurt for a whil because of the cold as well as it dont feel right .i had my stomic cut open took me a long time to not feel the same feelings as well.just dont strain nothingor should i say dont strain at all

Peggy - posted on 11/01/2011

My doctor told me that nerves can reattach for up to a year, and that you can have pain when this happens. He was right. But just in case, I would at least call yours and ask the nurse what she thinks.

Hayley - posted on 11/01/2011

See the doctor maybe you need a scan to ensure everything has healed up ok

Pamela - posted on 10/31/2011

Please speak to your doctor about this. It could be that the incision was poorly sewn or that in fact something else is happening beneath the surface that you cannot see. Run....don't walk to your OB-GYN doctor asap!

Elizabeth - posted on 10/31/2011

I've had two c-sections, they take a long time to "get back to normal." There are two parts trying to heal, the inside incision and the outside. I never knew how much you use stomach muscles for simple tasks, like getting out of a chair until I had my first.
Hope you are feeling better soon.

Marina - posted on 10/31/2011

I had a C-section 25 years ago and it still tingles from time to time...hang in there...the sting will turn into an itch and the sensation will last..:(...you will be fine..make sure to walk, exercise and keep moving for your health:) .http://www.Marinaonline.com

Krista - posted on 10/31/2011

A friend of mine suggested doing a warm Cod Liver Oil compress on my c-section, use an old towel soaked in Cod Liver Oil, then cover with plastic bag or wrap and lay a heating pad on top for several hours for three weeks. I would also recommend food grade Lavender and Tea Tree from Young Living Oils directly on the scar. Another oil that is super helpful is called Plantain Oil from the green weed that grows in our yards. I received over ten acupuncture sessions on my scar and also Mayodominal Massage and it took year for my energy level and red swelling to go down. And it was surprising to me because everyone said how great the doctor did on my scar. I think I reacted mostly to the super glue they use to close you back up, but probably better than the staples my friend got to close her up. Anyways it does take time for our bodies to heal, but they will given the right modalities.

Sharon - posted on 10/31/2011

Most likely you have scare tissue forming which causes a pulling and or burning type pain. Don't worry.

Erin - posted on 10/30/2011

I have had 2 c-sections and suffered irritation and pain for almost a year after the first one. I had a lot of scar tissue around the incision, so I think that was the cause.

Liz - posted on 10/30/2011

Mine was tender/healing for about a year afterwards. Bottom line is that 5 months might be a short length of time for some women and way too long for others. If in doubt, check it out! :)

A phone call to your OB should do the trick. Piece of mind is worth a lot.

Irannye - posted on 10/30/2011

Ive had three of them and my incesion never hurted over a month. I would say to get that checked out that don't seem normal too me

Brittany - posted on 10/29/2011

Stinging pain is normal, it is the nerves reattaching themselves. Some people feel it more than others. I would get a sudden shock of it. It shouldn't be constant though.

My c-section was my first major surgery so I had a really hard time recovering. I needed help getting out of bed for the first 2 weeks.

By 5 months most of my discomfort was if my underwear or pants rubbed on the incision too much, or I was bending and picking up things a lot. Even then it wasn't enough to take any meds or anything.

Mazy - posted on 10/29/2011

I never had a C-section, but I did have my appendix out when I was 15, so that was something like 13 years ago. Even now I will occasionally have minor "phantom" pains or sensations at the scar/incision site. I had quite a bit of these random pains (they were very minor, more like a feeling or sensation, I guess) for the first five years or so after the operation, and they gradually lessened over time. I would assume it would be similar with a C-section in the sense that it's a cut through abdominal muscles. Unless you are in a lot of pain, it's persistent, or there is reddness, I would assume that it will lessen with time.

Melody - posted on 10/29/2011

Ive had 2 c sections, I didnt have pain 5 months after but everyone is different. If your in alot of pain you should see your Dr, it might not be anything but its better to be safe than sorry.

Raquel - posted on 10/29/2011

I experienced the same thing, and was treated successfully with a combination of acupuncture and visceral manipulation. Here is an online program which deals specifically with this issue: http://consciouswoman.org/category/semin...

Pamela - posted on 10/29/2011

I had 2 c sections and very much no it is not normal.GO GET IT CHECKED by a doctor.It is not normal for it to hurt this long.

Lorraine - posted on 10/28/2011

I had two C-sections and it was uncomfortable for a few weeks. After five months everything should be healed up. Ask your doctor.

Angela - posted on 10/28/2011

hi there i have had 2 c-sections and both were different my first i was pain free in 2 weeks my second tho i was in alot of pain for around 8 months give or take, so long as its not angry red, hot to the touch or has pus then you have nothing to worry about remember its major surgery and your body needs time to heal try to take it as easy as possible, the pain will go

Shawn - posted on 10/28/2011

I had three c-sections two of them 16 months apart, and I had those pains too. It turned out to be adhesions which are basically strings of scar tissue that break once in a while.

Melissa - posted on 10/28/2011

I have known women whose c section incision still was tender a year later, if it gets worse or redness appears or you are seeing any oozing get to your ob right away though.

Crystal - posted on 10/28/2011

I was in pain frequently for 9 months after having my son by c-section. I went to see my dr twice about it in the nine months and both times he said I was fine after checking some things. Yet I know a woman who had her 5th child (3rd by c-section) TWO weeks ago and feels no pain. It all depends on the person, their pain tolerance and just the healing process I think. But as everyone above me said, def go get it checked out. Going and feeling paranoid is better than not going and totally regretting it.

Kristy - posted on 10/28/2011

Have you talked with you doctor? If not you probaly should I would think you shouldnt be in that much pain after 5 months.

Heather - posted on 10/28/2011

Mine was still sensitive a year later.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 10/28/2011

Yes it is normal. My c section was 5 years ago, and I have had another baby since. It still feels weird. If you are in that much pain, I would recommend seeing your doctor about it to make sure everything has heeled properly.

Yeukai - posted on 10/28/2011

i think 5 months down the line, is a bit much, you need to see the doctor. I have had two C sections and suffer from no pain at all, though nearer the time i experience some itching. Have it attended to.

Vivian - posted on 10/27/2011

Mine still hurts/tingles/numb too. It's especially since the edge of my underwear sits right in it so it gets irritated. I have to go pantiless and wear loose clothing while I'm home sometimes to let the area calm down. Also since I haven't lost all my preggo weight yet my pants are still tight and when I dit the belt/button/zipper area digs into my incision and then it's sore. Someone told me she used Manuka honey on her incision and it made it heal and feel better quickly. I've never tried it cuz it sounded too messy. Just make sure you wear comfy clothing and let the area breathe now and then and try to keep things from rubbing on it. That should help. I imagine it'll still bother us down the line every now and then like someone else said. It was major surgery, so I font expect things to go back to the way it was 100% but if it is painful enough that it stops you from doing things then you should consult your doctor.

Anne - posted on 10/27/2011

Could be nerves, mine got reply bad 4 weeks PP & I went to see a chiropractor pain gone instantly. I have had regular chiro care as soon as it starts to tingle & have had hardly any problems. Definitely see a chiro.

Heather - posted on 10/27/2011

Call your OB.

Marisa - posted on 10/27/2011

Yes mine with my first child hurt after a year and a half but I had it checked before that just to make sure. This time around I haven't had nearly the discomfort . It's been 2 months and it's healing and I geta twinge here and there..hope you start to feel better!

Kandy - posted on 10/27/2011

yes it happens, mine hurt for a full yr after wards. I finally went to the dr and she gave me a cream to apply to it to help desensitize it. Dont wait that long go see your dr now.

Christy - posted on 10/27/2011

Not that normal. Go to the DR. You may have an inner infection, getting scar tissue, etc. Or it could be nothing at all. I had 2 C sections 12 months apart and they didn't bother me after a couple of months. Of course everyone is different.

Emilie - posted on 10/27/2011

I have had 2 C-sections, My last C-section was almost 5 years ago, it almost never happens anymore but sometimes I still get pains, and it still feels pretty numb in that area.

Amanda - posted on 10/27/2011

Hi Jaime! I have had two c-sections! The stinging should just be your nerves healing from the incision. It could also be your muscles starting to do some deep repairs. While I have had tingling and numbness after both c-sections, it might bring you some peace of mind to check with your doctor. My last c-section was 3 years ago, and I still have some problems with numbness and tingling. Good luck to you!

Stifler's - posted on 10/26/2011

You need to keep having follow up apps with the ob that did the operation and tell them all these sorts of things.

Nikki - posted on 10/26/2011

I agree check with your doctor, I have an abdominal incision from 9 months ago that feels like it tingles at times, my doctor said it's the nerves repairing themselves. It's usually in an area that was numb to begin with. But I would definitely check with your GP or surgeon just for peace of mind.

Erin - posted on 10/26/2011

You need to see your doctor. Some women take a long time to heal. Many report pain for up to a year afterwards. But it needs to be checked. Good luck.

Sharlene - posted on 10/26/2011

H i .Usally when it hurts to be itchy that means it's getting better.But like I said if you are the concern in a months time go to see your doctor.Cheers darls

Jaime - posted on 10/26/2011

No nothing is coming out. It just hurts. Thank you for your help!

Sharlene - posted on 10/26/2011

Hi . I've 3 c-sections myself. Yeah that's normal but if you still have it the month or so go to see your doctor, Is any puss coming out?