c-section incision

I had a c-section 5 weeks ago tomorrow (01-03)
I have a quarter sized area on the incision that is still open.
I have been to the dr. once a week since the surgery and they keep putting steri-strips on it and saying it isn't as deep as last week -
and wanting me to come back the next week! well the steri-strips always fall off the same day - did anyone else have this problem?

and... how long did it take to stop bleeding - I am tired of wearing a pad!! I am breastfeeding does that make a difference?

 

I had a c-section 5 weeks ago tomorrow (01-03)
I have a quarter sized area on the incision that is still open.
I have been to the dr. once a week since the surgery and they keep putting steri-strips on it and saying it isn't as deep as last week -
and wanting me to come back the next week! well the steri-strips always fall off the same day - did anyone else have this problem?

and... how long did it take to stop bleeding - I am tired of wearing a pad!! I am breastfeeding does that make a difference?

 

Congrats on your twins! I do't have any advice on the incision...mine healed without any problems. But, I woudl have to agree, those steri-strips are for the dogs!

As for the bleeding. I wore a pad for about 6 weeks. I was wearing store bought pads upon leaving the hospital and about 3 weeks after the surgery, I was just using panty-liners. After 3 weeks, nothing really went onto the pad, it was just mostly there when I would go to the bathroom. Hopefully it's almost over for you!

 

I remember going to my 6 week follow up and still having a spot in my incision that hadn't completely closed - mine was small enough that I just had a band-aid on it to keep from rubbing on my clothes. I think it was completely healed around the time I stopped bleeding - at 8 weeks... On the plus side, breastfeeding keep my period away for 16 months so it seems like a pretty good trade off... HTH - Annie

 

I ended up with something similar to what you're describing my 2nd c-section.

I also got a bit of infection. The dr had me buy a heating pad, put the pad on top of a wet towel on my belly, and it literally sucked the fluid out. And it mainly was inflamed, nothing to the major infection route (Thank God!)

At any rate, the hole stayed for quite awhile, and then one day it was closed. I didn't have to keep steri strips on it though. I honestly can't remember how long it was before it completely healed.

 

I had the same problem but I didnt put any strips on it. The Dr told me to just keep it very dry. I did put neosporin on it a few times, the Dr said it was ok to do that but not too often because that would make it hold moisture.

There are some bc pills you can take and BF ... ask your doctor about it... that will make the bleeding go away.

hth's

 

My incision closed at four weeks. DH was cleaning it and packing it with sterile gauze to help wick the moisture away so it could heal better. The OB told us it was important to pack it so that it would close from the inside out instead of closing at the surface while internally it was not healed. Mine was about an inch long and fairly deep apparently. Every day DH had to put in a little less of the gauze as it healed. As an aside, I had the same problem last summer when I had my gallbladder out. The incsion in my belly button just wouldn't close and I had to pack it too until 2 months post op. The surgeon said it can be normal in moist areas for healing to take a little longer-could explain the section incision too since the "muffin top" can hang over the incision when your belly deflates.

As for the post-partum bleeding, I bled until a couple days shy of 10 weeks. The OB had said to come back if the bleeding continued past 10 weeks so I was getting ready to make an appointment. He told me many women bleed longer with twin pregnancies because to some degree the bleeding is related to the amount of surface area in the uterus that had placenta attatched to it. He gave a long-winded explanation, but basically 2 placentas can equal a longer time to heal internally.

Angela

 

My incision remained open about that same size for about 10 weeks. If i remember correctly, it was still slightly raw when I went back to work at 12 weeks. It was not a DEEP opening. only 1 cm I think. As you said, it was more shallow each visit. I did not get to go each week post- op. I was 1-week then I think 4 weeks. I did not have bitterfly bandages. I use4d a steri- pad that covered the area protecting it from the outside. I do not remember the brand name. But it was like 3 inches square, and stuck to the area. It was like a clear sticker. I think they sold them at Walgreens. I changed it daily and left it on for showers. It kept germs out. I did leave it off over night about 2 times a week to let some air on it. I did not want too much moisture either. I would not worry about the butterflys falling off. I would just try to keep the area covered to prevent germs coming in, dry, and aireated. Good luck.