C-section...

SO I am having my c-section in 23 hours I was wondering what they may do for prep. I know with my induction I had to go in 3 hours early to get an enema and stuff does anyone know what I should expect this time? Thanks ladies

 

For both my c sections, they shaved the area where the incision will be. They have to put a catheter in and I was given the choice of doing it before the epidural or after- I chose before that way was a bit less embarresing- it was just me and the nurse in the room. If I had waited for the epidural, I would have already been in the OR with everyone looking on... although policy regarding this may vary from hospital to hospital. I also remember they gave me something really nasty to drink to fight nausea from the epi drugs... And of course you'll get an IV... that's about all I remember. It was better the 2nd time around because I knew what to expect. Get up and walk around as soon as you can- that really helps with the recovery and stay on top of your pain meds- don't be a hero- if you're feeling "good" still take them before the pain gets too bad... and this may be tmi- but have a bowel movement as soon as you can also.. I had a lot of discomfort because I didn't go for a few days. Ask for stool softeners, too, if they don't give them to you... Good luck- you'll do great! How exciting that you'll be meeting your babies so soon!! Can't wait to hear your birth story and see pics!

 

QUOTE(Jenn G @ Aug 3 2008, 08:23 PM) [snapback]911596[/snapback]
For both my c sections, they shaved the area where the incision will be. They have to put a catheter in and I was given the choice of doing it before the epidural or after- I chose before that way was a bit less embarresing- it was just me and the nurse in the room. If I had waited for the epidural, I would have already been in the OR with everyone looking on... although policy regarding this may vary from hospital to hospital. I also remember they gave me something really nasty to drink to fight nausea from the epi drugs... And of course you'll get an IV... that's about all I remember. It was better the 2nd time around because I knew what to expect. Get up and walk around as soon as you can- that really helps with the recovery and stay on top of your pain meds- don't be a hero- if you're feeling "good" still take them before the pain gets too bad... and this may be tmi- but have a bowel movement as soon as you can also.. I had a lot of discomfort because I didn't go for a few days. Ask for stool softeners, too, if they don't give them to you... Good luck- you'll do great! How exciting that you'll be meeting your babies so soon!! Can't wait to hear your birth story and see pics!


I have to ask this, but does a catheter hurt? I have heard horror stories about those and I'm really curious!

 

Since it's still fresh in my mind - the morning of my c/s, they started by putting on the fetal monitors and starting my IV. Then the anesthesiologist came in and we decided on anesthesia (spinal vs. epidural) and post-op pain relief (and in the day's funniest moment - my husband asked the anesthesiologist to settle our debate about which was more painful - my c-section or his vasectomy). The nurses shaved the area around the incision and also gave me a Pepcid pill for heartburn.

Once we got into the OR, the anesthesiologist did the spinal block and they laid me down on the table. The nurses began prepping my belly with betadine - which they also used to determine how effective the spinal was. Once the spinal was set, they put in the catheter and also started the compression things on my legs (to prevent blood clots). Everything from that point on is pretty much a blur - within a few minutes the babies were both out and crying.

The best advice out there - get up and moving as soon as you can and take your pain meds on schedule. It will hurt, but each time you get up - it gets better. I did have to get a catheter put back in when my bladder wouldn't initially cooperate -- getting it put in doesn't hurt, but it's not the most pleasant feeling.

Good luck!

 

First off, congratulations!

They did shave the area where the c-section would be done. They will give you an IV. The catheter did not hurt but it was not the most comfortable. I had a spinal done, so when it was my turn, they took me back into the OR. I had to be real still, they prepped the area and they give you the spinal (which does burn) and it worked almost immediately. I could not feel a thing from the neck down. The nurse told me that I would feel pressure when they were taking the babies out but I did not feel a thing. I did not know a baby was out until I heard each one of them crying. It all went by so fast.
After the surgery, I felt very loopy. I had the catheter for 24 hours and after that was taken out, I would attempt to walk around. I would definitely suggest to use plenty of ice, try to walk when you can and have plenty of help

 

QUOTE(itsnancycozzi @ Aug 3 2008, 06:25 PM) [snapback]911683[/snapback]
First off, congratulations!

They did shave the area where the c-section would be done. They will give you an IV. The catheter did not hurt but it was not the most comfortable. I had a spinal done, so when it was my turn, they took me back into the OR. I had to be real still, they prepped the area and they give you the spinal (which does burn) and it worked almost immediately. I could not feel a thing from the neck down. The nurse told me that I would feel pressure when they were taking the babies out but I did not feel a thing. I did not know a baby was out until I heard each one of them crying. It all went by so fast.
After the surgery, I felt very loopy. I had the catheter for 24 hours and after that was taken out, I would attempt to walk around. I would definitely suggest to use plenty of ice, try to walk when you can and have plenty of help


Ditto what she said!!!!
I was also petrified about them taking the staples/stitches out before leaving the hospital ~ it was NOTHING!! Didn't hurt at all
Stay ahead of the pain by taking the med's that they give you

Good luck & looking forward to hearing your birth story!

 

You can ask your nurse to put the catheder in AFTER they give you the spinal. I'm not sure if all will do it, but mine did and I didn't feel a thing!! And like Tamara said, the staples were what horrified me the most and I didn't feel a thing. :good: Like the others have said, get moving as soon as you can, that will help speed up your recovery. Good luck, and I can't wait to hear all about it and see some pictures of your little sweeties!

 

How long were you girls in the hospital after a c-section?

 

I was discharged after 3 days but had to stay an extra 2 days because of the babes temps dropping.

Congratulations! It is so exciting, can't wait to read your birth story!

 

QUOTE(jen8675309 @ Aug 3 2008, 07:04 PM) [snapback]911765[/snapback]
How long were you girls in the hospital after a c-section?


I was there for 3 nights/4 days total ~ and the babies came home with us

 

I had the c/s on Tuesday afternoon and all three of us left on Friday morning!!

 

Thanks sooooo much I don't feel as nervous as I did now. one more question....how long before the actual c-section did they make you go in to get prepped?

 

QUOTE(gusnlilysmom @ Aug 3 2008, 09:05 PM) [snapback]911644[/snapback]
Since it's still fresh in my mind - the morning of my c/s, they started by putting on the fetal monitors and starting my IV. Then the anesthesiologist came in and we decided on anesthesia (spinal vs. epidural) and post-op pain relief (and in the day's funniest moment - my husband asked the anesthesiologist to settle our debate about which was more painful - my c-section or his vasectomy). The nurses shaved the area around the incision and also gave me a Pepcid pill for heartburn.

Once we got into the OR, the anesthesiologist did the spinal block and they laid me down on the table. The nurses began prepping my belly with betadine - which they also used to determine how effective the spinal was. Once the spinal was set, they put in the catheter and also started the compression things on my legs (to prevent blood clots). Everything from that point on is pretty much a blur - within a few minutes the babies were both out and crying.

The best advice out there - get up and moving as soon as you can and take your pain meds on schedule. It will hurt, but each time you get up - it gets better. I did have to get a catheter put back in when my bladder wouldn't initially cooperate -- getting it put in doesn't hurt, but it's not the most pleasant feeling.

Good luck!


Gusnlilysmom,
I HAVE to ask... was your anesthesiologist male or female? And how did he or she answer your husband??? LOL.

 

My one advice-don't take the percosets! I wish I would have just taken the Motrin 800's. The percosets
made me so out of it. I made a bad decision on a middle name and I barely remember people visiting.
If I ever have to have a c-section again, I will not take the heavy painkillers.
I requested my catheter out that night. I wanted to start walking as soon as possible.

One other thing for everyone. It seems that everyone who shares their c-section story says that a bunch of doctors
were in the room along with tons of nurses and pediatricians. We only had our doctor, a resident, and the
regular O.R. nurses (who were all really young, but so great!). We didn't even have an M.D. anesthisiologist, just
a nurse anesthisiologist. And, they did not wrap the babies and bring them over for me to see them. They were
taken straight to the little recovery area through a door in the O.R. I did not see them again until way after recovery when
they wheeled me up to my room.
Interested to hear how your c-section goes! Good Luck tonight!

 

Good topic...
So, I'm pretty cholstraphobic and I'm nervous about not being able to feel most of my body...just the thought freaks me out. Did anyone freak out at this feeling?
A nurse I spoke to once told me to get the catheter taken out as soon as you can feel your legs and are able to stand and move around/get up and walk as much as possible. The nurse also told me that they make sure you pass gas or have a bm before you leave.

 

I had about 4/5 cathedars with my daughter. They don't hurt, just uncomfortable for a minute.

I'm glad so many people responded, because I, too, will be having a c-section for the first time.

 

I had about 4/5 cathedars with my daughter. They don't hurt, just uncomfortable for a minute.

I'm glad so many people responded, because I, too, will be having a c-section for the first time.

 

QUOTE(Hsuter @ Aug 4 2008, 01:53 PM) [snapback]912825[/snapback]
Good topic...
So, I'm pretty cholstraphobic and I'm nervous about not being able to feel most of my body...just the thought freaks me out. Did anyone freak out at this feeling?
A nurse I spoke to once told me to get the catheter taken out as soon as you can feel your legs and are able to stand and move around/get up and walk as much as possible. The nurse also told me that they make sure you pass gas or have a bm before you leave.


I thought the same thing! I had a cerclage put in at 19 weeks and I had the spinal. I freaked out a little on the table, got a little panicky
because I am such a twitcher. I constantly flex my calves and feet and when I was on that table and I couldn't do it, I got panicked.
Then, I just started listening to the conversation in the OR, and I just ignored it. My doctor was telling funny stories to the nurses and that
eased my mind, thank goodness!
It did scare me enough to say I would not have a c-section, or try to avoid it if at all possible. But, guess what? I did have a c-section and
the spinal did not even phase me. I did not panic one bit. I talked to the nurse anesthesiologist (sp?) the whole time. We talked about scary movies and I would ask her how things were going because the doctors don't say much as they are preparing you and it seems to take forever and I kept getting worried. She was great and kept my mind at ease. Plus, you are so so focused on the babies that you don't even notice the spinal.

 

QUOTE(jen8675309 @ Aug 3 2008, 08:28 PM) [snapback]911606[/snapback]
I have to ask this, but does a catheter hurt? I have heard horror stories about those and I'm really curious!


The only thing that hurt was the nurse cleaning the area and I think only because she was too rough (thorough, but rough). The actual insertion didn't really hurt- a bit of pressure but it was over pretty quickly...

 

QUOTE(angelf @ Aug 4 2008, 09:42 AM) [snapback]912300[/snapback]
Gusnlilysmom,
I HAVE to ask... was your anesthesiologist male or female? And how did he or she answer your husband??? LOL.


The anesthesiologist was a man - so I think my husband was looking for a little solidarity! All he got was an eye roll and a comment that it wasn't even close.