c-section nerve pain

[tarriver]

I had my second c-section 5 days ago.  Everything went great but since returning home from the hospital I have had SEVERE pain at one end of my incision.  It is not from infection, and feels like a horrible burning sensation, like nerve damage.  It is EXCRUCIATING to walk/apply any sort of pressure, so obviously I am walking as little as possible, which is not good.  I'm on motrin and percocet, which are useless.  I have tried ice/heat but it is no help, and the nurses at my OB practice say this is "normal".  I have a pretty high threshold for pain, and this is bad enough it makes me cry.  Has anyone else experienced this or have a clue as to what this is?  Anything I can do to make the pain less severe?  Do I need to be more persistent with my doctors?

[SarahB79]

I had nerve pain and burning for many months after my csection.  some were quick, some were lasting.  every layer and every nerve was cut through... it takes some time for them to heal.  

[tarriver]

6 Months to heal--wish I got that much time off work!  Thank you for the suggestion regarding the pillow, I will definitely try that today.

[tarriver]

Thank you for the suggestions, I will definitely address them with my doctor.  I hope that ~if~ there is nerve damage  it will eventually heal itself, or at least reach a point where medication won't be required?  Thank you again!

[PaulMD]

Hi.

While this may indeed be part of the 'normal' healing process of the surgical wound, I believe that the health professionals in your area can do more in terms of controlling the pain.  We do have very good drugs in controlling pain and I think that the pain is still under treated.

Possible causes that I can think of would be neuropathy from some form of nerve damage incurred during the operation, or sutures dissolving themselves causing some local irritation.

Other drugs specific for the nerves such as Gabapentin or Pregabalin may be discussed with your doctors.  

I hope that the healing will be complete and that you can receive additional drugs from your doctors.

Regards and God bless.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Pain in the incision after c section is common. The incision takes some time to heal; normally it takes about 6 months.
You can minimize the pain by supporting your mid section with a pillow when you sneeze and cough, avoid heavy lifting, avoid going up and down the steps. Please take help from family and friends as much as you can. Take care!