I went into labor at 35 weeks, leading to an unexpected hospital stay. After a long two weeks with no progress, I endured an exhausting 12 hours of intense contractions. Even though I was fully dilated, I couldn’t push the twins out and found myself in the operating room for a C-section. While I had prepared myself for the procedure, some aspects of the experience caught me off guard.
1. I Struggled with the Basics of Peeing
When they removed the catheter post-surgery, I assumed I would just know when it was time to go. Six hours later, my bladder was uncomfortably full, but I couldn’t feel the urge. The catheter had to be reinserted, which was far from pleasant. For the next day, I was on pee-watch, with nurses encouraging me to try to go while I distracted myself on my phone.
2. Getting Out of Bed Was a Challenge
I underestimated how difficult it would be to get out of bed. I had to roll to my side, inch my way forward, and then push myself up—all while avoiding any sudden pulls from anyone helping me. It’s surprising how much we rely on our abdominal muscles, which I found out the hard way.
3. Thirst Was a Constant Struggle
After the surgery, they wouldn’t let me have any water due to the risk of nausea or coughing. I was parched and finally managed to convince a nurse to give me ice chips. I spent hours savoring those tiny bits of ice, and the day I was finally permitted to drink water was one of the highlights of my recovery.
4. Shaking Was More Intense Than Expected
While I had read that shaking can occur after surgery, I wasn’t prepared for the level of intensity. My body was in full spasm for hours post-procedure, leaving me shaking and nibbling on ice chips in the dark.
5. I Lost Track of My Medications
I was so out of it that I lost count of the medications I was given. I received various injections—one here, another there—which felt like a blur. Thankfully, my partner was there to witness the chaos and keep me grounded.
6. My Postpartum Belly Was Surprising
After carrying twins, my belly was larger than I anticipated. I learned that gas could get trapped during the C-section, contributing to a swollen appearance. I also didn’t realize that cutting through my abdominal muscles would lead to such difficulty in toning my belly afterward. I still look like I’m three months pregnant (with twins), and it’s not changing anytime soon.
7. A Surprising Drowsiness
As a light sleeper, I expected the sounds of surgery to keep me awake, but I was so drowsy when they wheeled me into the operating room that I struggled to stay awake. After being up for 48 hours and on medication, I was shocked by how strong the urge to sleep was, even during such a critical moment.
8. Numbness Persisted
It was strange to discover that the area around my incision felt numb. I’ve heard this can last for a year or more, and I often find myself poking the area in the mirror, fascinated by the sensation—or lack thereof.
9. My Partner Experienced Trauma
My husband had an unfortunate view of the surgery and witnessed things he can’t unsee. He saw me hemorrhaging and my uterus being handled, which was a lot for him to process. Fortunately, he managed to stay composed despite the chaos.
10. My Partner Wasn’t Allowed in Right Away
While I was prepped for surgery, my husband had to wait nearby in a small room. It was a strange experience, lying there half-numb while the medical team chatted about their plans for Valentine’s Day. I kept trying to spot him entering the room.
If you’re anticipating a C-section, don’t worry too much—it’s rough for less than a week. You’ll eventually relearn how to walk without assistance, and you’ll be able to laugh and cough without cringing. Plus, you’ll gain a cool scar and, most importantly, a baby. You can find more on this topic here or explore resources at Women’s Health.
In summary, my C-section journey was filled with unexpected challenges and surprising revelations. From the struggle of basic bodily functions to the emotional experiences of my partner, it was a unique chapter in our lives. If you want to learn more about communication in healthcare, check out this site.