Can you compare a TT post op pain to a C-Section?

I am trying to wrap my mind around the post operative pain from an Abdominoplasty.  I've had 2 C-sections, is it as bad as that?  I'm pretty tough, but I spent a few days at the hospital after them.  I can't imagine going home the same day!

Can you please tell me on what level the pain is, how many days you were laid out?  How many days do I need someone with me afterwards?

I'd really apprciate your input.  Thanks!

Tess

I'd say my TT pain (I had my arms done at the same time so that added to it) was a bit worse than my C-section.  I spent 1 night in hospital.  The ride home (about an hour) on the second day was pretty rough...but  tolerable with pain meds on board.

Take your pain medication on the schedule you are given for the first few days...then try going a bit further apart.  Don't be a hero.  You don't have a baby to look after/carry around so you can indulge yourself!

The good thing was that I was 100lbs overweight with my C-Section and fit and healthy with my TT.  That made things like getting my butt out of the chair, off the toilet etc. much easier....

 Hey, good point!  I am over 100 lbs lighter and it should be easier to get up!  Really good thought!

I really appreciate your reply, it was helpful.  Are you happy with your results?

Tess

Hello,

I've had 5 c-sections and just had a tt in October 2010.  I would say the tt is very comparable to a c-section.  I was in the hospital (Mexico) 3 nights and at the hotel lounging around 4 nights before heading home by plane (long day, cancelled flights, etc)  I was grateful for those 3 nights in the hospital.  Being at home, I believe you would need someone around for about 3-4 days.  I had an arm lift at the same time, but was able to manage just fine alone once we got to the hotel 3 days out.  I walked alot early on and every chance I could, and rested in between.

The pain is like a c-section, but manageable with your pain meds.  Stay on top of it, and you will be ok.  I would rate the pain at 6 (out of 10).  I really did not find it that bad at all, but again I have had 5 c-sections.  I was so relieved not to have a crying, nursing infant, that this seemed easy!  Take your laxative/stool softeners every time you take your pain meds, that is the MOST crucial aspect of this, you don't want there to be any straining.

Good Luck to you!
Jean

 5 C-Sections!  Wow!  You more than earned this TT!  Thank you for sharing your experience with me.  I don't know why I'm so nervous.  I think it's being up and around.  I have 2 small kids so that is pressure to be get back into my daily routine.

I am getting a BL and Aug at the same time.

Your response really helped.  Thank you!

Tess

I agree that it is very comparable to a c-section minus getting the new baby but also minus the sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn. I also had my arms done at the same time, so that made it more difficult to get out of bed on my own, etc. If I had only done the TT (anchor), I could have been back to work at my desk job in 2 weeks but stayed off 3 weeks due to the arms.
Make sure to stay on top of your pain medication, so it doesn't get too bad. I set my alarm the first few nights so I wouldn't wake up with no medication on board and in pain.

I stayed 2 nights in the hospital, came home on Sunday. My husband took off work Monday but then was back to work Tuesday. I have 2 teenagers, so they could fend for themselves and even help me out a bit. You will probably need some help if you have little ones but depending on their ages, they may be more help then you would think and enjoy helping mommy out:)

Best of luck! It is amazing to have a flat tummy;)

Amy

 I'm having a BL and Aug done at the same time.  My boys are 7 and 3, so I will have to schedule some help while my husband is at work.

The alarm is a great idea, I think I'll do that.  My peanut bladder will probably wake me anyway!

I appreciate the reply very much.  I can't wait to get the extra skin off and tightened up!

Tess

I did not have a C-section, but had a hysterectomy, and my TT was more painful by far.  I stayed in the hospital overnight and then went home.  I was on narcotic pain killers for several weeks, and was still walking a bit hunched over (but could stand upright) went I went back to work 4 weeks later.  I stayed at my mom's for about 3 days afterward.

Lora

I would say they're pretty neck-and-neck too.  I've had 3 c sections.  My TT was with a BA/BL, so I had that pain as well.  But, just be prepared for the same experience (laying in the bed, needing help to get up, etc.).