Op done. Back home!

Hi Chrissy G, I had the same op on 6 October so nearly 3 weeks into my recovery period. For the first couple of days in hospital I used some large body wipes to keep me fresh - avoiding the incision. I was in for 3 nights so I then asked the nursing staff if it was OK to shower and they said it was fine. Since being discharged I've been carefully showering every other day and when I saw the surgeon 10 days post op she said the incision was healing well. If you have any concerns perhaps you could check with your CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), they are very helpful with their advice and support. Good luck with your recovery!

Hi ChrissyG, glad to hear you’re doing well and back home - great news. I’m having exactly the same op as you tomorrow, and have the same saggy problem overhang it seems! Having read SH53’s post, I’ll take some wipes with me, seems a good idea

Thank you SH53 Body wipes! Now why didn’t I think of those - I just took face wipes. I’ve never had major surgery and anything minor was always closed by stitches which you couldn’t get wet. I didn’t even know staples were a thing! The day they took my dressing off I went and had a good strip wash avoiding that area - no mean feat with a drip and catheter in tow. The next day they freed me of both and when I heard I could have a shower I couldn’t get my post op wobbly legs in there fast enough! I think to be honest although I couldn’t wait to get home, the thought of no longer having the big safety blanket of being where the professionals are was a bit daunting, and because of the weeping I was too anxious to keep that area clean but in doing so I was maybe not allowing the area to dry naturally. Showering every other day seems much more sensible.  I hope your recovery continues to go well. 

Hi Fridgelicker Thank you so much. Yes and I have also taken on board @SH53’s advice on not showering every day so that it keeps dry longer. Sigh, I guess regretting piling on the pounds is just counter- productive now! I wish you the very best for your op tomorrow an a comfortable recovery. 

I had my surgery open last year and I have the same issue.  I just showered as normal and was careful when drying the area, sometimes I would even just lie on the bed for a bit and air dry sort of lol.  My partner would check the area for me and if it was a bit weepy she would some cotton wool pads not balls near but not on or covering to catch the moisture. X

Hi Rach_E Air dry - that’s a good idea I’ve got loads of time on my hands so I will set aside a few times a day to just lay flat and listen to some music and let it have an airing :) Thanks! 

Hi just a thought, you could try drying the area while lying down,  with cool gentle setting on the hairdryer?   Also don't wear any underwear/panties when you go to sleep and loose fitting nightie or pj's to ensure maximum air circulation ?

Finally try not sitting or standing too long but lay down or stretch out during the day so that the area gets some air, you've got a good excuse after all!!! 

Take care xxx

Hi Mad. The cool setting! I had thought of the hairdryer but then worried about getting the staples too hot. I swear they took part of my brain during the op. Thank you for reminding me that I can control my hairdryer lol. Great idea and today after  I had a wash, pat and blow dry worked a treat! x

Great suggestion Mads - hair dryer is what they advise for the wound after Caesarean sections.