Feeling like such a wimp!

I'm a pretty strong character and got through childbirth with gas and air, but I'm really struggling with this 'discomfort'. It does border on actual pain if I so much as decide to move to go to the toilet for example. My arms are so heavy I can barely lift them. My right side is far worse (I'm right handed is that connected) My chest is so tight its hard to breathe. I see so often that people stop taking their pain meds after 2 days but honestly, I don't think mine are even touching! I know its only day 3, and I need to be patient, but so far the painful moments are most definitely out weighing the 'uncomfortable' moments. In terms of meds I'm only allowed 2 codeine 4xday and no more than 3 ibuprofen in a 24hr period. I rang clinic and asked if I could take paracetemol too but they said no as my liver wouldn't be able to process it. The codeine isnt even toughing pain at the mo...just makes me woozy!

I'm trying to stay positive, I really am, even though it doesn't sound like it! Think I just need to hear that im not the only one struggling...I feel almost like a failure right now! Xx

I also keep reading that ibuprofen should be avoided but that's what they've given me :/ xx

Hi I was the same up in the night pacing and found it hard to breath . Day 3 it normally is at its worse. It will start to get better. I would call them about ibropufen as it could slow healing but that's what they have given you . Big hugs xxx

Oh hun. Day 3 is absolutely the worst, all the GA is now leaving your system and it can leave you In pain and a big hormonal mess. It's ok to feel like this. I didn't come off my pain meds, kept the codeine for 4days only, but stuck with the paracetamol for At least 1-2wks. Don't compare yours to anyone else, this is YOUR recovery, no one else's. 

If your clinic has said ok for ibuprofen, then it's fine, again, other people's I structures are for them only. I would try and switch your codeine for paracetamol tomorrow if you feel up to it, as you should only really take it for 3/4 days. Make sure you're up and moving about, take a walk down the hallway once an hour or so, and try starting to straighten your spine. Hang in there for another couple days, you'll see a turn around soon x

Sorry to hear in your pain Hun. It is uncomfortable and day 3 can be worse than day 1! 
It's due to the swelling that's now kicking in and a touch of the boobie blues. Just like after having a baby, the roller coaster of emtions, the ga and meds can make you feel all over place and a little blue. 

Keep on top of your meds drink lots of water, eat little and often to keep energy up. 

I don't know anyone that's stopped meds after 2days girls carry on taking them for over a week or 2sometimes, so please don't think you're not doing well or compare your healing. 

Ibrorofen is usually avoided however if it's been percribed take it.
Ice packs really help for instant relief, on top of your bra, pop a hot water on your lower back and upper back for relaxing them muscles too. 
As you hunch so the traps and back muscles can be tight also. 

Maybe stick a box set on and start getting into that.

And by no means are you a failure. I'd actually forgotten what it had felt like when I had my 2nd ba and also felt the same. I was in terrible discomfort, I couldn't sleep properly, and I hate taking meds so managed with just paracetamol. I felt useless as I couldn't do anything especially with the 3 children but had wonderful support from the husband and the children were also great and helped out. 
We all have diffrent pain thresholds and cope diffrently please don't compare your healing to someone else, we all get the end eventually some just take a little longer 

Our body goes through a big trauma to have boobies so we mustn't be tough on ourselves and feel silly for feeling rough and tender. Your body is designed for childbirth it's not for having implants. So you are not being a wimp . You are only day 3 remember. Xxxx

Oh hun,,,,, big hugs to you ! Pain effects us in different ways, I was a bit of a battle ax during child birth no pain relief nothing.... Bet my BA will cripple me though.... As Ann just rightly said our body's are designed for child birth not for implants so initially the discomfort is going to be at a high level, healthy eating and maybe a comedy on the tv would help lift your mood ( although saying that bet it hurts to laugh hey ? ) maybe try and get some sleep,
Hope u feel better very soon xxx

I echo what everyone else has said! All totally normal and you'll get there. It's so different to childbirth pain so don't feel abnormal. I've had 2 drug-free labours but needed morphine for when I had my drains out! Now that is wimpey!! Give it a few days and I'm sure you'll start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I had ibuprofen post op (as well as codeine before bed and paracetamol at other times) x

Hope you feel better soon reading This terrifys me

Don't let this terrify you or put you off. My husband kept making me laugh on purpose. I was like a child when you know your not allowed to laugh but it makes you laugh more. Xx

Gem, it's really nothing to be scared of. We all heal at different rates, but it's nothing that you can't handle. There is an ugly side to BA's that they won't tell you about. Our policy here is to be as honest as possible so that you know what to expect. It's surgery, it's not going to be easy, but the end results will be worth it :)

It's the hurting to breathe thing I am worried about . I am so glad I've found this forum ! I so so pray I have wifi in the hospital as I will come on here as soon as I come round haha !!

I hated that tightness that you get on your chest, it does get easier.  i think walking around helped me too but then i would feel weak and lightheaded.  I just laid down again.  It will pass, get a Christmas movie and a few treats and try to rest!

How long does that last for ,? I work with animals and have horses in stables ! . I also have two young children!!! I am also a single mumma ! oopsy praying the difficult weeks fly by . You poor lady hope your soon better and have a lovely Xmas day x

Chin up sweety it will all be worth it n this time next week u will be thinking thank god I'm not as bad as last week! As each day pass's u will feel loads better :0) keep topped up on the meds and try n sleep through it.....that's my plan when its my turn lol xxxx

Aww Gem I'm sorry for scaring you.  Please don't be as the end result WILL be worth it when we reach the light at the end of the tunnel.  For me it's the rollercoaster that's difficult.  For example, now compared to this morning I am feeling OK, and the horrid parts get so quickly forgotten whilst I enjoy the moments of feeling almost normal again.  I think it's the ups and downs that are hardest for me...but honestly, like everyone has said,  people react differently, and you may find it much easier!  I really really hope I haven't worried you too much!

Thank you all so much though.  I'm back in a good place again right now!  discomfort temporarily at bay, my left arm can be raised a little higher, but still struggling with the right, I've discovered breathing OUT after taking a deep breath in when getting up is far easier on the chest than breathing IN, and my little girl is back at my parents again tonight. 

I'm a single parent too Gem, but you do just find ways of coping.  I won't lie though, my parents have been fab, and whilst I have been left on my own for the vast majority post op, they've obviously done me a massive favour in looking after her when not at work.

I'm going to come back and look at this post if I feel horrendous again tomorrow, as it really does go to show how much changes in the space of a few hours!

Thanks all xxx

Glad ur feeling better Hun xxx

I can't get over what a MASSIVE turnaround I've experienced since this morning!  I've also not taken any codeine since 2pm as felt it was a bit more manageable, and so have moved on to paracetamol just to take the edge of it.

Absolutely crazy how much can change in such a short space of time! xx

Glad your feeling so much better! I really struggled the 1st week post op , couldn't believe how much better I felt the following week, just got better & better from there on in.XXX