Numb C-section Operation

I have still have numbness in some parts of my scar and my youngest is 3 yo! Everyone heals differently. If you form keloid scars it takes much longer. Do not fret! It's totally normal.

I have had two csections and it is normal to be numb around the incision area. I was with both of mine and still am a bit numb and tender in that area. It is now only just a tiny bit ABOVE the incision though which doesn't affect anything or bother me at all...just part of it! It's been 15 months since my last csection so don't feel bad if it may stay that way a while...it shouldn't be real bad though...

Hi I., I had a c-section 3 and a half years ago and I still have some numb spots. Its because when they cut us they cut through muscles and nerves and everything else ,they should just give us a tummy tuck while they were at it, haha, any way its just some of the nerve endings. Its just b/c they got cut and they dont heal back. I hope this helps you b/c thats what my doc told me. But if you feel you need to go to the doctor then do so, but I would not be to worried about it. I hope this helps you. K.

My son is almost 30 years old and I had a c-section with him. My scar still occasionally itches and is numb feeling. Believe me it is normal. As long as it does not get all red and infected you will be fine. Its not an urgent matter to go to the dr. for. Just mention it next time you go in.

I had numbness with both my former c-sections and some itching- it does go away and I am having another c-section in October and expect to have the same but tell your doctor just to be on the safe side.

I had a C-Section in mid-March and my scar also occasionally itches and feels numb. Sometimes it also kinda hurts a little bit. I think it is normal. As long as it doesn't seem infected (isn't red or irritated or feel hot), and you feel fine otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it at all! My doc said that it can take months for the sensation to come back all the way and it may never feel quite "right". I'd mention it at your next appt, but I wouldn't stress over it!

Dear I.,

I had 2 c-sections with my 2 girls & then a complete hysterectomy. They went through the same scar all 3 times. What your feeling is completely normal. I had the 1st in 1982 & the 2nd in 1985. I still had numbness (& still do) in
some parts of the scar. Even to this day it itches sometimes.
They say it takes a long time to heal on the inside. I wouldn't worry about it at all. Every woman is different.
Don't worry - your fine. Good luck!

C.

I had a c-section 2 1/2 years ago and my scar is still a little numb, but it doen't bother me. A friend also had one and hers was also numb after 2 years. So I think it is normal, but still ask the Dr. if it really bothers you.

It's normal to have numbness and unfortunately very few women understand the possible risks and side-effects due to a c/s...even though it can be life-saving, there are side effects. Sometimes people feel numbness for years. I made myself get up and walk the hospital floor about 8 hrs. after surgery, got released after 2 days in hospital (early) and "recovered" very, very, very well relatively speaking compared to other people I'd heard of. But....I had numbness for about 18 months. It's been 4 years and I can still feel a very slight numbness, very small area, but it doesn't bother me the way it used to (although it bothers me that I should feel any numbness at all).....I had to grab my stomach for about 18-24 months after the c/s so that I wouldn't hurt my guts..that was very painful (like when I sneezed or coughed suddenly). One day I sneezed and forgot to hold myself and my baby was almost two years old, and I had no pain down near my scar, and all of a sudden it hit me that I had sneezed like "normal" like I had before my c/s. Life is different after a c/s, that's for sure. At first I thought the recovery was easier than my vaginal deliveries where I tore and it took a long time to heal from the tearing, but I soon realized how wrong I was....because the change is long-lasting when it's a c/s. (I also had a superb surgeon do it, I got lucky, and the scar is very well done, relatively speaking). You can get scar information and post-op recovery (even months down the road) if no one seems to understand, at www.ican-online.org Please email me privately if you want to talk or ask me anything. I've had a wonderful vbac after my c/s and I'm very, very pleased for that, and know it's possible! Hugs!

After you have an incision, it takes the nerves longer to heal than the rest of the cut, so you could have some numbness for a very long time. Also, people heal at different rates, so don't be too concerned if your experience is not identical to that of others.

That is absolutely normal. When they open you up and sew you back together, the area where the scar is becomes nothing but dead tissue - there are no nerve endings there, so it's numb. The rest of your pelvic area feels a little numb and strange for quite some time, too. I've had two c-sections, and that's the way it went both times. Don't fret - it'll go away.

At my 6 week appointment, I mentioned to my doctor that I had numbness at my incision. He told me not to worry about it and that it could last awhile (no time period given). It's now been 2 months and I'm still numb. I'm not worried. He mentioned it's not uncommon to feel some continuing effects (occasional bowel problems, etc), even for 3 or more months. It's pretty major surgery!

No one can predict how your scars will feel as/after they heal. Numbness is normal, but you should feel comfortable to contact your doctor's office with any questions or concerns. They should be understanding in such a case.

Congrats on your new bundle of love!!!

I think it's normal for a while to have itching even burning with areas of numbness. You know the older we get the more that ale's us.
I have 3 boys who I had c-sec with. I am sure it will go away. I used coco butter lotion to help my scare heal.
K.
www.FreeGasAtLast.com/Id

Hi, I had a c-section whit my first son and I asked the Dr. about the numbness and she said it would be numb for up to a year. I hope this helps.

I had my first c-section a little over 8 months ago and i still dont have feeling 2-3 inches above the incision. my doctor said it was normal....
good luck

I also had a c-section with my first baby last October and I also had numbness one and a half inches over my scar. The doctor told me that sometimes that can happen due to severed nerves and that if I didn't start having any feeling in that area within 3 months it most likely won't come back. Well, it didn't come back but now I'm used to it. You'll get used to it if it doesn't return. Everyone has different experiences and our bodies are all different, but it is not harmful. Don't worry, just enjoy your little one.
Hope this helps.

K.

I have had two c-sections: one was 5 years ago and the other was 18 months ago. What you are experiencing is absolutely NORMAL. I still have some numbness from my last one. Any operation that one has is going to have numbness over time. For example, my husband had heart surgery when he was 8 years old, leaving a large scar on his back. Now, at 35 years old, he is still numb along the scar. I know it can be a bit irritating in the beginning, but it will subside over time.

Your numbness is ABSOLUTELY normal. In fact I have had two c-sections and my doctor said sometimes people have numbness and sometimes they don't. Parts of your scar can be numb while the other part not. My scar does itch still from time to time and my last baby is 3 1/2. And part of my scar is numb. Always has been and probably always will be. Remember that a c-section is considered a major surgery, which can leave scar tissue inside of you. As long as there is no infection. (you would know if there was fever, pain, puss, etc.) Then you are fine. Google info on c-sections. You'll see theres nothing to worry about. Hope this helps.

It's been 6 years since my C and it is still numb and it still sometimes itches (I've had another healthy pregnancy and vaginal birth since then, too). It is perfectly normal. The itching is caused by scar tissue being stretched. that scar tissue is not as elastic as normal tissue. The numbness can last forever as those nerves often do not heal. It is fine, though. In time you will cease to notice it and it will not effect your life or health in any way whatsoever.

Congratulations on the birth of your baby!

Hi I.
to put yourself at ease make a DR appointment ,,then you'll know for sure

good luck L.

The numbness is normal. I had my c-section over 2 1/2 years ago and I still have some loss of sensation. Sometimes the feeling never comes back completely. You will be fine waiting to talk to your doctor until your next appointment.

What your experiencing is actually very normal. I also had a c-section (about 3 months ago) and have the same exact symptoms. When talking to my dr he told me that these symptoms can last up to a year after having a c-section. If they last a full year there is nothing to worry about. Every woman has a different experience and reaction so I'm not surprised your sister's was different. but rest assure that there are women going through exactly what you are and we're all perfectly healthy. Of course, you probably want to mention it to the dr at your next visit just so she's aware.

My daughter will be 2 in December and it's still itchy and numb, I was told that it was completly normal. As for the itching try some gold bond powder, That usually helps me or Cortizone-10.

This sounds like a Keloid. I got the same thing after my c-section. It's been almost 2 years since I've had my surgery and it still itches from time to time. Mine also used to feel numb for months after the surgery. Some people are just prone to getting them while others aren't. My doctor did tell me that with my next child, they can cut off the area and inject the incision so the same thing doesn't form again.

Here is some info on a Keloid:
A keloid is a type of scar which results in an overgrowth of tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. Keloids are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules, and can vary from pink to flesh-colored or red to dark brown in color. A keloid scar is benign, non-contagious, and usually accompanied by severe itchiness, sharp pains, and changes in texture. In severe cases, it can affect movement of skin. Keloids should not be confused with hypertrophic scars, which are raised scars that do not grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and may reduce over time.

Hi I. ... it does sound perfectly normal. The itching and the numbness are all part of your body healing, and the nerve endings and tissues that were cut to heal themselves and putting themselves back together. I've had three c-sections, the last one was over seven years ago, and mine all healed the same way. Keep in mind, it'll take a long time for the sensation in your scar area to return to normal -- probably a year to two. No need to worry ... enjoy your babies!

Hi I., I have had 2 c-sections and my last one was exactly 1 year ago and I still have numbness. I think it will always be numb because I never got feeling back with my first c-section and that was 5 years ago. I remember when I was pregnant with my last child, I could not feel the jelly they use with the sonogram machine nor could I feel the sonogram thing when they rubbed it in that general area. They would have to be near my belly button before I could really feel it. I think its OK. I really have not given it much thought as I figure that was normal because they did cut you with a knife and I am sure the nerve endings are damaged because of that. I would not worry about it. One other thing, you might want to talk to your doctor or a fitness trainer who is trained in this area to help you get some strength and muscle back in that area. I could not do a sit up until about 3 or 4 months ago because I waited to long to start working out again. This will help you get your strength back in that area and help you out in future pregnancies.

While everyone is different I believe there's nothing to worry about in your case. my scar also felt numb for about 6 months actually. It was a weird feeling, kinda like I'd been to the dentist and numbed...just in my abdomen. My doc told me that itching is completely normal and to just carry around some unscented lotion with you. (I use Vaseline Coacoa Butter) makes it feel instantly better. Good luck to you

My son is going on 6 months and I'm still numb. I'm going for my annual pap in a month and if it is still numb, I'm going to ask then about it. I had a c-section with my daughter and don't remember having numbness lasttime.

my son is three and i still have small area's that are numb it depends on your body and how well your muscles heal back together the older you are the slower it takes and some times they don't regain feelings.

This, to me isu.

perfectly normal....I was still pretty numb even over a year after my c-section. i think different people produce different amounts of scar tissue and react differently to even minor cuts, which a c-section cut is NOT. So don't worry too much...just mention it to your doctorwhen you go if it's still bothering you.

I had a c-section April 10th and I'm still numb and itchy. Weird sensations to have at the same time! I have several girlfriends who have had c-sections and they tell me they were numb forever---like years. There has to be some nerve damage from major surgery. This was my first surgery, so I don't have any other experience but I am not worried...

My daughter was born in April of 2007 and I had a c-section with her. I remember the numbness lasting for what seemed like FOREVER, well into Christmas from what I remember! I wasn't worried about it since my Dr told me the numbness would last for a while. Everyone's body reacts differently of course.

The itchiness however is STILL there for me and I am expecting my second child!

If you are really concerned place a call to the nurse at your OBGYN's office, I am sure they will be happy to calm your fears.

Hi I.!
I have not had a c-section, but did have emergency surgery due to an ectopic pregnancy, so basically the same type of incision. I had numbness for over a year and the doctor said it was perfectly normal. If you are still worried, I would call and ask to talk to the doctor or nurse over the phone. Hope this helps!

Good Morning! I had my daughter two years ago by emergency c section. I had the numbness and everything you are saying as well. My doctor told me that it is normal and that everyone's body heals differently. I still get the itching and right in the middle of my scar underneath is still numb. I would recommend going to your doctor just to make sure, but I think there is nothing to worry about.

Hi! I have had two c-sections - 1 a little over a year ago... 13 1/2 months to be exact... anyways yes I still have some numbness and my sister who had her last section over 12 years ago says she still experiences some of the normal side effects in her scar area. Itching, numbness, redness... she has seen a couple of different doctors about this and they have all said that she is fine and totally normal. I know at 4 months after each of my sections and still today, if I bump it or one of my kids get me there when we are playing, it can even still be tender. Take heart, your not alone and your fine! Congrats!

Hi there. I have not really experianced too much of the itching, but have a friend who says even after 21 years, which was how long ago her C-section was, she still gets itchy right on the scar, so I would think that was normal, plus I've had other scars that did itch once in awhile. But about the numbness, I definitly have that and my doctor said it was perfectly normal, b/c they actually do cut through the nerves there, sometimes the nerves grow back on their own, but some never do so the numbness is fine and normal, maybe your sisters just grew back and that's why she doesn't have it. Well, that's all I know so I hope it helps!

Yes it is normal. My 4th child was a section and it was numb for at least a year. She is 4 now and all of the feeling is back, but I don't remember at what point it came back.

Congrats on your baby! I had a surgery ( not c section) near my tail bone when I was 17. It was to remove a cyst. To this day it feels "funny" out of the blue, just for a moment and instantly goes away. I would call your doctors office for some peace of mind. I am sure its just scar tissue healing and the nerves comming back. God bless.

I.,

I've had 3 c-sections and I had numbness also. I think it's okay. The itching could be hair growing back in. You could always call the doctor and ask the nurse. I'm sure she'll know the answer.

C.

I never experienced it, but my doctor told me it would start feeling numb. He said his wife had a c-section (I think 7 years before) and she still feels numb.

Congratulations on your little one! I have had two C-sections. I have a 3yr old & 19 months old. After my first child the numbness lasted most of the first year and then gradually went away. After awhile you do get use to the feeling and don't really notice it. My doctor said their was nothing to worry about. Everyone heals at a different pass and it may depend on how much scar tissue there is. Hopefully the numbness will go away for you soon but don't spend to much time worrying about it if it doesn't just go enjoy your little angel. Best of luck to you!
M. - www.FollowingOurDreams.com

Yes! This is absolutely normal, I know because I had to ask the Dr. the same question not only for frequent numbness but also for odd pains from time to time. My twins are 3 yrs old now and the "odd" sensation didnt go away until they were almost 2 yrs old! The Dr. told me everyone is different on how their body reacts to the healing,in fact that he has women who still report the numbness and odd feeling at the site well after their children are adults some 20yrs later!!

Yes it is normal. It takes about 6mo for the numbness to go away. Nerves were cut so it takes time

Hi I.. I had a C-section 10 months ago and still experience both itching and numbness. According to my doctor, it is possible to be numb from now on. During the procedure they have to cut directly through so many nerves , and this is just one of those annoying and strange side effects.

Hi,
Not sure if it is normal or not, but i had my last baby 2 1/2 years ago and my scar is and has always been numb. I agree it is a weird thing, but I have gotten used to it.

Hi I.,
I had my last C-section 15 1/2 years ago and I still have numbness in certain areas. My Doc says I didn't have anything to worry about and the itch you have is probably just the healing going on. Hope this helps.

C. A.

I had a c-section 5 weeks ago. I was feeling that numbness in the hospital and asked my doctor about it. She said it could stay that way for the rest of my life! She said maybe not, but to be prepared if it did. Doesn't it feel weird? The itching has subsided for me, but I still feel soreness below my belly button - like I worked my abs really hard. How long did that last for you?

Hi I.,

Just relax honey...you are fine. I, too had to have a C-section. My incision was numb for years. This is normal. There are nerve endings all throughout our bodies and everyone is different. It may take months or even years for you to regain feeling along your incision. If it itches at times, this is normal too. Your skin is healing. Have you ever had a sunburn and right before you start peeling it itches like crazy???? It is your body healing itself.
It took a long time before I could comfortably do sit-ups. It just felt different in there. Coughing and sneezing felt icky, too, but in time you will be as good as new. My incision is almost 20 years old and I can barely see it anymore.

Just relax and enjoy your new little blessing !!!

L.

I.,

My son is three and I still have numbness around my scar. Granted, this was my second bikini incision. I had a large ovarian cyst removed when I was 20 and my son was delivered by c-section when I was 25. So I healed nicely, having been cut on an old scar, but I have numbness in the same places I had when I was pregnant on the bottom of my belly as well as some places around the scar. And I have achey feelings and random itchiness and it comes and goes. Scars are strange things.

The feelings you have are probably normal, so long as everything looks ok on the outside. Sometimes when those nerves get severed they never work properly again. In time I think these feelings will improve, but you might have to accept some permanent loss of feeling around the area of the incision.

Everyone is different and everyone heals differently. I find that if I don't wear any clothes that directly rub on my scar, then it doesn't bother me.

Unless you have redness or swelling or fever or any other signs of infection, I wouldn't worry about it.

Hope this helps.

C.

I had a c-section last June (so more than a year ago) and the area around my incision still does not feel normal, per se. This area felt numb for quite a few months (more than four) and still does to some extent (that is the not so normal feeling). Every once in a while still (like when I'm bending over), the area feels tingly. I don't think I felt any itching but I'm pretty sure that itching would be normal too. Your obstetrician's office should allow you to call in with such a question. A nurse should be able to speak with you or call you back and ease your mind from a professional point of view. My understanding is that, like most things, each woman is different. The numbness and other feelings sometimes go away quite quickly and other times the numbness never goes away. With this understanding in mind, I readied myself for never feeling quite normal around the incision area. Therefore I feel fairly pleased that most of the numbness has eventually gone away. Again, a quick call to your obstetrician will probably more soundly relieve your concerns.

Looks like you already know it is normal... :)

Eight years ago when I had my first surgery I was concerned about the numbness too. My doc at the time told me that the nerves had been cut...and that sometimes they grow back and reconnect...and sometimes they do not. He said that if at 6 months post-op I still was numb...then I was probably not going to get any feeling back...and he was right. You are only a few months out...so there is still some hope. It is really weird when you first notice it...but you will find you forget about it with time...and it is no big deal. Enjoy your new baby...and don't worry about the scar. ;)

Ditto here. I had one baby vaginal, one c-section. I experienced the same itch, like a nerve went spastic or something. Then when I itch it, the numbness..and it doesn't satisfy the itch!! Now times that by 20! I just had a tummy tuck in Dec. The itch and numbness now extends from my ribcage to upper-thigh..and my hips!! It's so annoying and persistent. I am hoping that all goes away one day. My kids run up to me and I feel like I get punched in the stomach because of muscle awareness...but no skin sensitivity. Kind of like when they do a spinal block for your c-sect. You run your finger over your skin and there is a pressure feel, but nothing else. It took over a year for my c-sec surgery to stop that whole thing. I am hoping it's the same for the t.tuck!! Hang in there!

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Your scarring is very normal. I had two c-sections, hysterectomy, and gallbladder removal; all four were considered a major surgery. The itching is simply the healing process. The numbness is due to the nerves not having a continued line (your incision) but will grow back and you will have feeling again. Hope this helps! Take care.

I.,yes it is normal. I had both of my children by c-section. My youngest just turned 3 yrs. old. I still have areas that are numb.

I've had two c-sections. It has been five years since then. I know I was numb after the first one, but I cannot remember to what degree. Five years after my second one, the scar and the immediate area next to scar is numb. I do believe this is normal, since nerve has been cut. Give it time and the degree of numbness may lessen. With time and activities of life, you will keep busy and forget about it.

Cheers!

I had two c-sections and a hysterectomy. There is numbness, and it is different for each person. The itching? Mine still itches from time. Nature! I actually have a tiny numb ridge of scar tissue. 3 incisions! bikini cut!! I am 46 and I still wear a bikini!!!

I had my last c-section 12 years ago and there is a part of my scar that is still numb. It does not bother me and from what I know this is normal. Hope this helps you!

I had numbness for a while where my c-section scar is along w/ the itching you described. I think the itching is from the healing. I don't know why the numbness occured though. If it bothers you don't hesitate to call your doctor.

Hi I.: Do check with your doctor but my experience it is normal to have the numbness. I've had three c-sections and a hysterectomy and experienced the numbness for several months. When I was able to begin excercising it helped relieve the numbness.

J.

Hi. I have had 2 c-sections. The first 8 1/2 years ago and the second a little over 5 years ago. I was just starting to get full sensation back from the first one when I had my second (the nerves in this one are taking longer to come back than from the first). My sister had a c-section 6 months after my 1st and got feeling back much quicker than I did. She's not experiencing any numbness any more.

The itching is your body healing. Have you ever noticed when you have a scratch with a scab that it itches around rhe scab while it heals? Same thing with your c-section, but a bigger area. My c-section still itches once in a while (not very often now) and I am gradually starting to get some feeling on the surface of the scar on my skin but not deep down into the scars of the muscles and the uterus, yet. My doc says this is normal. The nerves in your muscle, uterus and skin have been completely cut and since there are so many in that area they don't bother to "fit" them back together like they will try to do if you cut your hand really badly. Your nerve endings won't seek out the ones they were cut from so the feelings won't be exactly the same as before. Some people get almost all of the sensation in the area back, some don't get much at all. It all depends on your body, how much scar tissue your incision builds up and the differences between levels of healing from person to person, which are completely normal. It depends on your doctor's cutting and sewing/stapling, too.

Here are a couple of links to other mom pages with women answering the same question: http://forums.brevardcountymoms.com/viewtopic.php?t=1308&...
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/QA/answers-Numb_after_C_sec...

The following link is an "ask the Doc" page on the same question: http://www.drspock.com/faq/0,1511,9861,00.html

Also, go to you web browser and type in "c-section numbnes". You'll get a lot of good pages to read about it.

If you're still concerned about it at your next check-up, ask your doctor. S/He won't be bothered by the question, they get it all the time :)

I had one in January, still getting the same feelings you are. Wasn't expecting that. Just remember - they didn't just cut skin, but every nerve from one end to the other. They take a long time to regenerate. Some longer than others, and if you have any other scars you will know that some never all the way. If you are truly concerned, call your doctor.