I have come to the conclusion that being in the right head space (attitude, expectation, preparedness etc.) can have a huge difference on the outcome on an individuals personal experience of pain in regards to Csections.
In my experience, I had prelabour for 2 weeks beforehand (-= no sleep, couldnt eat properly) so after labouring for 10 hours then being told I was having a c section anyway, well, I didnt cope very well,
I skipped over all those bits in the birthing books and articles I read, I was goin to do it all naturally, I never entertained the thought That I would be having a c section.
All my friends who now are pregnant, I tell them, do you research, do it properly, read all about it, just in case. Because I had the shock of my life. I am still emotionally scarred from my experience.
But the emotional aspect is another thing that can skew the perception of pain as well.
IMO anyway.
I pushed myself through the haze of very strong pain meds I was on to do for my baby, I got told off for picking him up out of his crib, getting out of bed and walking around etc. That was extremely hard for me, But I did it, even with the meds I was still in the worst pain of my life, that pain continued for another 8 weeks, progressively getting less, but always still there.
But then again, I was found to be bleeding internally (Basically I almost died, only found that out not long agao!) on day 3, blood transfusions, ultrasounds etc, then I had a bad experience in the lifts at the hospital as I was leaving, the hospital tried to get me to go back, but after 5 days, no matter the pain I was in, I just wanted to go home!
I was also diagnosed with an infection in my uterus at around 2 weeks post op, not a nice experience.
I still have pain, I think its when I ovulate, but I still get twinges, I still have numb spots. I would NEVER choose to have a c section, but thats just me, like I said I do think that having the right kind of head space can make a huge difference to the individuals experience of a C section.
I hope this has made sense and doesnt just sound like a ramble!
xx