Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 10/3/2009

Question
Hello,
  I have a question about muscle pain and tenderness I am having a week after my c section. I had a c section on 9-22-09, and it is now 10-3-09 and I am experiencing muscle pain and tenderness. It is almost like my muscles are hypersensitive, and are also extremely tight and sore. It is mainly affecting my upper torso, chest, upper back, neck and even goes into my my jaws and head. I was wondering if this could possibly be a side effect of the anaesthesia from the surgery. I have had two c sections in the past and have never experienced this before. Have you heard of anything like this before? Your advice is greatly appreciated..

Answer
Hi Megan
You don't mention if you had a general anaesthetic?
If you did then I can explain your symptoms. As part of the general anaesthetic the anaesthetists give you a muscle relaxant (drug that paralyses your muscles) called suxamethonium. This is renowned for causing tremendous muscular aches and pains all across your body. In fact some young fit people feel like they have been run over by a steam roller.
Despite these effects it is a drug still in common use as we struggle to find something that has the same speed of action in anaesthesia. The effects usually settle down quite quickly but simple analgesics such as a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen can help.
Hope this helps a bit.
Dr Ian Jackson