I had my daughter 13 months ago via emergency c section. The pain was so bad after I had laparoscopic surgery about 6 months after. I’m still in so much pain. Like I can’t even have my daughter sit on my lap. Sometimes it hurts for no reason. I’m extremely angry and over everything. What now?
Endometriosis
Top Endometriosis Specialist Florida: Your Path to Pain-Free Living
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women in Florida, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. This chronic condition, characterized by the growth of uterine-like tissue
March 17, 2025
I am sorry to hear you have been in so much pain since your daughter was born. Sometimes pelvic pain can persist even after endometriosis lesions have been removed, which can be extremely frustrating. There are many factors that can contribute to chronic pelvic pain, including trigger points in the pelvic floor muscles and central sensitization (changes in the nervous system that cause increased sensitivity to pain). Some treatments that have been shown to improve chronic pelvic pain in people with endometriosis include acupuncture, pelvic floor physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques. Finding an acupuncturist, pelvic floor physical therapist, and mental health specialist who are familiar with endometriosis may be extremely helpful for your long-term pain management. I hope you are able to find the care you need to get some relief very soon.
First, I want to say—I hear you, and your pain is real. You’ve been through a physically and emotionally traumatic experience, and it’s completely valid to feel angry and overwhelmed when you’re still dealing with this level of pain over a year postpartum.
Pain after a C-section, especially one that led to laparoscopic surgery later on, can be multifactorial. You may be dealing with scar tissue adhesions, nerve sensitivity, core and pelvic floor dysfunction, or even something like endometriosis, which can be triggered or worsened by pregnancy and surgery.
The fact that it hurts even when your daughter sits on your lap tells me your body is guarding—meaning your nervous system is on high alert and may be interpreting touch or pressure as pain. This can happen when there’s been prolonged trauma or when your body hasn’t had the chance to heal with the right support.
As a pelvic floor therapist, my first recommendation is to get evaluated by someone who specializes in postpartum recovery—especially one familiar with post-C-section rehabilitation. A thorough assessment would look at:
Scar mobility and tissue restrictionCore muscle engagement and diastasis rectiPelvic floor muscle tension or weaknessNerve involvement or hypersensitivityHow you move and carry your child daily
Healing is possible, but it requires a team approach. You may need pelvic floor therapy, a skilled manual therapist for scar work, and possibly a referral to a trauma-informed counselor if the emotional toll is starting to weigh you down—which is common and nothing to be ashamed of.
Thank you for bravely sharing your experience. I’m truly sorry to hear about the pain you’re going through—it’s not only physically debilitating but also emotionally overwhelming, and your frustration is entirely valid.
Persistent pain after a cesarean section raises several concerns that deserve close attention. One possibility is endometriosis, particularly if you had laparoscopic surgery to diagnose or treat it. Pain can sometimes persist after endometriosis surgery due to residual disease, nerve involvement, or another source of pain that flares up after surgery like pelvic floor muscle pain. Another possibility is nerve entrapment or neuropathic pain from the surgical sites, especially if the pain is sharp, burning, or radiates.
Your inability to have your daughter sit on your lap suggests significant sensitivity and possibly deep pelvic or abdominal wall involvement, which could also stem from myofascial pain or a more complex pelvic pain syndrome. Additionally, the emotional toll and anger you’re experiencing may be a reflection of how chronic pain affects your nervous system and mood—this is not just “in your head”; it’s a real, physiological response.
What should you do now?
1. See a specialist: Ask for a referral to a gynecologist specializing in endometriosis and pelvic pain—ideally one trained in excision surgery and chronic pain management. Not all OB/GYNs are equally equipped to manage complex pain syndromes.
2. Request a full pelvic evaluation, including:
• A pelvic MRI with endometriosis protocol, if available
• A review of your previous laparoscopic findings and pathology
• Assessment of your abdominal wall for potential nerve entrapment
• Evaluation for pelvic floor dysfunction
3. Pain management: You may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, including:
• A pelvic floor physical therapist
• A pain management specialist (especially if nerve pain is suspected)
• Hormonal suppression therapy (if endometriosis is suspected or confirmed and not yet treated definitively)
4. Mental and emotional support: Chronic pain can understandably lead to mood changes, including irritability, depression, or anxiety. A therapist experienced in chronic illness or postpartum recovery may help you process and cope while you pursue medical answers.
You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story. With the right support and treatment, many people in your situation do experience real relief. Please don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself—you deserve to feel better and enjoy time with your daughter without this burden.
Warmly,
Tarek Toubia, MD
Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Specialist