I had an emergency c-section 4 years ago and was like your friend. I was in so much pain and couldn't move for a couple of weeks.
A little over a year ago I had a hysterectomy. They cut through my c-section scar (only made it bigger - they had to cut from hip to hip
). I had no problems this time. I was feeling fine the very next day.
I know the hyster isn't quite the same has having another c-section, but it is kind of similar.