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LadyBug1209
Mommy to FOUR little men!
Member since 8/08 9655 total posts
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Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
What are the chances of someone being allergic/having a bad reaction to the epidural?
I have never had any type of surgery (knock on wood) and have not been given any type of anesthesia in my life! How do I know if I am allergic to it or not?! I'd hate to find out while in labor!  Is there some way they can test you before giving you the full-blown epi?
Ahhh the things I think about.. 
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Posted 6/16/10 9:20 AM  |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
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..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
I think about these kind of things too.
I am not a big fan of anaesthesia or pain killers - for fear of a bad reaction.
When I had my wisdom teeth out I had to be fully awake and aware for it- just comfortably numb.
However- there is NO WAY I am going through labor without anything. That is way too much pain for me to handle.
So I worry- but to be honest- I really don't think they can test you ahead of time for in terms of allergy or a bad reaction.
I have read that they will give you a small dose of the meds through the epi first- to see how you react- and then up it if you don't have a bad reaction.
I'm just praying for the best! 
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:24 AM |
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Pray4Baby2010
<3 Cutest Giants Fan
Member since 10/09 5796 total posts
Name:
MB
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
aww Maria- you are not the only one who thinks of these things- I would list some of my crazy thoughts but I dont want to scare anyone else
Definitely talk to the doctor about the anesthia- maybe there is some correlation- just a random example- if you are allergic to eggs you are allergic to the flu shot- maybe there is something like that 
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:30 AM |
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eroxgirl
My Loves
Member since 5/05 15697 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
That was one of my main reasons for not taking the epidural the first time around.
I've had bad reactions to anesthesia in the past... nothing terrible but nothing I would want to deal with while I'm in labor.
I don't plan to have an epidural this time either.
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:33 AM |
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MeeshMosh
last month on leave!
Member since 6/08 4551 total posts
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
im scared of the big needle!! 
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:33 AM |
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LadyBug1209
Mommy to FOUR little men!
Member since 8/08 9655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
Posted by NervousNell
I think about these kind of things too.
I am not a big fan of anaesthesia or pain killers - for fear of a bad reaction.
When I had my wisdom teeth out I had to be fully awake and aware for it- just comfortably numb.
However- there is NO WAY I am going through labor without anything. That is way too much pain for me to handle.
So I worry- but to be honest- I really don't think they can test you ahead of time for in terms of allergy or a bad reaction.
I have read that they will give you a small dose of the meds through the epi first- to see how you react- and then up it if you don't have a bad reaction.
I'm just praying for the best!
Phew!! I thought this was a very bizarre concern! 
I was fully awake when I had my wisdom teeth pulled, too! That is the closest I've ever come to anesthesia and I doubt novecain is anything like an epi!
That's what I'm afraid of!!! What if they give me a little bit and I have a bad reaction and have to go through labor with no meds!!! The thought alone is FRIGHTENING!
Ok I just need to stop thinking about this... NOWish. 
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:35 AM |
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LadyBug1209
Mommy to FOUR little men!
Member since 8/08 9655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
Posted by Pray4Baby2010
Definitely talk to the doctor about the anesthia- maybe there is some correlation- just a random example- if you are allergic to eggs you are allergic to the flu shot- maybe there is something like that
Oooh very true! I have an appointment tomorrow and willl bring it up then. He will prob  at me.
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:36 AM |
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
Posted by MeeshMosh
im scared of the big needle!!
you are not the only one. and i give myself injections everyday. that needle gives me nightmares but i will still do it despite my fear.
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:36 AM |
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LadyBug1209
Mommy to FOUR little men!
Member since 8/08 9655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
Posted by eroxgirl
That was one of my main reasons for not taking the epidural the first time around.
I've had bad reactions to anesthesia in the past... nothing terrible but nothing I would want to deal with while I'm in labor.
I don't plan to have an epidural this time either.
Wow - GO YOU! 
I am one to whine when I stub my toe, so labor is not going to be pretty for me without an epi... Oh and I'm pretty sure DH will leave with some battle wounds as well.
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:38 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
Posted by Maria31
Posted by NervousNell
I think about these kind of things too.
I am not a big fan of anaesthesia or pain killers - for fear of a bad reaction.
When I had my wisdom teeth out I had to be fully awake and aware for it- just comfortably numb.
However- there is NO WAY I am going through labor without anything. That is way too much pain for me to handle.
So I worry- but to be honest- I really don't think they can test you ahead of time for in terms of allergy or a bad reaction.
I have read that they will give you a small dose of the meds through the epi first- to see how you react- and then up it if you don't have a bad reaction.
I'm just praying for the best!
Phew!! I thought this was a very bizarre concern!
I was fully awake when I had my wisdom teeth pulled, too! That is the closest I've ever come to anesthesia and I doubt novecain is anything like an epi!
That's what I'm afraid of!!! What if they give me a little bit and I have a bad reaction and have to go through labor with no meds!!! The thought alone is FRIGHTENING!
Ok I just need to stop thinking about this... NOWish.
I know. I worry too. I can't do labor without meds. I can't.
I feel like if they said to me that I couldn't have the epi for whatever reason I'd say- do a C section.
I'd beg for it at that point. (Not that they'd just throw me a C because I was a wimp- but a girl can dream)
At this point you just have to leave it in God's hand and pray that all goes well.
I try not to think about it because if I did I'd be in a mental hospital!!!
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:44 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
I once almost passed out from getting a splinter.
So that shows you my level of strength!!
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:46 AM |
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bride07
Ava Rose you are an angel!!!
Member since 3/09 6115 total posts
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
I am terrified of the actual needle.
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| Posted 6/16/10 9:55 AM |
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eroxgirl
My Loves
Member since 5/05 15697 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
I cry and scream when I stub my toe - I was quiet during most of my labor (not all of it.. I'm no superhero). It's a very different kind of pain, I promise you that.
There's a whole psychological component to it. It's kind of like... you wouldn't whine as much when you stubbed your toe if you knew it was about to happen.
But I do have a high pain threshhold and I figured out how to focus through the contractions fairly early on. And I'm really, really, stubborn which helped a lot too.
ETA: I also never said that I couldn't do it - but I did actually ask for the epidural when I walked into the hospital. I changed my mind before they gave it to me.
Message edited 6/16/2010 10:03:31 AM.
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| Posted 6/16/10 10:01 AM |
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kristin597
Mama!
Member since 8/08 1688 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
I am scared of the needle too. I had a spinal tap done a couple years ago and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I'm hoping that in the midst of labor my desire to have less pain will win out over my fear.
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| Posted 6/16/10 10:03 AM |
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Jesses-Girl
LIF Adolescent
Member since 3/09 568 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
I'm terrified also. I don't like the idea of something going into my spine and I'm worried that I won't be able to stay still. What if I involuntarily jerk or something from the pain? I'm so so so so scared of it.
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| Posted 6/16/10 10:06 AM |
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cheryl28
LIF Adult
Member since 2/10 4657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
The epidural was not bad at all!! I believe it's 1 in 100 people will have a reaction to it but my doctor was like it reallly never happens. \
I was scared as well, but the honestly the only that really "hurt" was the numbing shot the give before the epidural! IT takes a total of 5 minutes to give and I would say maybe you feel some pressure.
I don't knwo why anyone would go through labor without drugs lol!!! I think my contractions hurt more than the epidural!!
Please don't worry about it!!
Also, I was shaking b/c of being nervous as well as freezing cold and my dh held my hands and the dr. was still able to give it!!
Message edited 6/16/2010 10:37:01 AM.
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| Posted 6/16/10 10:36 AM |
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BAM 2009
I am who I am!!!
Member since 5/09 6081 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
I had an epidural and it was fine. I have a huge fear of needles and it wasn't bad at all. They numb you up before they insert the "big" needle. It is like a pinch. I had no reaction from the epidural at all. And I have bad reactions with a lot of things...
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| Posted 6/16/10 10:40 AM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
Posted by Maria31
What are the chances of someone being allergic/having a bad reaction to the epidural?
I have never had any type of surgery (knock on wood) and have not been given any type of anesthesia in my life! How do I know if I am allergic to it or not?! I'd hate to find out while in labor! Is there some way they can test you before giving you the full-blown epi?
Ahhh the things I think about..
The medication that they give you through an epidural (which actually is a term that describes the space that the medication goes into) is very much like what they give you at the dentist. It's a local anesthetic (think lidocaine).VERY few people have a reaction to the medication. They do give you a test dose when they place the epidural.
The 1/100 (probably a lot less) people who have an issue with an epidural have a very bad headache afterwards because of the tip of the needle scratching the space just beyond the space that the epidural catheter has to go. The headache usually resolves by itself.
The "big" needle is never really felt, because there is a VERY tiny needle used to numb up your back before the big needle is placed.
Your worst fear should be the health of your baby. The anesthesia/epidural part isn't so bad at all.
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| Posted 6/16/10 11:05 AM |
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LadyBug1209
Mommy to FOUR little men!
Member since 8/08 9655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
Posted by nycgirl
Posted by Maria31
What are the chances of someone being allergic/having a bad reaction to the epidural?
I have never had any type of surgery (knock on wood) and have not been given any type of anesthesia in my life! How do I know if I am allergic to it or not?! I'd hate to find out while in labor! Is there some way they can test you before giving you the full-blown epi?
Ahhh the things I think about..
The medication that they give you through an epidural (which actually is a term that describes the space that the medication goes into) is very much like what they give you at the dentist. It's a local anesthetic (think lidocaine).VERY few people have a reaction to the medication. They do give you a test dose when they place the epidural.
The 1/100 (probably a lot less) people who have an issue with an epidural have a very bad headache afterwards because of the tip of the needle scratching the space just beyond the space that the epidural catheter has to go. The headache usually resolves by itself.
The "big" needle is never really felt, because there is a VERY tiny needle used to numb up your back before the big needle is placed.
Your worst fear should be the health of your baby. The anesthesia/epidural part isn't so bad at all.
Thanks for the info!!
And for the record, of course my worst fear is the health of my baby and not the epidural. 
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| Posted 6/16/10 11:41 AM |
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ElleDee
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/09 561 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
You won't even see the needle. They don't even let you lift your head up when they're actually administering it so don't worry. Normally they make DH leave the room but they let mine stay - the nurse was blocking his line of view.
It felt like a pinch and a burn, which they warn you about. I've felt regular flu shots going in more than I ever felt the epidural including the tetanus shot they gave me on my last night there. And yeah they do test with a little medication to start before giving the full blown thing.
Once in, you don't even feel it at all. The worst for me actually was the itchiness of the line running up my back. I had my epidural in for a long time though since they feared I'd need a c-section in the end, which I did.
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| Posted 6/16/10 4:00 PM |
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MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
Posted by GossipQueen
Posted by MeeshMosh
im scared of the big needle!!
you are not the only one. and i give myself injections everyday. that needle gives me nightmares but i will still do it despite my fear.
They don't show you the needle - I couldn't tell you what it looked like - and believe me, if you decide you want the epi, at that point, the LAST thing you'll be thinking about is anything you may be worried about now ..........
Ask your OBGYN, maybe there's something 'similar' as far as meds go that they may be able to 'test' you with ??? I have no idea ......
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| Posted 6/16/10 4:19 PM |
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Lara&Aidansmommy
For mom i miss u ETC ILOVEU
Member since 3/07 13921 total posts
Name:
ETC I LOVE YOU
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Re: Anesthesia/Epidural - My biggest fear.
Posted by cheryl28
The epidural was not bad at all!! I believe it's 1 in 100 people will have a reaction to it but my doctor was like it reallly never happens. \
I was scared as well, but the honestly the only that really "hurt" was the numbing shot the give before the epidural! IT takes a total of 5 minutes to give and I would say maybe you feel some pressure.
I don't know why anyone would go through labor without drugs lol!!! I think my contractions hurt more than the epidural!!
Please don't worry about it!!
Also, I was shaking b/c of being nervous as well as freezing cold and my dh held my hands and the dr. was still able to give it!!
I could have written this post myself!!!!! once the contractions hit my fear of the needle went right out the window
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| Posted 6/16/10 4:24 PM |
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