Some info on spinals and an explanation of what I could be going through

Many of you asked:

By no means am I saying that spinals, or any anesthesia is bad. I think many of us take c-sections and anesthesia for granted. I was one of them. There are possible complications to all medications and all surgery.

I began having complications in the days after delivery. I was still released from the hospital and ended up being readmitted 48 hours after being released. After I came home the second time I felt 'wobbly'. I figured it was normal for after giving birth. A few months went by and I was losing feeling when I went down on the floor to play with DS. I went to the doctor.

After numerous dr appts, specialists and tests they have found that I have a herniated disk in my back. (most likely from my size during PG, thanks to Baby Brontosaurus) Also in that area they have found damage. I now need to go through more tests to determine exactly what the damage is. Is it permanent or temporary? Is it nerve damage or muscular? Its a long road ahead.

4 out of 5 doctors believe it's from the spinal. The 5th doctor is affiliated with the hospital I delivered at. So, its hard to know what he's thinking. All of the doctors I've seen have said they have seen many women with complications from epidurals and spinals.

I have many other symptoms and I'm not going to get into that.

Info on spinals:

Spinal anesthesia

Also:

Cauda equina syndrome presents after regression
of the neuraxial blockade. This syndrome
may be permanent, or it may regress
slowly over weeks or months (6). It is characterized
by a sensory deficit in the perineal area,
urinary and fecal incontinence, and varying degrees
of motor deficit in the lower extremities.
The most serious neurologic complication is
adhesive arachnoiditis. This reaction usually
occurs several weeks or even months after
spinal anesthesia. The syndrome is characterized
by a gradual progression of sensory deficits
and motor weakness in the lower limbs.

Thank you all for your support.

I can tell you that he was worth it!

Re: Some info on spinals and an explanation of what I could be going through

I know how you feel!!!!!!!

Re: Some info on spinals and an explanation of what I could be going through

Thank you for posting this. Very interesting that they say that backache is rarely caused by these forms of anesthesia.

Re: Some info on spinals and an explanation of what I could be going through

First off, I am so sorry you are going through this. I have read about your struggles and I think you are doing a wonderful job.

Second, I'm curious as to whether your doctors gave you any warnings of the complications that could arise from the c-section or the spinal before you had the surgery?

I'm just wondering because it seems to me that epidurals (and c-sections for that matter) are portrayed to most women as being harmless -- that's how my OB portrayed it me when I told him I was interested in unmedicated birth because I thought it was safer. He acted like I was nuts for questioning the establishment.

Re: Some info on spinals and an explanation of what I could be going through

Posted by Dragonfly75

First off, I am so sorry you are going through this. I have read about your struggles and I think you are doing a wonderful job.

Second, I'm curious as to whether your doctors gave you any warnings of the complications that could arise from the c-section or the spinal before you had the surgery?

I'm just wondering because it seems to me that epidurals (and c-sections for that matter) are portrayed to most women as being harmless -- that's how my OB portrayed it me when I told him I was interested in unmedicated birth because I thought it was safer. He acted like I was nuts for questioning the establishment.

Re: Some info on spinals and an explanation of what I could be going through

Sorry to hear about what you are going through do hope it all works out and you feel better.

I think its also good that you posted this as people can forget how serious this surgey is. I did not have after effects but had a very, very dangerous situation arise during the surgery for me, it was extremely frightening, I still think my husband is traumatized by it, thanksfully I don't remember much as I was forced to be put out as soon as DS was born. I had a severe reaction to the anesthesia, it was not pretty and needless to say was put out for many many hours, did not see DS and the doctors for a certain point were very concerned......jsut a good reminder when and if you are having a c section, if you know in advance, ask questions, and be prepared for major surgery....

Re: Some info on spinals and an explanation of what I could be going through

Posted by Dragonfly75

First off, I am so sorry you are going through this. I have read about your struggles and I think you are doing a wonderful job.

Second, I'm curious as to whether your doctors gave you any warnings of the complications that could arise from the c-section or the spinal before you had the surgery?

I'm just wondering because it seems to me that epidurals (and c-sections for that matter) are portrayed to most women as being harmless -- that's how my OB portrayed it me when I told him I was interested in unmedicated birth because I thought it was safer. He acted like I was nuts for questioning the establishment.

Re: Some info on spinals and an explanation of what I could be going through

Is it possible the spinal was administered incorrectly? Or was it your body's reaction to it?

Re: Some info on spinals and an explanation of what I could be going through

It ***** your going through this all. While I had no complications from my actual spinal with my c/s, it is good that someone is getting the information out that that having a c/s is major surgery, and can have complications. One of the main reason I wanted not to have a repeat c/s.

I hope they figure it all out for you.