So, I can't have a vaginal birth and I can't have any needles in my spine

SheHulk723

I have a rare brain condition (thanks to an idiot who ran a red light and hit me while driving on a suspended license for DUI!), but basically I have a herniation of the brain tissue out of my skull and into my spinal cord.  So, vaginal birth is pretty much out of the question for me, since I haven't had the decompression surgery yet.  Any straining can worsen the herniation (and giving birth requires a lot of straining!).  But, epidurals and spinal blocks also run a high risk of causing higher inter-cranial pressure and thus also worsening my herniation.  Additionally, under general anesthesia, because of the positioning of the head and neck, I also run a higher risk of worsening and/or aggravating my symptoms.  Obviously I'll talk all this over with my doc, but I'm so stressed out.  I don't know what to do.  I can barely make it through the day with the pain I'm in now, I can't imagine how it would be if it got worse. 

surpriseaddition

When are you due? I think your OB would be the best person to answer this, and to calm your fears. A first time CS is usually pretty quick so you wouldn't be under general for very long most likely. GL!

ashaw512

I'm sorry about your accident. I'm not sure what your point is, are you asking a question or looking for advise? Your ob is the best person to talk to about this, along with the anesthesiologist. Good luck with your csection and I hope you have a quick recovery.

luvboston

General is the way to go. I have a prolactinoma and they said the least risk of pressure is general otherwise thy monitor the pressure to the brain very closely.

Unknown

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