Progress & paralysis. Feeling so defeated. :-(

RubineLime

Backstory: https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/48919350.aspx

I just had my 37/38 week appt (baby measuring at 36 weeks, 5 days if you're particular about the math of my ticker) 

I'm 2cm dilated and 80% effaced. Baby's head is nice and low and I'm in the perfect position to have a VBAC. Unfortunately my left leg gave out on me again last night. I couldn't walk at all because of the pain, and when my doctor checked my reflexes this morning, I've lost about 50% movement in my leg because of the disc herniations.

I'm feeling so defeated right now, I just want to cry. I will probably HAVE to have another CS, even though I'm the perfect candidate for a VBAC otherwise. 

iris427

I'm sorry to hear that.  I'm sure this is very upsetting for you.  What does your doctor say about your delivery options?  Would induction be an option?  Some doctors will do light Pitocin inductions or Foley bulb inductions on VBAC moms.

RubineLime

iris427:

I'm sorry to hear that.  I'm sure this is very upsetting for you.  What does your doctor say about your delivery options?  Would induction be an option?  Some doctors will do light Pitocin inductions or Foley bulb inductions on VBAC moms.

They can't do any kind of "elective" procedures until I'm officially at 39 weeks. (whether induction or CS) That's hospital policy, and that's not for another 3 weeks. (feb 26) My doctor thinks at the rate I'm going they may have to do an emergency CS to avoid further nerve damage. (obviously emergency procedures don't have the time constraints that elective procedures do)

iris427

RubineLime:

iris427:

I'm sorry to hear that.  I'm sure this is very upsetting for you.  What does your doctor say about your delivery options?  Would induction be an option?  Some doctors will do light Pitocin inductions or Foley bulb inductions on VBAC moms.

They can't do any kind of "elective" procedures until I'm officially at 39 weeks. (whether induction or CS) That's hospital policy, and that's not for another 3 weeks. (feb 26) My doctor thinks at the rate I'm going they may have to do an emergency CS to avoid further nerve damage. (obviously emergency procedures don't have the time constraints that elective procedures do)

Wait how many weeks are you?  Your ticker says 38.  

I'm puzzled as to why your hospital would consider this an elective induction if your doctor thinks you might have permanent nerve damage and need an emergency c/s.  If your doctor is open to the idea of inducing, couldn't he try to make the case to the hospital that this isn't an elective induction at all?  

RubineLime

iris427:

Wait how many weeks are you?  Your ticker says 38.  

I'm puzzled as to why your hospital would consider this an elective induction if your doctor thinks you might have permanent nerve damage and need an emergency c/s.  If your doctor is open to the idea of inducing, couldn't he try to make the case to the hospital that this isn't an elective induction at all?  

Measuring off LMP, I'm 38 weeks. Going off first trimester screen, I'm 36 weeks, 5 days. I guess the Bump ticker factory doesn't really take those kinds of variables into account when you put in your dates...

It would only be considered "elective" if my back stays stable from now until 39 weeks. (thus not requiring any immediate attention) If I lose any more feeling or have any further pain, then I have to call the doc and they'll get me in under "emergency" care within 24 hours. I know in my heart that my back is not in any shape to stay the way it is in the next few weeks, which is why this is so disheartening for me. At some point, whether it's in the next hour, or the next 2 weeks, I'm going to have more pain, and then it's inevitable CS.

 

 

papagena

iris427:

RubineLime:

iris427:

I'm sorry to hear that.  I'm sure this is very upsetting for you.  What does your doctor say about your delivery options?  Would induction be an option?  Some doctors will do light Pitocin inductions or Foley bulb inductions on VBAC moms.

They can't do any kind of "elective" procedures until I'm officially at 39 weeks. (whether induction or CS) That's hospital policy, and that's not for another 3 weeks. (feb 26) My doctor thinks at the rate I'm going they may have to do an emergency CS to avoid further nerve damage. (obviously emergency procedures don't have the time constraints that elective procedures do)

Wait how many weeks are you?  Your ticker says 38.  

I'm puzzled as to why your hospital would consider this an elective induction if your doctor thinks you might have permanent nerve damage and need an emergency c/s.  If your doctor is open to the idea of inducing, couldn't he try to make the case to the hospital that this isn't an elective induction at all?  

I'd think at this point an induction would be considered medically necessary...  T&P that your back holds out until 39 weeks, though, and you can go for your VBAC!

chicsub

I'm so sorry that things haven't gotten better!  I don't have any great advice since it's such a tricky situation, but I would probably just keep on asking questions and seeing what other options could be considered if you really want to try for the VBAC.  On the other hand, I know one of the reasons I don't want a RCS is b/c of the recovery and taking care of my toddler.  If your back goes to crap you might be better off with the RCS, even though mentally I know it wouldn't be easy.  Please keep us updated! 

MissyOlivePants

I'm sorry.  Is there any chance you could get in to see a chiropractor?  It could really be very beneficial to you.  I'd call ASAP!

RubineLime

MissyOlivePants:

I'm sorry.  Is there any chance you could get in to see a chiropractor?  It could really be very beneficial to you.  I'd call ASAP!

Oh yeah I see my chiro 2-3x/week. She was actually going to be in L&D with me if/when I go into labor! :-)

LydiaE2

If you really want to, go for the VBAC.  I had a vaginal birth with a very large central disc herniation at L4/L5 2.5 years ago.  At the point I had DS I my disc had been herniated for about 8 or 9 years.  I do have nerve damage (not from the pregnancy or birth, just because I didn't deal with my back issues for 11 years).  For the 11 years I waited from injury till surgery this summer, my legs would go out on occasion, I couldn't feel most of left leg and was just starting to experience problems on the right side with my right foot going numb. 

How does your spine specialist feel about your situation?  Mine was not happy I had gotten an epi, but understood that I was likely in much more pain that normal because of the herniation (the size and location of my herniation made it much more risky than normal to add even a small amount of fluid to my spine).  Personally I would consult with your spine specialist again (not your OB, they really don't know much about herniated discs).

What every method of delivery you decide, do be careful after the baby is born.  My epi took a very long time to wear off and I suffered a fall getting to the bathroom.  Make sure that you get help to get out of bed till you are sure you can walk.

If you do decide C-Section is there any way they could do both operations at once?  Many spine surgeries can be done under spinal anesthesia and since you would have the lifting bans due to the c-section, it may make since.  I felt so much better hours after my spine surgery, it was very worth it.  If you can't, I would do the surgery when your baby is young (weighs less than 15 or 20 pounds).  I was unable to lift more than 20 pounds for 3.5 weeks, so my DS had to stay with my mother for about a month since I couldn't care for him.

Good luck!  Herniated discs are incredibly painful