:( Went to the anesthesiologist - That's a no go on the epidural

UndecidedChange

Well, not exactly a no go, but essentially he mentioned that I should get ready for it not to work.

I have had spinal fusion work done, and as such, the epidural space has some scarring.  Which means that the minimal space that is needed to port the epidural needle in is pretty much non existent, due to scarring and plastering (bone grafts).

The anesthesiologist was super cool and nice and very willing to discuss other options, but the other options are not available in the hospital that I'm going to deliver (for example, nitrous oxide gas).  He mentions he's certain that they can get a spinal done in case I need a c-section, but for a regular epi, he mentioned that I should be ready for it not to diffuse properly into the space.

Which is fine, I guess I've been getting ready for this possibility, and now it won't be a surprise when the time comes.  I've been doing hypnobirthing classes and am trying to get the mindset of a med free delivery, which would be my ideal case, and well, I guess I am now aware of my options.  It kinda makes me really wish that I could make it with minimal complications, and I'm now really needing to let go of the fear of pain, since if I focus on it, my alternatives will be limited.

So yeah, it kinda sucks.  Oh well.

 

 

Eros

I'm sorry.  It does kinda suck not to have all the options.  Hopefully the hypnobirthing will work really well for you.  And maybe knowing this ahead of time will put you in the right mindset? 

iris427

I'm sorry, how frustrating not to have options.  But I know you can do it.  Think of all the gazillions of women through history who have given birth without epidurals.  You are just as awesome as they are.  If cavewomen could do it, you can too.  

Have you ever read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth?  I think you might find it helpful. 

Lisa Frank

My neighbor had the same situation and she's delivered 2 babies vaginally.  While she said it was tough, she found the other pain options to work well for her. I hope you can find something that will work for you as well!!

NeverEnoughTime

Well, the good news is, at least you know now, so you can prepare yourself for it.  It would be worse to find out in the middle of labour when all you want is some relief.

UndecidedChange

I'm totally trying to get in the mindset that yes, I can do it.  (I mean, at this rate, I kinda have to right?).

I've done more excruciating things in my life right?  Like... um... yeah...

I actually AM reading Ina May Guide to Childbirth and you're right, she's very empowering in that she definitely reminds me that my body is meant to give birth, I have all the tools, and it knows what to do when the time comes.  As left brained as I am, I am really getting the hang of it, believing it, and it's definitely giving me an internal peace about this whole process.

And I'm glad that I did go to the anesthesiologist, mostly because now I know. I won't be surprised on the day that I can't have one, and I'll definitely just evaluate options as things happen.  But yeah, there's many people before me that have done it med free, and plenty of people after me that will, so all I have to remember is to trust my body, it'll deliver in the best way it knows how.

And it shocks me to even say all of this, because a year ago, if I heard this, I would have labeled me as crazy cakes.  Go figure!

 

jenandbrett

I am in exactly the same boat as you (for a different reason).  My blood platelets have gone waaay down in the last month and now I will not be allowed to get an epidural.  Your platelets have to be above 100,000 (normal 150-450) to get an epidural and mine have dropped to 70,000 now at 37 weeks.  I was also one who would not have even considered a med-free birth before.  Not that I was opposed to it, I just didn't think I could do it.  I've read the hypno-birthing book, too, and feel much more comfortable.  I'm almost grateful to be forced into a natural childbirth, b/c I know I would chicken out if I had the choice. 

 I'm not really into the hypno part of hypno birthing, but I really like the breathing techniques and the whole concept of - I was made to deliver this baby; it's completely natural and healthy. 

We can do this!!!