XP: Anyone with DDD and have a c-section?

amethyst1220

My SIL has degenerative disc disease and is 7 months pregnant. Her doctor is recommending a c-section and wants her to meet with an anesthesiologist. The ob doesn't think she can get the epidural in her back and wants it placed in her pelvis... but said the risk of infection for her and the LO is higher. Has anyone heard of this? In my quick online research it seemed most women with DDD had a GA for a c-section if they couldn't have an epidural. TIA.

pregaftertubal

I don't know if I can help, but I'll try.  For my CS, I didn't have DDD but the anns. wasn't able to get the epi. into my spine after trying for 45 mins. (said I had arthritis).  I ended up having GA. and everything went fine.  They just like to get the baby out as quick as possible, due to the general drugs.  Best of luck to her!

amethyst1220

Thank you!

tinklinz

I have three degenerated discs from injuries in my lumbar spine, the anesthesiologist for my c-section just went a bit higher into the thoracic spine and I'll be honest, it went right in and I didn't feel a thing. The anesthesiologist for my cerclage surgery however, was so gawd awful that he hit a nerve because he tried to place the epidural in the usual lumbar epidural site, right where the degenerated discs are. It felt like a jackhammer was put into my back and it also felt like someone slid their leg all the way down inside my left leg (it seriously felt like every nerve was on fire and like my leg swelled to twice it's size). I got an epidural headache that lasted 2 weeks, a huge knot in my back and it hurt for a good two months at the site. So, as much as I don't want to scare you, they need to really understand her anatomy and an ultrasound of her spine beforehand would do wonders with locating exactly where they should and shouldn't place the needle.

holly321

I also don't have ddd, but had to have g/a.  The dr. didn't place my spinal properly, so it didn't work.  Emotionally, it has been rough, but physically, no issue.