mom's who have had an epidural.

btj357

I have bad back problems, and i was planning on getting an epidural (this is my first) I've heard some horror stories of people trying to get an epidural with back problems and it never worked and it just made their back worse. Anyone have any good stories to ease my mind? (i'm deathly afraid of needles you'd think i wouldn't be choked up about the epidural rather than pushing a baby out of me.) haha

MrsG.060708

I had no issues with my epidural, and I plan on getting it again with this baby!

clondo

I have always had back problems and with DS, I had an epidural and it worked perfectly. In regards to having the pain worsen, I couldn't really say yes only because I have back problems already and some days its worse than others. For me, that is normal pain.

CakeBatter

I think it may depend on the reasons behind your back problems. I have problems with my psoas muscle, which then causes my back to go out of alignment frequently. I had an epi with no problems. You can ask to speak to your hospital's anesthesiologist before the procedure and tell him/her your concerns. They may also be able to place it in a location that would be better for you, based on your problems.

MrsHK

I had one natural baby, one epi baby. I was terrified of the epi but it wasn't so bad. I could still feel and move my legs enough but could relax better. I have some minor back trouble, just consistent pain. My big trouble during pregnancy is my SI joint. My body doesn't deal with the hormones so well. There's always chances of things going wrong. Talk to your doctor and they may be able to give you more specifics on what it could be like for you and how often or rarely things can get complicated.

lovemymaddy

No issues here. Mine was heavenly and plan on having one again this time around!

CJB8

lovemymaddy:

No issues here. Mine was heavenly and plan on having one again this time around!

 same here except I'm getting a spinal because I am having a c section!

hollinor

My first epidural went all kinds of wrong.  It worked for a few minutes, and then only my right leg was numb.  I felt EVERYTHING.  Ugh.  And then after that, I can't bend over for long periods of time because that area in my back will hurt. 

The second epidural was a heavenly dream.  It was put in correctly and worked well until they turned it off after delivery.

I had a spinal block with the twins because I had to have a c-section.  I never even got to the point where they would've given me an epidural.

Sarahbear621

I have two half hernitated discs in my spine and my epi was heavenly...no issues what so ever.  Also, let me tell you that I was terrified for it, but after being in the pain of labor you are practically begging for that epi so it was honestly a breeze.  I didn't even feel it.  To me it was the easiest part of labor.

Ivana_Stolichnaya

I'm scared of needles too but put yourself in full blown back labor and a needle doesn't cross your mind.  I was so desperate for some sort of pain relief, the anesthesiologist couldn't have come fast enough.

Mereou12

I have several twisted vertebrae, though they're well above the epidural location. I had a kick-asss epi that the anesthesiologist had no problems inserting. Within minutes, I had zero pain and only felt a slight bit of pressure.

You'll never see the needle, and all you'll feel is a few little pin-pricks when they insert the local anesthetic. The hardest part about getting the epidural is staying completely still through contractions!

kcisthebombdotcom

I have mild scoliosis, and during my 2nd pregnancy my SI joint as well as a few discs became out of place.

I have had both an epidural and spinal and they worked.

wolverine8

My experience was great. It worked the first time and on both sides. The only thing that happened was it made DSs heart rate drop super fast because of how quickly it helped me dilate (4-8 in 20 min) so we had to do an internal fetal monitor and they stopped my labor completely for 2 hours. BUT I avoided a cs which is great.

A friend of mine just had on a few months ago and she had a bad experience. The anestheiologist went too far into her spinal column which caused spinal fluid to leak. She went home with a spinal headache, which is a common side effect of the epi, but it just kept getting worse. She went back to the hospital and they had to use blood from her arm to clot the leaking hole in her back. Yeah, crazy. She is totally fine now.

mabma80

All of my labor is in my lower back and tail bone. Holy cow does it hurt!  But, the epidural really does help a lot for me.  I can relax a bit and still get through the labor/pushing.  

With my first it was a God send!  My second, for some reason, only numbed my left side.  Nobody knows why, but luckily it wasn't long after that DS2 came out. : ) 

water-fairy

I had a very good and easy experience with my epidural.

Bernadette5

I had no problems and mine worked GREAT. I really just think each person has a different experience. But there is no doubt in my mind that I am getting one this time around as well. Good luck.

llamakins

Sounds like it might be best to hold off unless you really need one. And make sure your anesthesiologist is aware of your back issues. I didn't have trouble with the epi, but I had a muscle spasm/ache that could not be relieved for about 6 weeks right at the injection spot. That really sucked, but glad it did not last forever.

KRISTA555

I did.  My L&D was picture-perfect.

Got to the hospital @ 3 cm.  Requested epidural immediately.  Got it at around 5cm.  Slept the afternoon away.  Woke up when they told me I was at an 8.  Started to have some discomfort, but not pain. Checked me again and I was a 10.  Pushed for 30 minutes and baby was out. Breastfed immediately and successfully. I was up and walking around about an hour later. No back problems. Plan to have an epidural again.

I also don't like needles, but the IV for me was way scarier than the epidural becuase I couldn't see what was going on on my back.  The IV wasn't bad either, just a little annoying.

Temp574971250006741

I have herniated discs and facet joint damage and had no issues what so ever. I will be getting another one with #2. 

My OB actually did my epi. I did not feel it go in and it was wonderful. I felt no pain but still had full control and feeling to be able to push with no issues. 

erin_aaronsbaby

I've had back problems for years - 1st due to a spinal abnormality, 2nd as a result of a car accident. I had back labor with DS1, and after 16 hours, finally broke down and got an epi - the BEST decision I could have made. The anesthesiologist who did it was 1) AWESOME  - I didn't hardly feel it, and 2) gorgeous - so that helped a lot...LOL. A few min later, I felt ready to sleep for the first time in over 24 hours - didn't feel hardly anything at all from the waist down. If I don't have a c-section (again - DS1 was in a bad position and they had to operate to get him out) again, I'll most likely opt for an epi again. Good luck!

adri77

My epidural didn't even work the first time and was heavenly the second time.  I had no back issues either time, well, with DS2 if bruising at the sight for awhile.  If you are worried, don't get the epi until you are in major pain from contrax......you will be begging for the needle by then!!!  GL!