Spinal or epidural? Decisions decisions....

saywhut82

My first c/s was an emergency so I wasn't given a choice to have an epidural or spinal. 

This pregnancy I have to have a rcs so my doctor has given me a few days to think about which anesthetic I would like to have. I keep hearing pros and cons about both so now I am super confused on which one to choose. Help?! I've been researching all week and I think I am more confused now than I was when I started. I have to give a date and an answer to the doctor by tomorrow.   

Vegasbb

At my hospital, all scheduled C-sections are defaulted to spinal unless for some reason you had a special request and really wanted the epidural instead. I will say I'm terrified of medical procedures and shots and whatnot, but my spinal went GREAT. Personally I liked that it was a "shot" instead of something staying in my spine (just me and my weird phobias) . Mine was quick, relatively painless and effective very quickly. I'd go that route again if we decide to do a RCS. 

Jess & Drew

I was really afraid of getting an epidural, but once it was done, it was really no big deal.  Even though you have something in your back the whole time, it's not like there is a needle sticking out of your back. They insert the needle (after the spot has been numbed), then thread in a flexible catheter, and remove the needle. You don't even notice it's there, and I never felt a thing. I will probably go with an epi for my next baby.

Neener73

Vegasbb:

At my hospital, all scheduled C-sections are defaulted to spinal unless for some reason you had a special request and really wanted the epidural instead. I will say I'm terrified of medical procedures and shots and whatnot, but my spinal went GREAT. Personally I liked that it was a "shot" instead of something staying in my spine (just me and my weird phobias) . Mine was quick, relatively painless and effective very quickly. I'd go that route again if we decide to do a RCS. 

This.  The anesthesiologist did check that I wanted to be awake and not have general anesthesia.  (This check might have occurred because my pre-op blood tests showed that my platelets were lower than the 100,000 that they like to see when giving epidurals and spinals because after I confirmed that I did want to be awake, he ran through another list of risks because of my low platelet count.)

RayRay007

Jess & Drew:

I was really afraid of getting an epidural, but once it was done, it was really no big deal.  Even though you have something in your back the whole time, it's not like there is a needle sticking out of your back. They insert the needle (after the spot has been numbed), then thread in a flexible catheter, and remove the needle. You don't even notice it's there, and I never felt a thing. I will probably go with an epi for my next baby.

Um, same thing for a spinal (except they don't leave a cath).

OP, I'm surprised your dr. is just throwing it up in the air and leaving it up to you. The preferred method is usually spinal. If it is unplanned and you already have an epi, they will use the epi, but if it is planned they prefer to do a spinal. I would chose a spinal, IMO it is more effective (more complete block and takes effect quicker).

dor79

With a scheduled C-Section I had no choice but to go the Spinal Route.  They didn't give me anything for nauseau though, so I threw up a few times on the table

payn0045

Mine will also be spinal - I asked and my OB said that's what they always do when it's scheduled.

Jess & Drew

RayRay007:

Jess & Drew:

I was really afraid of getting an epidural, but once it was done, it was really no big deal.  Even though you have something in your back the whole time, it's not like there is a needle sticking out of your back. They insert the needle (after the spot has been numbed), then thread in a flexible catheter, and remove the needle. You don't even notice it's there, and I never felt a thing. I will probably go with an epi for my next baby.

Um, same thing for a spinal (except they don't leave a cath).

I realize it's the same basic process (stick needle in then pull needle out) for a spinal, but I was just trying to point out that the thing left in your back for the epi isn't some scary huge needle that you have to lay on but rather a small flexible tube that you don't notice. 

MiaMyPuggle

I did the spinal. They didn't give me a choice, but I didn't feel it. I felt cold hands, but not the needle. It was a breeze. 

desertlady86

I had a emergency c-section and got a spinal. I am pretty sure I will be getting a spinal again this time. 

Baby Bouchard

We had a RCS and were given the choice, either spinal or epi. We went for the Epi since DH could be in the room when it was given, not that my spinal with DD was bad but I wished he could have been there with me. I also liked that fact that it seemed pain relief was easier with the epi post surgery since it went directly in my epi and I was pain free pretty much my entire stay until they pulled it out. 

Worcbride

I had spinals with both and loved them--no problems with either time

saywhut82

RayRay007:

Jess & Drew:

I was really afraid of getting an epidural, but once it was done, it was really no big deal.  Even though you have something in your back the whole time, it's not like there is a needle sticking out of your back. They insert the needle (after the spot has been numbed), then thread in a flexible catheter, and remove the needle. You don't even notice it's there, and I never felt a thing. I will probably go with an epi for my next baby.

Um, same thing for a spinal (except they don't leave a cath).

OP, I'm surprised your dr. is just throwing it up in the air and leaving it up to you. The preferred method is usually spinal. If it is unplanned and you already have an epi, they will use the epi, but if it is planned they prefer to do a spinal. I would chose a spinal, IMO it is more effective (more complete block and takes effect quicker).

 

I dunno why they are leaving it up to me to choose, but I was given the choice so I am am trying to figure it out. I am so confused. LOL 

beh3e

I had a spinal, and if I ever have another kid, I will NOT be doing that again.  I had a bad reaction to it and shook uncontrollably the entire procedure (it made it impossible to talk because my jaw was painfully clenched most of the time).  The discomfort I felt due to my spinal was worse than the pain I felt from my actual labor.  It was the most awful thing, and kept me from breastfeeding for several hours, because I was still shaking so badly that I couldn't hold my son.  If I ever have another child, I will get the epidural unless there is some medically compelling reason that I can't.

saywhut82

I scheduled my c-section on Friday and also chose to do a spinal. So hopefully everything will turn out fine. Thanks everyone for telling me about your experiences and recommendations. I think it helped a lot and I appreciate it very much. 

MrsJeffsWife2B

Having had both I much preferred the epi... Not as painful and I had HORRIBLE itching as a side effect of the spinal.. It was the worst part of my c-section by far!

kle0113

MrsJeffsWife2B:

Having had both I much preferred the epi... Not as painful and I had HORRIBLE itching as a side effect of the spinal.. It was the worst part of my c-section by far!

I was the total opposite of this.  My spinal was so much easier.  With the EPI I had terrible shakes where MH thought I was having seizure.  I did have two very easy c-sections and recovery though.  The recovery from the spinal was a lot easier for me. 

jb2rn

Here is my input as a patient and as a nurse.

The procedure, to you, is the same. The difference is in the location of the catheter. The epidural space is more superficial, so the risk of leaking cerebrospinal fluid upon removal is less. With a spinal, I would assume you can't move your legs very well?

I had an epidural placed when I was in labor, and then they just tested it and dosed it more when I went to the OR unexpectedly. I could move my legs and feel my legs, which I really liked. It worked beautifully.

I would choose epi since a CSF leak, and ensuing headache, can be awful. There is less risk with an epidural.