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spinal vs. epidural anxiety?

ImAnRNImAnRN
in C-sections
My RCS is on Tuesday and I am definitely getting a spinal. I had an epidural with my 1st due to laboring prior to having an emergency c/s and it took some time for me to realize that I was numb, if that makes sense. I have heard that recovery is quicker from a spinal, as in moving around. I am, however, anxious about how quickly the spinal takes effect. Is it stressful going from zero to numb in minutes? The thought of this drives me crazy. I remember being in recovery after my DS just crying about not being able to feel my legs. I'm afraid the drastic numbness will make me feel anxious... Wow, am I overthinking or what!? Maybe you ladies can enlighten me:-)
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Re: spinal vs. epidural anxiety?

  • caradullcaradull member
    I am having a scheduled c-section on November 7th and I am getting a spinal. Very nervous also about being numb from the waist down and the surgery in general (since it's my first time) I do know that the spinal is a one time shot in your lower back that takes effect immediately and wears off in an hour or so; quicker than an epidural I hear. I think it will be better than an epidural. Good-luck! and let us know how your experience goes with the spinal & c/s. Also congrats momma Big Smile
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  • nic5606nic5606 member

    Nothing to worry about. You will feel the prick from the numbing medicine and then a little pressure. It takes a little bit to go numb.

     I was actually able to slightly move my feet still when they started my c-section. I could only feel pressure though, not pain.

    Some women have the sensation that they can not breath. I did not. If this happens, try to relax, you can breath.

    I was more worried about the spinal than the surgery and was relieved that it was quite easy.

    Good luck with your c section!

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  • shouldbworkinshouldbworkin
    I was anxious about the whole thing.  by the time I got to the spinal, I was kind of over it.  they'd been prepping me for so long, I just wanted to get the show on the road.  The spinal took effect very quickly and caused my bp to drop.  I was glad I'd heard of it happening before b/c I knew to tell the anesthesiologist.  He put something in my IV and it helped a lot.  Just try to rely on the anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, your nurse, your DH ... whoever is there to get you through until the baby is out.  During my RCS, they were all really great at putting me at ease. 
    DS1 age 7, DD age 5 and DS2 born 4/3/12
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  • JG362009JG362009
    I had a spinal because I was trying to have a pain med free delivery so I never had any pain relief until I was wheeled into the OR.  Honestly, I hated about 95% of the things about my c-section, but I have to say that the spinal is not one of them.  You hardly feel it at all and yes you're numb quickly but it's not alarming.  Good luck!! It will take awhile afterwards to move/wiggle your legs, but it is not bad.  
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  • RoxBrideRoxBride member

    You aren't feeling so numb that it is disconcerting. It takes a few minutes to go into effect, and by that time you'll be in position on the table. You'll still be able to move from the chest up, and it won't feel weird to not be able to move your legs because it is like you are lying in bed like you would any other time in life.

    I promise - nothing to worry about!

     

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  • psychgalbridepsychgalbride member
    I ended up with both and epi and a spinal and I was up and moving around that night.  No spinal headache issues that I had heard can happen.  My recovery could not have been easier and I had a complicated pregnancy and complete placenta previa.  good luck! 
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  • ImAnRNImAnRN
    Thank you! Can't express how much better you've all made me feel:-)
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  • Temp23782687501318Temp23782687501318

    I was a little nervous about that as well with my last c-section.  I sat on the table in the OR and they administered the spinal.  Before I could even think about trying to move my legs up on the table, they were numb.  They helped me swing them up so that I could lay down.  I couldn't feel any pain, but I could feel people touching me.  The pain was unnoticeable, but yet I could still "feel" my legs.  So, try not to worry too much.  You will still know they are there.  You just won't be uncomfortable.

    Also, with my spinal, I had sensation back in my legs within 30-45 minutes from the end of surgery.  I was wiggling my toes within probably 20 minutes.

    Good luck!!

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