Anyone with back injuries / spinal problems?

miasmomma2012 · May 2012

I have been dealing with three herniated discs in my lower back for a few years now and I also have scoliosis. I was really concerned about the pain and how I would cope through it during my pregnancy. I did not want to rely on prescription pain meds while pregnant. Luckily, my awesome husband has taken great care of me and I was able to stop working early on so that I could stay home and take care of my back. I've made it this far with no meds (aside from the occasional Tylenol) and even though I'm in a lot of pain I am still moving around, swimming etc which is amazing to me. My concern is that my Dr. told me I would absolutley need to have an epidural because of my injuries, but I recently read that people with back injuries sometimes don't respond to the epidural. My Dr. assures me that they can go around the injured area, but I am still wary of the whole thing. I also wonder if not being able to feel and respond to what is happening with my back during labor could cause further injury. Just wondering if anyone else has been through or is going through something similar. I'm trying to stay mellow about everything but as I get closer I'm getting a little nervous. I've tried researching online but everything is so vague, just want to talk to someone who has actually been there

champ579 · May 2012

My hairdresser has extremely bad scoliosis and had a baby in February. She was extremely concerned about the epidural - I believe that she might of had her x-rays/reports from her orthopedic doctor sent to the anesthesiologist due to the sensitivity of the situation. Her epidural took and she made it through the delivery without concern and the only issue she had was third degree tearing.

You might want to address your concerns with both your OB and your Orthopedic doctor for both opinions. Everyone is different and Dr. Google does not help with anxiety/answer questions for your particular case.

Good Luck.

ToastieSimons · May 2012

you need to talk to the anesthesiologists at your hospital. Not your OB.

miasmomma2012 · May 2012

Thank you both, I appreciate the advice. I have an appt with the anesthesiologists next week, just anxious in the meantime.

mikeandcristina · May 2012

I'm a FTM and have had 2 back surgeries (laminectomy/discectomy) to correct multiple herniations, and was initially told not to get pregnant because my back wouldn't be able to take it. Luckily, DH has also let me take care of my back instead of working, and I've spent alot of time on the couch and in bed - doing too much puts me in alot of pain. I also didn't want to take prescription meds (I don't generally take them when I'm not prego) and was concerned about the pain level once I started gaining weight, as well as during giving birth, and if I'm going to injur myself.

I've had multiple consults with anesthesiologists, and heard everything from I can't have an epidural, to I can have one but it will increase the chance of paralysis due to where the herniated discs are, as well as other things. Finally, we met with the one at the hospital where we're delivering, and he said that there is no reason we can't have one, we may have to go up a level, but I will be just fine... and even though I hate doctors generally, I really trust this one. I would suggest meeting with the group or Dr. that will be doing the epidural at the hospital where you will be delivering.

I'm also concerned about not being able to feel if I'm hurting myself if I have an epidural, but he assured us (as did our OB) that they have never had a patient hurt thier back while giving birth - we may be sore, but in order to create a larger herniation while bending, you have to be snapped "backwards," as in arching your back with force and quickly. They also specifically said to let the nurses know about my back issues, and they will guide me to push in non-traditional positions, such as on the side, to take the strain off my back.

Sending you good vibes! I'm right there with you, and haven't had a whole lot of response on the boards from previous posts with questions I've asked about backs, and online there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of info either... Best of luck!

miasmomma2012 · May 2012

What a relief to hear from another FTM who is going through this as well! Thank you so much for your response, it really put me at ease. I've also had some Drs tell me a pregnancy would be too hard on my back, but look at us! We are both almost at the end! How exciting! I have an appt with the anesthesiologists next week and hopefully that will help clear things up a bit as well. Your advice to let the nurses know is great, I didn't think about being able to push in non traditional positions. Again, I really thank you. I feel so much better just to talk to someone who understands. I've been to so many Dr's and had so many opinions it is very frustrating sometimes. Best of luck to you as well, and I'll be sure to let you know how the epidural goes!

mikeandcristina · May 2012

Sounds great! I look forward to hearing about it! Keep in touch!

sheilatakesabow · May 2012

Hi there,

I had a laminectomy for a herniated disc many years ago. It started acting up during the pregnancy and I was on bed rest and Percocet briefly, but now am doing very well just with physical therapy. My ortho doesn't believe going through labor will cause greater injury, and I'm told there shouldn't be a problem getting an epi bc theyll just go up one. My ob and ortho want to make sure that I continue phys therapy after delivery, bc there is risk of injury from the rapid change in the body and weight redistribution at hat point. Good luck to you and hope the anesthesiologists have good news!

desertmouse39 · May 2012

I am also about to become a FTM and i had a micro-surgery on L4 and L5 about 13 years ago for discs that had ruptured. I am hoping to avoid the epi if possible - and no one has told me I would require one due to the back issues - but I did consult with the anasthesiologist (butchered that) to see if there would be any issues, should I require one or I decide I want one... She told me they will simply place it a little higher, given that there could be scar tissues or other barriers they can't see to get around in the moment. So that's what I have to work with... I think clearing it up with the epi specialist ahead of time will put you much at ease. Good luck!

SweetHurricane · May 2012

I have scoliosis and had an epi with DD1. They did have problems getting both sides of my body to go numb. They had to dose me 3 or 4 times before I was totally numb, but we got there eventually. Because of this, it took extra time for it to wear off. It was about 6 hours before I could walk to the bathroom unassisted. Other than that, there were no issues. I'll definitely be getting an epi again this time around.

Adventurers · May 2012

I have scoliosis and had a prior spinal fusion surgery done. I met with an anesthesia team who went over my surgical notes/medical history/x-rays, etc. and was able to get an epidural with no problem with my first baby. I will be meeting with them this time, as well, but am not too worried this time, since things went pretty well with my first birth. I am having a c-section this time because I did not progress with my first and ended up having one. I hope all goes well.

miasmomma2012 · May 2012

Thank you all so much for your responses. I feel a lot better just hearing from people who've been through this. Looking forward to my appt w/ the anesthesiologists this week!

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