Regarding a RCS

Kie310 · August 2012

So, I am really hoping for a VBAC. But, my body has a different plan & right now I have complete previa. It might clear up, I'm trying to come to terms with a scheduled RCS incase it doesn't.

I want to talk about my actual fears with a RCS. A scheduled one anyway. I'm not worried about recovery, I'm not worried about things "going my way". My biggest concern is probably stupid to many - I'm scared shitless about walking myself into the OR, and sitting on the OR table to get the spinal put in. Why you ask? I'm crazy afraid of needles as it is. Like I have passed out getting normal blood work in my past. And while my now 2 pregnancies have helped that fear a little I'm still not up for this.

With my first, I did get the epi (thankfully since I ended up in the OR anyway), but it was after almost 14 hours of labor and I would have probably put the damn thing in myself to stop the pain.

This time I'm going into an OR, with no pain, no labor, just me myself and I sitting there getting this done. I'm afraid I'm going to have a mental break down and totally freak out.

Am I the only crazy person to think like this? I never see posts about it - I never hear anyone else talk about this part really. Can I ask for something before they do it? Will they? Should I talk to my doctor about this? Did someone have these same fears and come out the other side?

mlf625 · August 2012

I didn't have this fear leading up to my RCS (with #2) but right as they went to walk me into the OR I sort of spazzed. The whole thing was just really surreal. I told the anesthesia team how I was feeling and they were able to give me something in my IV as soon as they got me onto the OR table that took the edge off a little. As far as the needle, it all happens REALLY fast. The nursing team will be good about distracting you and comforting you through this, but seriously - it felt like a split second before it was over and I was laid back down and DH came in to sit beside me.

Kie310 · August 2012

mlf625:
I didn't have this fear leading up to my RCS (with #2) but right as they went to walk me into the OR I sort of spazzed. The whole thing was just really surreal. I told the anesthesia team how I was feeling and they were able to give me something in my IV as soon as they got me onto the OR table that took the edge off a little. As far as the needle, it all happens REALLY fast. The nursing team will be good about distracting you and comforting you through this, but seriously - it felt like a split second before it was over and I was laid back down and DH came in to sit beside me.

Thanks for that I remember it seeming like forever with my first & I had the most amazing nurse & my husband right there! They did a good job, but I was still having regular contractions, that probably didn't help!

I'm glad to know they will give me a little something to relax. I get weird with medical stuff. I have to take something when I get an MRI done, I can't stand it that much.

Kie310 · August 2012

mummyofsix:

My 2nd c/s was much scarier for me than my first because I knew what to expect- not that my first was bad, just that I had no idea of how it would go and the second time I was worried that all the things that went right the first time would go wrong.

I think you can talk to your OB about it, they might be able to offer you something to relax you temporarily so you are OK. Last week I had a very similar surgery (to a c/s, in that I was awake etc) that I was **extremely** stressed out over- to the point of vomiting etc. They gave me fentanyl and it was fabulous. Very short acting, I was still aware of what was happening and could follow directions and answer questions- it just made me not panic. They might be able to offer you something similar just for the spinal...

After my next u/s if this hasn't moved or changed, I'm going to bring it up to my OB, can't hurt to put it out there, right?

Rhenna · August 2012

mlf625:
I didn't have this fear leading up to my RCS (with #2) but right as they went to walk me into the OR I sort of spazzed. The whole thing was just really surreal. I told the anesthesia team how I was feeling and they were able to give me something in my IV as soon as they got me onto the OR table that took the edge off a little. As far as the needle, it all happens REALLY fast. The nursing team will be good about distracting you and comforting you through this, but seriously - it felt like a split second before it was over and I was laid back down and DH came in to sit beside me.

OP - I am currently having this anxiety and it's been getting worse each day. My RCS is scheduled for Monday. I'm excited for this to be over but I'm really nervous. I don't do well with needles and having my blood drawn. I've thrown up each time my blood has been drawn and once they even had to give me demerol (different surgery not preg related) because I was so tense they couldn't get enough blood out. I keep saying the same thing to my FI, that the last time after 44 hours of labor you just don't care what happens, I just wanted it over with. Now there is just so much preparation and anticipation. I figure that no matter what I do this is happening on Monday. Time isn't standing still for me and this time next week it will all be over with. That calms me down a bit.

MLF - To the bolded, did they make YH stay out of the room for the spinal? I just spoke with the nurse about the day of procedure and they told me that FI has to stay out of the room until they are done giving me the spinal. I really don't like that and neither does FI. It isn't like they make SO's leave in the middle of labor when an epidural is given and it is the same needle right? I guess they don't want people passing out but FI is more than ok with it and I feel like I really need him there with me the entire time

nealbl · August 2012

I posted about this awhile back that I was afraid to get the epi while not ahving any cotnraction pain and all my focus being on the giant needle going in my back. Then I was informed that it wouldn't be an epi but a spinal and for some reason that made me feel better. I still worry about it but, then I realized that I may not be having intense contractions to distract me but the excitement of new baby coming I am hoping will be enough distraction to get me through!

Kie310 · August 2012

nealbl:
I posted about this awhile back that I was afraid to get the epi while not ahving any cotnraction pain and all my focus being on the giant needle going in my back. Then I was informed that it wouldn't be an epi but a spinal and for some reason that made me feel better. I still worry about it but, then I realized that I may not be having intense contractions to distract me but the excitement of new baby coming I am hoping will be enough distraction to get me through!

I'm going to try to keep that in mind, I swear. But it's the same needle basically Smile I'm fearing the only reason I got through it is because I had been in pain for over 14 hours and I just needed relief.

I'm going to ask for something to calm my nerves before it happens & definitely day of if I'm going in there feeling like I'm going to throw up the nothing I have eaten at that point.

I'm not saying I'm not being irrational, it's just how I am. I can't even watch someone else get needles or an IV without crying.

mlf625 · August 2012

Rhenna:

MLF - To the bolded, did they make YH stay out of the room for the spinal? I just spoke with the nurse about the day of procedure and they told me that FI has to stay out of the room until they are done giving me the spinal. I really don't like that and neither does FI. It isn't like they make SO's leave in the middle of labor when an epidural is given and it is the same needle right? I guess they don't want people passing out but FI is more than ok with it and I feel like I really need him there with me the entire time

Yes, both times (different hospitals) they required DH to wait outside the OR until the anesthesiologist was done. Every c/s-having friend I've talked to has had that same experience. I have no idea what the reasoning is. Honestly, it happens so quickly that it doesn't bother me to have DH wait outside the room - the nursing team is obviously well trained to support you during that part. Obviously it doesn't hurt to question things, though, if you don't feel right about it! At least they might be able to explain why that policy is in place.

nealbl · August 2012

mlf625:
Rhenna:

MLF - To the bolded, did they make YH stay out of the room for the spinal? I just spoke with the nurse about the day of procedure and they told me that FI has to stay out of the room until they are done giving me the spinal. I really don't like that and neither does FI. It isn't like they make SO's leave in the middle of labor when an epidural is given and it is the same needle right? I guess they don't want people passing out but FI is more than ok with it and I feel like I really need him there with me the entire time

Yes, both times (different hospitals) they required DH to wait outside the OR until the anesthesiologist was done. Every c/s-having friend I've talked to has had that same experience. I have no idea what the reasoning is. Honestly, it happens so quickly that it doesn't bother me to have DH wait outside the room - the nursing team is obviously well trained to support you during that part. Obviously it doesn't hurt to question things, though, if you don't feel right about it! At least they might be able to explain why that policy is in place.

They made my DH get out for the epidural when I was in the middle of labor. My hospital policy only allows a nurse and the anesthesiologist to be in the room while a spinal and or epidural is being given.

Daisy22 · August 2012

My hospital does epidurals even for rcs and it's done in the pre-op. My hubby held my hand with all three and kept me focused on other things. I would talk to your doctor and have them tell you exactly how it is done whether in pre-op or in the OR. Get hi/her to walk you though it. I would defintiely tell them and the doctor doing the spinal about your fears and see if they will giv eyou something beforehand. The last thing they want is a freaked out patient.

HotChocolate79 · August 2012

I am also someone who is terrified of needles, bloodwork, and all things medical. I always look away when I have something done, even as simple as having blood taken, that's how bad it is. My CS was unplanned but not emergency so I walked into the OR on my own two feet and you can only imagine what was going on in my head. But somehow last minute I was able to pull myself together - I told myself that for the sake of my son, I had to make this as positive of an experience as it could be. I told the medical team I was scared and they were great at comforting me - the nurse held my hand , the anestesiologist was cracking jokes, and before I knew the prep was done and they brought MH in. At that point I was just excited to meet DS and not as anxious. Try to hang in there - it'll be ok. (((Hugs)))

emaddock · August 2012

This is just one of many things that scares me about RCS so you aren't alone. I am going in today to talk to my OB about my fears for VBAC and RCS so I think talking to your OB is totally fine.

amyegunnip · August 2012

My water broke 4 days before my scheduled c/s (frank breech presentation) so I walked into the OR without really feeling the labor. It was weird leaving DH out in the hall but my OB was really sweet and handed me a pillow to hold on to and hugged me while the spinal was performed. Like PPs said, it is over very quickly and the OR team talked to me the whole time to distract me.

You can do it mama! I would bring it up with your OB to let them know ahead of time. Good luck to you!

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