Lurker with a question (a little long)

emw8910 · January 2013

Hi! I am usually a lurker on several boards but really got to thinking about my second c-section and had a question for anyone that could help!

A little back story: I had a CS with DD1 at 37 weeks because my fluid had been low for a little over 3 weeks and she was breech. When we went in for the spinal, it was the first I had ever had. The anesthesiologist was great and talked me through everything. He said that when he inserted the meds that I should feel it swirl to each side of my spine and it should alternate. Well, when he inserted the meds I mainly felt it swirl to one side. I told him this each time and he said it was weird but didn't think much about it. They laid me back and said I should be totally numb within minutes. When they started to put my catheter in, I could feel it and still wiggle my toes. He was amazed I could still feel anything and so every 30 seconds or so they would pinch my toes. It took a little over 25 minutes and almost turning my bed totally upside down for the meds to kick in and I actually still had a tiny bit of feeling. The CS was the most uncomfortable thing I've ever done in my life. Almost to the point of pain, I have a high pain tolerance, and I ended up having to have 3 shots of morphine after they got her out while they were putting everything back together. My recovery was fine, I was up walking around my room by myself the next morning though.

Now on to my question: I am 30 weeks pregnant with DD2. So far, she has been breech for 5 weeks. My dr isn't concerned with it yet because it's very possible that she could flip and it not be an issue. My fluid is already a little lower than dr would like it to be so were keeping a close eye on it. My question is, if I end up needing a CS again for the same reasons, is it likely that I could have the same issues with the anesthesia? Could it possibly have been something the anesthesiologist did wrong? It's not set in stone that I will need a CS but I want to prepare myself as much as possible for each scenario. I'm literally terrified of doing the CS again because of the anesthesia issues the first time, it was just so miserable.

If anyone has any advice or insight I would really appreciate it! TIA!

ConnieRob · January 2013

I don't have much of an answer for you but I had a very similar experience with DS.

I was induced and given an epidural (which failed, I was numb for about a 4 inch section of my stomach but that was all). when it was decided that we'd have to do a c-section, the anesthesiologist gave me 4 shots of morphine prior to surgery because I kept telling them that I could feel the contractions still. He told me that he would give me one more and if that didn't work then they would completely sedate me. Luckily #4 did the job. Once DS was out, I started crying and the anesthesiologist was at my side in a second because he thought I was feeling the surgery and he was ready to knock me out.

I have a new OB this time around because we have moved. He is all ready aware of the issue with my last section. I'm also pretty anxious for this next delivery and am hoping that it goes more smoothly. Just make sure that your OB and anesthesiologist know what happened last time and that they take the time to make sure that you are completely numb this time around. I know that I don't want to be completely sedated during delivery but I would much prefer that to not being numb.

F15Wife · January 2013

In my opinion it is quite possible that your issues were error on the part of the anesthesiologist.

I would just make sure your doctor is aware of the issue you had last time.

nosoup4u · January 2013

Have you asked your doctor about it? That sucks, I would definitely ask if it was operator error, maybe they can pull your records and see what the anesthesiologist wrote at the time?

magdalina.h · January 2013

F15Wife:
In my opinion it is quite possible that your issues were error on the part of the anesthesiologist.
I would just make sure your doctor is aware of the issue you had last time.

I agree. I was just told to let them know if I felt a tingling in my left foot. I think that's what they said, I don't remember much from then.

1026pumpkin · January 2013

I would be sure to discuss this with your OB now, and then if you have a CS this time, let everyone know (nurses, anesthesiologist, and OB) what happened last time. They may be able to try something different this time.

MeaganG11 · January 2013

My vote is that you just had a botched epidural/spinal block. Not necessarily the anesthesiologist's fault, although he should have tried to fix it. Sounds more like the needle did not go into the right place. Anesthesiologists do this all day everyday but sometimes our spines do not cooperate like the doctor would like. Let your OB and your future anesthesiologist know what happened. It may have just been a fluke, it may not have been - the anesthesiologist will probably know what was done wrong (if anything).

smileybabyboy · January 2013

A few people I know that had a cs said it didn't work fully. They were only numb on 1 side. I'm sorry you had to go through that, it sounds horrible. CSections are scary enough.

hogrefea · January 2013

My first cs was a horrific experience. I labored for 33.5 hours and had two epidurals, neither of which worked. I felt the entire incision, left to right, and then begged the anesthesiologist for general (which he was already starting to give). I do not remember anything else, up to about 2 hours after DS was born. Needless to say,I was not real excited to do it again. I am pleased to tell you, the second one was a breeze! Anesthesia told me your situation, or mine happens occasionally and the best thing to do is inform them ahead of time so they can slightly alter the insertion site used for the spinal . GL!

emw8910 · January 2013

That's great news! I'm really hoping this time is easier, sometimes I almost have a panic attack just thinking about another CS lol Thank you so much!

Kitten80 · January 2013

I was going to basically say this:

MeaganG11:
My vote is that you just had a botched epidural/spinal block. Not necessarily the anesthesiologist's fault, although he should have tried to fix it. Sounds more like the needle did not go into the right place. Anesthesiologists do this all day everyday but sometimes our spines do not cooperate like the doctor would like. Let your OB and your future anesthesiologist know what happened. It may have just been a fluke, it may not have been - the anesthesiologist will probably know what was done wrong (if anything).

Courtimilk · January 2013

Definitely mention it your doctor AND again at the pre-surgery interview (if they do that at your hospital). Ask what ''Plan B'' will be should the spinal not work this go around.

When I was born (in the 80's at a small hospital) spinals were not an option so all CS moms were put under for the procedure. It did lead to dopey mothers and dopey babies but this was at a time when CS moms were to stay at the hospital for a full week and nurses were on hand to wake the dopey babies and assist with breast-feeding when necessary.

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