epidural discussion
teachermommy2014
member
So here is something you don't hear everyday...my sister and I were born conjoined twins, connected at our lower spine. We were separated at 6 days old and have had normal lives. She has a 4 year old boy and this is my first. When she was pregnant, she had concerns about an epidural, and in the end was able to get one.
So I knew that this would be one of my first questions on the list for my doctor. Keeping in mind that my scar was always worse than my twins. Well today was my consultation with the anesthesiologist. He told me that the epidural would be difficult, but it could be done. But he was not convincing. He said that I would need to get the epidural higher up than normal. He also told me that he was the only anesthesiologist at the hospital that would be comfortable to perform such an epidural. I could opt for a C-section with a spinal tap....but not sure what to do... I do not want to have an all natural birth.
Has anyone had a complication similar to this? Any opinions would help...
Re: epidural discussion
Thank you
He said no one else would feel comfortable to do this. MH also wondered how comfortable he was in doing it and how much experience he had in it. All good questions to ask next week....
I have lower lumbar fractures from my ribcage all the way down to my tail bone. They are congenital & cause me all kinds of pain (pg or not).
I went med free with DD. However with DS I opted for an epideral at 10 hours in. The doctor had no trouble placing it a little higher & it worked well. It's the first time I've been pain free in 15 years! The only side effects were the shakes, some itching & my butt was numb for a little while (3 weeks?) after delivery.
The only bit of advice I can offer is to ask them when the first opportunity to have the epi is. My doc won't let you have one until 5-6 cm. You want to get the pain under control before the insanity of transition happens. Why? Because you have to sit still in a certain position & the stronger contractions are very hard to will yourself to sit still.
Good luck!
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
I agree with the PP who said there are other pain management options other than just epidurals. They won't take the pain away completely, but there are other options. Did the doctor mention this at all?
son#1 born 6/2010
son#2 born 4/2012
son#3 born 7/2014
It might be worth it to take a pain management class just so you know your options. Mine wasn't full blown Lamaze, but they do teach you some breathing techniques and rubs your dh or whoever will be with you can do that help full back labor and everything. Everyone in my class was planning on getting an epi. They also told us about epi policies. Mine will give it whenever. You don't have to reach a certain dilation or anything.
The Demerol they gave me, went through my system like water. NO effect.
The Stadol, however, worked for a good, long while.
Really though, when you're admitted, they should give you an IV which they can administer the drugs through. The problem, as it was in my case, until you've tried the drugs, you have no clue if they'll work or not. My original plan was to stick to IV drugs and skip the epi.
Except, in my own personal case, I had HORRIBLE hot spots across my belly that I just could NOT push through.
My attending nurse was also my Lamaze coach, and she knew I was scared of the epi. Eventually though, between her gentle convincing and some of the other nurses talking to me, I finally agreed.
Except I was moving in to hard labor by that point, and my anesthesiologist was a dick. He did eventually get it placed, but he said I was right on the cusp of him being unable to give it to me since I could barely hold still.
I think all of the advice you've received is very good. I hope your doctor can offer additional input that will make the process easier for you.
GOOD LUCK!!
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Proud Mother to 16 year old Austin (MCJROTC Sgt., Trumpet playing "Band Nerd" and hopeful Air Force Pilot!)
Proud Stepmother to 12 year old Josh (Baseball playing, Saxophone playing "Band Nerd" and hopeful Doctor!)
Proud Mother to baby Kaylee (Stuffed toy playing, Adorable smiling baby and hopeful Rodeo Princess!)
I had Stadol with my 1st (or else it was Demerol....I can't remember!). I was already 8 cm when I got it (very very fast labor...I arrived at 8 cm). They gave me one dose through the IV. I felt like I was drunk. I still felt the contractions, but I just didn't care as much. I definitely didn't have all the effects @funnibunni80 talks about! It wore off pretty quickly, and then it was time to push. Which I did for 3 hours....
With my 2nd I went so fast I didn't have time for any meds at all. So that one was med-free.
I know with my 2nd my DH told them I had Stadol or whatever with my 1st, but they didn't offer it anymore. So...always check because I guess policies change.
In the UK they offer "gas and air" (nitrous oxide). You self-administer it as you need it. I wish they had this in the US, but I guess only about 3 hospitals in the US offer it. I think I would like that, it's supposed to take the edge off but leaves your system pretty much instantly.
son#1 born 6/2010
son#2 born 4/2012
son#3 born 7/2014