Epidural or Spinal?

[Mala]

Hi Everyone,
I'm planning an elective c/s for later this month.
My Dr has told me to decide between the epidural or a spinal.

Just wondering - what you had,
how long afterwards you were up and about,
or at least able to sit up in bed.

My DD was an emergency c/s, at 8pm. The next morning I was showering myself, changing her, walking around, etc, etc. I was feeding her in recovery.

DS was a VBAC, 3rd degree tear, forceps and ventouse delivery - and I couldn't actually walk for nearly 24hrs following. We both developed an infection during the labour, and I didn't get to hold him (or feed him) until 12hrs after he was born.


Just wondering which way to go - epi or spinal.
I don't want to look like a complete invalid when my other two come in to meet our new little man!
Thanks for you help!
Mala

[kiwibird27]

I had a spinal when I had to have a cyst removed at 24 weeks pg. I was bed bound for 12 hours and then had a VERY sore tailbone and lower back for about a week afterwards, I think they are the same as an edidural??? I think a spinal is just stronger????? I think it's more getting the pain relief right after the c/s, tell them u want decent pain relief and have them chart it so there is no mucking around having to get approval if your really sore!!!

[becca022]

I had a spinal with my DS. He was born at 1.32am & at 10pm that night I walked my DF to the lift when he left. I've never had an epidural so I don't really know how long they last, but I'm pretty sure they'll both be pretty similar. Sorry if I wasn't much help, but thats my experience with a spinal. Good luck with everything. :hugs:

[Minke]

I had an epidural already in (for labour) but was still getting pains above my belly button,so when time came for the em c/s they took the epi out and gave me a spinal - apparently epi's can miss nerves, whereas with a spinal everything below it (where it's inserted) is numb? a spinal only lasts 2-4hrs, as it's a once off needle, an epi is catheter feeding the anesthetic into your back - they can up the amount, and it will work until they turn it off. If I was to go for another c/s i would request a spinal (although i did get the shakes from it).

I've had 3 epi's (2 for my first labour as the first epi didn't work - it was put in too high) and a spinal and have never had back probs after.

I had an em c/s at 9pm and was up the next morning. Was dosed up on morphine that night, so slept. My sister just had an elective, and was able to sort of sit up (with help from the nurses) a few hours later.



I'm sure someone will be able to give you better details... :D

(not to scare you - a friend had an epi and could still feel stuff during her c/s - would assume that's not normal though)

[natasha]

I had a spinal. I was up and walking round 12 hours later (very slowly mind you). My spinal wore off about 15 mins after they had finished stitching me up..... I could feel my toes,feet, legs ect. I was able to sit up as soon as was in recovery about half an hour after i had had the spinal. I didnt get the shakes or anything. I loved the spinal and would definately choose to have one again. I havent had an epi so cant compare really.:thumbsup:

[zenifa]

I had a spinal for my elective c/s for DD's birth. I have previously had an epidural for other surgery. I found recovery was quicker with the spinal, but then again the surgery was completely different.

I had my DD in the afternoon and was up and walking the next morning (yes it was painful at first), but I didn't have any headaches, backpain or any other bad experiences.

[Faeml]

I was given a spinal block too. Sarah was born about 2pm, I was allowed to get out of bed the next morning, though I was ITCHING to get out of bed before that.

Literally itching too... had a reaction to the morphine.

I had no troubles at all after that. No pain, no bruising. By the time I came home you couldn't even see where they put the needle in.

[becstar]

I had a spinal with my ceaser 11 days ago. It was great. The doc said spinal was better as it is more likely to work. Sometimes with an epi there is a "window" of pain left and if that happens they can't do the operation, they have to put you under a general. That is just what my OB said though, who really knows.....maybe he just prefers spinals!! Anyway, it worked. All is well and I have had a great recovery......compared to last time which was under a general and a bad recovery.
Good luck.
Bec

[my_lot]

i had a spinal block

had ds at 4 pm walked to the shower from the bed at 9pm. walked further the next day.

the feeling when it was wearing off was funny. like the needle the dentist gives you that makes your lips feel hard and fat but all down your legs.

[Buddha Bubbas]

wow seems like everyone had a spinal! I had an epidural which took 6 goes to get it in the right spot :rolleyes: that was fun :(

lost too much blood to be up and about till day 3.