Is it true that Epidural is extremely dangerous for the mother and there is a high chance for the drug to be administered incorrectly, such that the mother is either paralyzed or does not have bowel movements? I heard this from a few of my acquaintances and am curious to find out if they overexagerated the risk.
Claud2001
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Re: Epidural Question
There are high risks with any procedure that involves your spine. I don't know how common the risks that you mention are, but it cannot hurt to speak with your doctor and do your own research!
I felt the benefit of having the epidural outweighs the risk...but, I was VERY nervous about it when they were putting the needle in place. It's a personal decision.
michele31
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Yes there are risks, but I have never heard that the risks were considered HIGH. I think, at least in the US, those types of problems are considered rare. I have heard more stories about having a doctor who takes a few 'pooks' in order to get the right spot and that hurts.
Kathi
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'Extremely dangerous' is wayyyyy overexaggerated!! OMG, I never would have had an epi (or 2 since he missed the first time ) if that was the case!!
There are, however, a *very* small percentage of women that have a horrible experience with it. There's also a very slight chance that it won't be effective in some women. You should definitely research it as Claud suggested. Frankly, it will probably put your mind at ease.
Thankfully, for me, we know it does work, but hopefully next time, they'll hit the spot on the first try!! I was poked (as Michele said) about 13 times!!
alina
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Thanks Claud, Michele and Kathi... Kathi, I am sorry you poked a little, but at least it worked I'll definitely do research on this, but given a few things that I saw on the web, the risk of paralysis is quite scary... Almost makes me think that the decision to do or not to do the epidural should be somewhat joint, with the hubby's input as counting (afterall, he would be the caretaker if things go wrong)..
What websites might provide me with educational info on this (besides typing 'epidural' in google)? We're not TTC yet, but the fact that 2 of my acquaintances (in their early 20's) knew someone who's had such severe problems makes me want to learn about this sooner rather than later...
NIHA
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I don't know much about it, but my SIL, who's a PT said she has worked with women who were paralyzed from it.
kmcwed
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I also know someone who was paralyzed from epidural anesthesia during labor.
Gradually, her function returned, but it took a long time. A year after the birth, she was still going to physical therapy and wasn't 100% herself yet.
Can you imagine having all the responsibilities of a new baby and being unable to walk around and care for yourself and the infant?
Honestly, after hearing that, and also 'listening' to my sister as she was getting her epidural, I think if I ever have a child, I'm going to do it without a needle stuck in my spine. My sister's didn't even take effect until after the baby was born! So all that trouble was for nothing in her case.
It really is a personal choice. Everyone is different. For some, the benefit will outweigh the risks. For others, even a slight remote risk of paralysis or other complications, is too high and they'll choose not to have the epidural. You have to do what's best for you and your husband.
Sassy
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Re: Epidural Question
Also they say if you wait too long into the labor, don't bother cause it won't take effect in time.....
alina
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I find the fact that many of us (2 girls here so far and 2 of my acquaintances) knowing someone through someone who's had a bad experience pretty scary... Granted this is not a scientific study, but looks like the risks outweigh the benefits...
DKA1026
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That is really scary! I'd never heard that there could be such complications! I had planned to have an epidural, but now I'm going to reconsider. I'm just so afraid of the pain!!!
MichelleW
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I am one of the small percentages that epi's don't work on I learned the HARD way
sn00k4
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I'm deathly afraid of needles and have heard of the risks of becoming paralyzed... plus the fear of not being able to really feel to much kind of freaks me out. What if something goes wrong and I can't feel anything? So I'm planning on skippking the epidural...
alina
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Re: Epidural Question
Posted by DKA1026
That is really scary! I'd never heard that there could be such complications! I had planned to have an epidural, but now I'm going to reconsider. I'm just so afraid of the pain!!!
Demetra: That's exactly what I was thinking too!!! I am not preggo yet, but I think my fear of pain is less than my fear of being paralyzed or having no bowel movement (based on another 'story')...
michele31
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Re: Epidural Question
Most hospitals/birthing classes have a night devotated to this topic so that you are well informed prior to making ANY decision. I have back problems already so the idea of an epi is very scary to me as well. But statistically the risks are not super high. It is still rare to have such a severe complication.
I find the entire pregnancy is about 'risks' and 'stats'. I mean, there is a risk to carrying a child, there is a risk of pre-term labor and other complications, there are risks that something will be wrong with the baby etc..etc... You just have to see what risks you are willing to take and the pros and cons of each decision.
kmcwed
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Re: Epidural Question
Also things to consider....
If you get the epidural, you have to have a catheter put into your bladder.
An epidural is dosed in such a way, that it becomes less effective when it's pushing time, so you can actually feel enough to push. To me, that's a little silly. Just when you need it most, it's less effective.
Also, some people claim an epidural slows labor down to a certain degree. You also can't get up and walk around to help the labor along.
The trade off...a more comfortable labor.
Again, it's a very personal decision.
I'm with Alina on this one so far. I'd rather endure 12-24 hours of discomfort and 1-2 hours of excruciating pain, than risk being paralyzed or otherwise compromised indefinitely.
jenny11.9
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i broke my back a few years ago - so i have major back fear in general. I am afraid I won't be able to test fate twice when it comes to my spine. I was only centimeters away from paralysis when I broke my back and I have never quite forgotten that feeling....
I am taking my childbirth class in December and will start reading up on lots of pain management theories shortly, but after doing some preliminary research, I think I can say for me in my personal situation, the epi is just not the way to go. I am afraid it will cause me more anxiety than anything.
Sassy
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My OB said she highly believes in epidurals and has had none of these horror stories in her deliveries.
My only fear is that I have scoliosis, and wonder if that will make my spine more prone to things going wrong....
jenny11.9
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sassy i havent' heard any horror stories either. This is only my personal willy nillies on back stuff. If I hadn't had an injury I'd be begging for that thing right out of the gate! Hell they could give me one NOW in that case!!!!
elle
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I have to say that my epi was not a great experience -- but Ill do it again !!!
The epi itself did not hurt at all ! It was well worth it -- to get rid of the labor pain ! I could rest and collect myself... BUT -- my epi wore off completely when I started to push -- and I pushed for 4 hours,,, so It did not help me there. I had no after effects accept for a sore back -- and a little numbness in my leg that went away in like a week . I will have another epi with my next baby -- it is just I have no tolerence for any pain ! LOL But it is a very personal choice.
