Repeat C Section Tuesday

I can't believe my C Section is Tuesday! Don't get me wrong, I'm so excited to meet DC but I'm so nervous. I shouldn't be bc I've done it once before but I'm going into it with a clear mind this time rather than after hours if labor. Last time I had an epi but this time I'm getting a spinal. What's the difference? That's what I'm most nervous about. Last time I was having contractions and they could have given anything to me for them stop. It's so different going in with a clear head. Anyway, thanks for letting me get out my nervous energy! Tuesday cannot come soon enough.

Re: Repeat C Section Tuesday

I asked my Dr the difference between an epi and a spinal, and he said the spinal goes in a little deeper, but is a one time injection that acts quickly and then wears off after a few hours. An epidural is a continuous feed through a catheter. So with the spinal, there is no catheter hanging out of your back, just a simple injection.

Good luck!! I'll be in your shoes in early March, and while ok looking forward to a completely different experience with no labor, I'm a little nervous too!

Re: Repeat C Section Tuesday

I found the spinal easier then the epi, then put a numbing lotion on your back, then a quick needle to numb you more, then you get the spinal. But the spinal I felt almost nothing, just pressure (but cannot say I was not shaking like crazy because of nerves!)

I will be having my 3rd in March (another repeat C)

Re: Repeat C Section Tuesday

I had a scheduled section too and went in with a very clear head. Honestly it was not bad. I was very nervous leading up to it but once I woke up the morning of our son's arrival, I was the most calm I ever was the whole pregnancy. I just said to myself..... One way or another, he must come out! I did not find the spinal bad at all. Friends if mine had be a little nervous going in, but when they did it, I had no idea it was even done! I was hunched over on the table and a nurse said I could squeeze her hand. Next thing I know, they are whipping me around to lay down and said my legs will soon start to feel warm. I was shocked they had already done it!!!

Re: Repeat C Section Tuesday

I was so nervous about my repeat c-section for the same reasons! I wound up breaking my water 3 days before my scheduled section but wasn't feeling any pain so I was so super anxious going into the OR. But it honestly was so easy breezy! I asked the anesthesiologist a ton of questions before hand. She said spinal is a smaller needle than an epidural. Honestly I felt no pain getting it! It was a lot easier and faster than the epidural.
It is totally normal to be nervous! My best advice is to just focus on the end result and don't be shy about asking questions to your Dr and anesthesiologist. Knowing what to expect really helped to relieve some of my anxiety!!

Re: Repeat C Section Tuesday

My repeat c was a breeze compared to the first one. The spinal, imo, was so much better than the epi. As pp said, don't be afraid to ask questions about what will happen. It really didn't hurt at all, a quick sting like a bee sting and that was it. Good luck!

Re: Repeat C Section Tuesday

funny I was more nervous for my 2nd cs than my first and both of mine were planned.

For my first I had a spinal. It is a single injection. Your pain meds will then be given through an IV in your arm.

The epi stays in and is also how they will give you the pain meds after the fact.hi

Which is better? hard to say. I had less side effects with the spinal however my spinal wore off earlier than it should have. I am apparently resistant to stuff like that.

The epi they had a hard time getting me fully numb and had to shift me all around to make it work. And it made me very sick during surgery. (however I think part of that was that I hadnt eaten in over 18 hours by the time I finally went in for my cs) and I was throwing up. I also wound up feeling weird and getting the chills, teeth chattering during surgery, all issues i didnt have with the spinal.

But either way they both did their job, neither was more painful than the other etc.

Good LUck!

Message edited 1/18/2014 5:29:04 PM.

Re: Repeat C Section Tuesday

They both feel about the same when you get them, but with a spinal it last about 4hours, and then is done. A epidural they can keep giving you more meds and its longer lasting.

Repeat C Section Tuesday

Spinal is quick; feels like a bee sting, then quickly starts working...... my 2nd c-section was a breeze, good luck!!!!