Another spinal question...

Did it last for a long time? I am getting a c-section and so afraid. I have heard that it feels like you can't breathe because you go numb from your chest all the way down.

Thank you all so much for being honest in my last post

Re: Another spinal question...

I had a c-section, and I was worried about the same thing. I stayed numb the whole time (ThankGod) and I was able to breathe just fine. You will be fine, dont worry! If you feel any discomfort just let your doctor know.

Re: Another spinal question...

Well, I didn't have a scheduled c/s...it was emergency, so I definitely had the epi and then something else--I'm not sure if it was a higher dose of the epi or what. Anyhow, I did not get the sensation like you described although I have heard of it. To be quite honest, the only thing that freaked me out was not being able to feel my legs. I told myself I would not attempt to move them, and then I tried anyhow and freaked out a bit. But I definitely felt my chest and was able to breathe as usual.

Re: Another spinal question...

Mine started to wear off about 20 minutes after I was in recovery. I had no trouble breathing and it just felt like pins and needles that started in my feet and gradually worked its way up. I was expecting to be fully aware of what was happening also, and was not- I was in another world!

Message edited 2/13/2006 8:12:48 PM.

Re: Another spinal question...

I had a spinal because I had a c/s because he was breech. I had it in the morning and started to get feeling back that night. By the next morning, I was walking around and I had a good recovery.

Re: Another spinal question...

I had an emergency c-section and I don't remember feeling at all like I couldn't breathe. All I remember is I that I could feel pressure like there was something going on in my belly, but it wasn't at all painful. I kept saying "I can feel it, I can feel it", but what I meant was I could feel *something* but it wasn't painful. I think the doc thought I really COULD feel it so he upped the dose of something so that when they pulled Alex out of me, I got sooooo nauseaus and ended up throwing up all over DH's lap!

It didn't wear off until much, much later, and by then I was given percoset and ibuprofen, which put a nice big smile on my face

Re: Another spinal question...

I felt fantastic with the epidural and the spinal (I needed both). There was no feelings of not being able to breathe. The only thing is, is that you shake like you're cold, but completely feel fine. Well, that's what happened to me. Even when the doctor said you're going to feel pressure, I felt nothing! When I was in recovery, the nurse asked me if I could move my feet and I could. She was so shocked that I did that quickly. I was CONVINCED that I wasn't having a c-section, I even skipped that chapter in my book. It really wasn't that bad...just the recovery is quite painful. If you get up and walk around...you'll feel better. Don't forget to get in that shower too...you'll feel like a million bucks!

Re: Another spinal question...

Thank you all so much You are all making me feel so much better

Re: Another spinal question...

I had a spinal and was numb for awhile....


To me- it was the greatest feeling... they couldve cut of my legs, and I wouldve found it hysterical!!!


As far as the breathing goes.... everyone that I know, had mentioned freaking out because they didnt feel themselves breathing... Well I will say, when you take a deep breath now, you feel it in your diaphram.... when your numb you wont....

I remember, being very aware that I couldnt feel myself breathing, but kept reminding myself... that it was normal, and I was infact breathing...theres an air mask on your face...so you'll def. be getting oxygen!