epidural

Who is planning on getting an epidural. On the parenting board there is a post about residual back pain up to a year afterwards. I was planning on getting one, but now I am very scared about it.

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I read that thread too- initially my attitude was, "hell yes, I want drugs" but now I am not sure. I need to do a lot more reading and talk to my ob. Someone also mentioned a spinal, I want to read up on that too. I just don't think I have it in me to go totally drug-free.

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The whole idea of a needle in my spin scares the sh*t out of me. I cam going to try and do without.

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This is my third pregnancy and I had back issues due to fracturing it in three places and so on..and I never had aftermath of a epidural.

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For me, the epidural was a gift from heaven and I'd do it 100 times over, but that's because I had no issues - it wasn't painful going in, I had no residual back pain, etc. Even while I was on it, I could still feel and move my legs a bit.

Message edited 12/9/2006 10:42:45 AM.

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I took a labor and delivery class at the hospital last week. The nurse said its like getting novacaine at the dentist! Of course Im still scared but im a wimp when it comes to pain. My sister had one and she was itchy after..They gave her benadryl and she was fine. She said it was still heaven once she got it.

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I had one with my first and had no residual back pain. I couldn't stop shaking for a couple hours after though. It was weird, but worth it. I'm a huge baby when it comes to pain.

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My SIL still has terrible back pain and my nephew is 6

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I had terrible headaches from it for the first two months or so, but haven't had them since then, and I had my epi in for two whole days from my c-section. It's definitely something to consider, but I would take the headaches over the pain of childbirth!

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It might happen to you, it might not. There are all types of risks associated with childbirth. The best thing you can do is go in as informed as possible. I was induced so my labor was brought on with meds and it came quick and was painful. The epidural was great and I didn't feel a thing. I had an absolutely painfree ,wonderful birth experience. However, I had a migraine and threw up for hours after it was removed. I had headaches for several days after and still have residual back pain. I don't regret my decision at all. I give kudos to moms who go all natural!! Good Luck

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I posted on the parenting board that I still have pain at the site of the epideral 6 mos later. However, I would do it again.

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Not everyone gets back pain. I didn't. And the needle wasn't bad at all for me. It was just a little pinch and then I kind of felt a little twinge - like a nerve being hit. But it wasn't bad at all.
The epi did make me nauseous though and I threw up twice. But even that wasn't bad. I threw up, then went back to napping!
It did make me a little loopy - things were kind of fuzzy during delivery, but otherwise, it was awesome watching my contractions spike on the monitor and I didn't feel a thing
And after it wore off, I felt fine.

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I got an epidural and it was a blessing. They had a problem getting it in because I couldn't sit still or relax because of contractions, however as someone mentioned above it doesn't hurt. They numb the area which is just a pinch and then a warm sensation. Then once they get it in you get what feels like a quick shock in your leg - like you hit your funny bone....then you feel great!! It took 5 -10 minutes. I was also still able to feel and move my legs - the just felt really heavy.

I do have some residual lower back pain, but it was still worth it to me (I would never have lasted those 7 hours without it) and if I ever decide to have another baby I'd do it again!

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OMG I was pro-epi my whole pregnancy. During labor I asked for it MANY times and didnt get it til 7cm...and 18hrs in to my labor and it was the BEST THING EVER!!!

Yes sometimes my back is a little tender where I had the epi (and spinal for my c/s) and if I rub it it can be sore too. But now at 7 mos pp, I hardly notice it. Its nothing that would keep me from getting an epi again, that's for sure.

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I had planned to go natural my whole pg, but was open to alternatives.

When the time came it hurt so much i couldnt take it, i had my epi at 4cm's.

Yes the area was sore, and every once in a while i get tingle up my back, BUT for #2, THERE"S NOTHING that would keep me from those drugs again!

I have a high tolerance for pain, i don't even get novacaine at the dentist, but no way would give birth without drugs again.

The epi made the labor process so relaxing, i was able to rest, chat with family, eat my ice pops, watch tv.

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I am definitely planning on getting one

I am currently on a blood thinner that I cannot get an epidural with. My hematologist is going to switch my medicine to Heparin 2 weeks before my due date so that I CAN have the epidural. However, if I go early and I am still on the Lovenox I will not be able to get an epidural. I hope that does not happen

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I had both a epidural with Damien and a spinal with Jaidyn. My back has never been the same since I had Damien. It is actually sensitive to touch. I also was stuck 12 times before they got the epidural in and 9 times with the spinal (which didn't work and I had to be put out) I also have been having spasms at the site of my spinal. I think it may just depend on the person. I know people who have problems after and people who are just fine.

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I am curious for those who reported residual back pain from the epidural - do you know who put it in?