Malignant Hypothermia

[2point4pets]

Just wondering if anyone has this (allergy to general anaesthetic) and what the recommendations are for childbirth? I am due to see a caesar clinic at the end of November on recommendation from my consultant - does this mean I am def. having a C section? It is a pretty rare condition. any advice gratefully received... PS this is my first child, I am 37, dont know if this makes a difference... pregnancy perfect so far.

[ilove]

Hellooooooo!

I have MH and the children are suspected to have it too.

First off, how do you know you have it? Have you reacted to GA before or is it simply suspected? If you have it, what ingredients specifically are you allergic to?

OK, the basics...and whoever is with you needs to know to SHOUT this at the top of their voice if it becomes necessry...

In the event of an emergency GA they MUST use what is called a CLEAN MACHINE and a vapour free circuit. You MUST have a Consultant Anaesthetist...NOT aa normal one who has only read about it in a book!

You can have a spinal or an epidural and you will probably find that no matter how you are to deliver, they will want an epidural up at the first opportunity...far far safer to top that up than try and get you under in an emergency which may be why you have been referred.

You do not need a CS for MH at all...far saer to deliver vagiinally.

OK, baby...baby MUST be red tagged as MH too... it is hereditary and until babe is around 10 it cannot be tested so you will always have to shout about it... I now shout until I am listened to, it is that important as I'm sure you're aware.

Finally, Jimmys (St James University Hospital, Leeds) is the leading center for MH in teh world...they won't mind you ringing them and asking questions at all.

Feel free to ask anything I might have missed out or that isn't clear...

oh, and gas and air is safe and yummy too!!

[2point4pets]

Thanks for this. It is actually DH who has it (got tested in Leeds this year after a scary op reaction) and I have been told by Leeds that for the duration, I have it too. Yes, have heard about the early epidural thing, but does this mean I am much more likely to eventually need an intervention of some sort (forceps etc?) My biggest fear is having an early epidural, then 48 hours of labour, then an emergency c section. Then again, I guess I'm not the only one! I cant help thinking if I am offered a scheduled c section to take it so nothing is left to chance.
Have been told that Baby won't be able to be tested until 16 as it involves a nasty muscle biopsy. My Consultant seems very blase about this, and I have actually had Leeds and my consultant give opp advice about how I should be treated. very confusing. Glad to have the appt at the C Section clinic in any case.

[ilove]

OK, if it is your husband who has it then it makes your labour easier I think...I had epidurals with all 4 of mine and my longest labour from pessary to deliver was 12 hours...shortest was 36 minutes lol. Induced with them all.

Yes baby will need a muscle biopsy when they're grown enough, and the reason your consultant is blase is because he will know sod all about MH! That's why you need to be VERY vocal...that baby must NOT leave your side without being red tagged and everyone knowing how serious it can be. Sorry to sound melodramatic but this is one where you need to be.

Oh, and the advice to go with is Leeds...if I were you and it were at all possible, I'd deliver in Leeds. If not then get on the phone to your hospital and speak to a consultant paediatric anaesthetist, or to the consultant anaesthetist on delivery suite...they are the ONLY people whose opinions matter in terms of your delivery...NOT your Gynae consultant, despite the fact they think they're god!

[beautifulgirls]

I cant talk about MH, but the thought occurs that if you are worried about an epidural making labour harder, would it perhaps be an option to have it all set up but not running the drug in unless you actually need it later on?? That way it is there for an emergency situation, but you could have every chance of labour without needing to use it like others would.
Hope that might be helpful and good luck.