Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Suspected spinal leak - waiting 7 hours and counting

60 replies

HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 09:10

What a mess! I have had extreme back pain and migraines since having my c section. I have 7 spinal blocks as they struggled to get me numb. I have been having spasms and extreme pain in the site.

The GP told me the pain would go away and the migraines are hormonal. I paid to see a physio who says she had the same experience and said I should urgently go to A&E.

I called 111 who sent me to urgent care where I waited for 6 hours. I was then told to come back at 8am to an urgent day centre who sent me to A&E. A&E sent me back and the centre have sent me back to A&E. What an absolute joke. The Dr said I have suspected spinal leak which is very serious and I am in extreme pain and keep asking for pain relief but nothing. Any advice!?

OP posts:
Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 12:43

Yes they've sent me home. Just waiting to be picked up. I'm appalled.

I've called the GP and they said someone can call me back as a medical emergency but I don't know what they can do apart from maybe give me some pain relief.

OP posts:
Cmonluv · 29/12/2023 12:42

Ask for somewhere to lie flat, if you have a cafe leak then the pressure in your head will be low hence the horrible headache. Lying flat will help.

SirVixofVixHall · 29/12/2023 12:41

They are sending you home ?? I am shocked OP. This sounds horrendous.

MistyWitch · 29/12/2023 12:41

Definitely worth a call and remind them that they have a duty of care and if it is a spinal
leak and they refused to see you they will be liable.

Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 12:40

@MistyWitch good thinking. It is in the same place, yes. I did try the midwife unit first and they said they can't see anyone post partum but it's worth another call.

OP posts:
Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 12:38

I'm genuinely in excudiating pain. Can barely walk. They said to call my GP as they can't give any medication. Since when can't they give you any drugs to take home? I'm outraged that they won't check me

OP posts:
MistyWitch · 29/12/2023 12:38

While at the hospital call up maternity and explain that you are experiencing some concerning symptoms and a spinal leak has been mentioned after your c section 5 months ago. Tell them you are in A&E but have been told to go home without any kind of investigations. Ask to speak to the duty obstetric anaesthetist.

Im presuming the A&E you are at is in the same hospital that you had your section? If not, go there.

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 29/12/2023 12:37

That’s not good! What has your GP done so far? Painkillers won’t touch the sides if it’s spinal fluid leak.

Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 12:24

They've told me to call my GP for pain relief. I'm in shock.

OP posts:
Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 12:23

They've told me to go home!!!!!!!!!

No scan, no anaesthetist, no drugs!!

I've cried my eyes out and begged and that's not very me.

OP posts:
FourthToeOnTheRight · 29/12/2023 12:00

How awful for you, OP 😔

Really hope you get some answers soon.

LittleMG · 29/12/2023 11:59

Well done op your handling it really well xx

KatieB55 · 29/12/2023 11:54

You probably do need to be lying down. Contact PALS or get someone to come & advocate for you. Hope you get some help soon.

Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 11:49

I've been seen by a doctor after 3.5 hours who believes it is definitely spinal block related. She said she will speak to the consultant and get back to me. So we wait again......

OP posts:
LakieLady · 29/12/2023 10:14

So sorry you're having to go through this OP. It must be really frightening as well as painful. I hope the codeine is making you a bit more comfortable. And if you can get a friend or family member to come and sit with you, it may help ease your anxiety a little, plus they can advocate for you.

A&E seems to be in such a shit state everywhere, the pressure on staff is immense and so people are leaving and that makes it worse. God knows what it will take to fix it.

Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 10:11

@TheWildRumpyPumpus I'm sorry to hear you went through that.

I'm not sure it is a spinal leak but the Dr seemed pretty concerned and I'm in a lot of pain. He did say there's a possibility it's a slipped disk but what concerns me are the constant spasms in the site of the spinal blocks. I'm really not one to complain but my gut tells me something isn't right.

OP posts:
Plikujyhtg · 29/12/2023 10:05

This makes me so angry. There is absolutely no way you would have been dismissed by the GP if you were a man.
OP I really hope you get seen soon, I don't have any practical advice but can see some posters have given some excellent guidance. Good luck

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 29/12/2023 10:02

Also there wasn’t any back pain with my fluid leak, it was just an unbelievable headache.

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 29/12/2023 10:01

Hope you get sorted soon OP! I had a spinal leak after epidural, then had a blood patch that failed the same day I got home from the hospital (relief was immediate when I first had it though!).

Does your pain change between being upright and lying down? Think that was the main indicator for a fluid leak. I was literally unable to be upright for any amount of time without excruciating pain until it healed over.

I’ve also had migraines my whole life and those are very different- they come and go, and have definite triggers.

Teder · 29/12/2023 09:59

Can someone come and sit with you, even if not your partner? Anyone else?

Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 09:53

The c section was 5 months ago but the pain and migraines have got progressively worse. No news on an anaesthetist. I will ask when they call me in. I just don't want to be fobbed off! If I'm still here this afternoon I'll get the baby to come for a bit to cheer me up for a cuddle. I woke up at 5am just to cuddle with him before coming back here 😢

OP posts:
Teder · 29/12/2023 09:49

Don’t leave, please. You need to be seen! How old is your baby, can they be brought to see you for a bit?

Walnutair · 29/12/2023 09:44

Has anyone called an anaesthetist yet? When was the section?

SomeCatFromJapan · 29/12/2023 09:39

OP I'm horrified. Someone I follow on youtube had this and it caused a stroke that almost killed him. Fortunately for him he wasn't in the UK so actually got prompt medical attention and pulled through.
I agree lying flat might help ease the headache pain.

Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 09:38

Thanks all. I'm extra emotional as I'm away from my baby as I thought best for him to stay home with my partner.

I cried at reception and said I could take the pain. Been given codeine and they said will be about 2 hours so they can check the blood test. Hopefully it is 2 hours and not 7 as advertised....

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread