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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:
AnnaMagnani · 29/12/2023 09:27

Sorry it will be a long wait as they will need an anaesthetist to do a blood patch.

In the meantime make sure you are lying flat as if it is a leak it helps the headache.

CyberCritical · 29/12/2023 09:24

HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 09:19

@Walnutair the Dr at urgent care said I needed to see an anaesthetist and that's where he sent me. The urgent day centre seem to think I should be at A&E. I can't wait another 7 hours!

I'm in a lot of pain and have terrible migraines.

You need to wait, I know you're in pain and it feels interminable but you need to be seen so you need to wait. Going home won't help anything. If anyone able to come and be with you, bring you a blanket and pillow so you can try to get more comfortable, be there to advocate for you and keep alert so you can close your eyes?

Walnutair · 29/12/2023 09:24

Try calling labour ward or the postnatal ward. I’m an anaesthetist and the obstetric anaesthetic team will definitely have a pathway for seeing patients with possible problems related to spinal anaesthetics. This might be A&E calling the obstetric or general on call anaesthetist to come and see you, or it might be going to the postnatal ward and them seeing you there. When was the spinal?

Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 09:19

@Walnutair the Dr at urgent care said I needed to see an anaesthetist and that's where he sent me. The urgent day centre seem to think I should be at A&E. I can't wait another 7 hours!

I'm in a lot of pain and have terrible migraines.

OP posts:
Walnutair · 29/12/2023 09:18

When was the Caesarian? If recent then you need to let the obstetric anaesthetic department know in the hospital you had your section - they will want to see you. You could try going via the Labour ward and see if they can put you in touch with the duty obstetric anaesthetist. Do you have a headache too?

LittleMG · 29/12/2023 09:17

Op you must start making a fuss don’t be send backwards and forwards again.

SutWytTi · 29/12/2023 09:16

If you have been passed from pillar to post contact PALS and complain. Don't leave A&E. Sorry this is happening to you Flowers

Original poster
HollyLondoner · 29/12/2023 09:16

@Soontobe60 the doctor at urgent care said he suspects it is a leak and not muscular. He sent a referral for me to come to the urgent day centre at 8am but they said they can't do anything so after going back and forth I am at A&E where it says there is a 7 hour wait. I've only had a blood test and they said there is a wait for pain relief.

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 29/12/2023 09:14

Which doctor said you may have spinal leak? Where are you now? Have you have any tests?

Topjoe19 · 29/12/2023 09:14

I'm so sorry this is happening. I've had c sections but nothing like this. I hope you feel better soon. Stay at a&e!

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