Anyone had a failed epidural, but then had one with another birth that worked ?

[DefNotYummyMummy]

I am booked in for an ELCS. My first DC was EMCS under GA because of a failed epidural and final spinal. My second DC was VBAC and again I had a failed epidural.

They are going to try an epidural and spinal again for the ELCS but I don't want to have to go through that again even though I guess I have no choice. Why do they have to test cutting you to see if it has worked ?

Has anyone had a failed epidural in one birth and one that worked in another ?

Just looking for some hope I suppose.

I mean 'failed spinal' ...

Yes, I have. Failed epidural with DD1 led to em c-s under GA, as with you. However, both DDs 2 and 3 were VBAC with effective epidurals. In fact, with DD2, the epidural was a total block - the mw reckoned the anaesthetist had read my notes and thought 'That's not going to happen again' and went for a high dose to make sure!

With DD3, she was induced with syntocinon, so I had an epi from before they started the drip and it was a fantastic birth - though the pain wasn't there, I could still feel the pressure and had no problems pushing her out.

Yes. I had one failed epidural - the doctor said I had a funny spine.... The birth was horrendous and vile (was an induction at 37 weeks).

The next epidural was done by a proper anaesthetist who had a little bit of trouble getting the needle in but it worked and was fantastic. A better experience by far.

Fantastic - I now have hope !!

With my vbac they tried 3 times to reposition it, but it didn't work.

I guess I have to hope the next anaesthetist has a few new ideas.

Another thing - do they have to try cutting you to see if it works? They had a cold spray that they sprayed onto my arm (so I knew what it felt like) then onto my abdomen to see if I could still feel it.

Well they did that, and I said I really wasn't sure whether I felt the cold spray or not. Then he said I have given you enough to knock out a horse. You'll be fine. But then I felt this burning sensation and started freaking out.

I guess I'll have to make sure they take me seriously this time. That's why I am on edge about it as last time they didn't believe me.

I had a slightly failed epidural with ds1 - it worked on one side of my body but not the other, but they were able to push in a higher dose and then it worked almost 100%. There had been a bit of bother getting the needle in - it took several attempts.

With ds3 it worked fine, first time.

Yes I had a crappy epidural with DD1. The aneasthetist asked if I could move my toes, I said yes and wiggled them, he frowned, said "well you shouldn't be able to" and I never saw him again. DD1 was finally delivered by forceps without even a local anaesthetic. Rant, rant rant!

Just had an ELCS with DD2 and the spinal was marvellous so, so dense. Couldn't feel a thing.

Yes - midnight - first one failed, repositioned, thought it had worked - anaesthatist said she'd be back to check in 5mins - 3hrs later (on syncotin drip) came back - had been in emergency op - had to start with spinal but then got epidural to work . But going into theatre they topped it up significantly - and pinched me in various places to check on whether it had worked and how far up etc

Similar problem for me. With my last birth I had an epidural which only numbed one side of my body. Couldn't say why, but they did have some trouble placing it - I'm too much of a fatty I think.

Am due to have an ELCS on Wednesday and am nervous that if the epidural does not work properly this time then they will do it under GA which I really do not want.

Will be glad when it is all over and done with.

At least this time I am avoiding the trauma of a forceps and shoulder dystocia birth.

Hi Flopsy - mmm, I was a bit of a fatty too . After several attempts they sent for an extra long needle - and this worked first go.

As you have an elective on Wed maybe you should mention the issue to the anaesthesiologist when he/she is consenting you for the op (will that be Mon? I've been told I'll be consented for my elective 3 days before it). A simple "they had real trouble placing the epidural last time, I think I needed a longer needle as I'm a bit heavy" will probably be enough to ensure they have several sizes just in case, and if you can avoid a GA for the price of one slightly embarrassing comment, that would be well worth it!

Even if you have already been consented, you should have time to speak to someone at your night-before check (they do these at my hospital anyway, rather than keeping you in Hospital the night before).

Good luck on Wed!

I had a failed epidural with DS1 - horrendous. Ended up in theatre with spinal.

Had DS2 3 weeks ago and had read that hypermobility (being very flexible) can be a cause of failed epidurals. When the anaethatist arrived (when I was fully dilated!!), he gave me a spinal so that I could sit still and have the epidural. I said I was hypermobile and that my first had failed. He had a go and explained that he would have to site the epidural from the side as my spine was fused, which is why I had had problems first time round. He was successful and I had a pain free delivery - hooray! If his name hadn't have been Roger, I would have named DC2 after him!!!!!

Wow! I'm not even pregnant again yet and have found this really reassuring - thank you. In fact part of the reason I'm not pregnant is that I had such a bad experience the first time. Induced, failed epidural (I too was told I had a funny spine MrFibble!)... she was finally delivered, back to back, with forceps on morphine! I kid you not - it had to be signed off by the severe pain unit or something.

Anyway, thank you - I've started to feel a bit broody lately and this is making me feel a lot more positive about going through labour again.