C section with a general - any experiences?

[civilfawlty]

Hi all. Due to a combination of circumstances (raised amniotic fluid levels and a terrible needle phobia which rules out an epidural ands breech baby) it appears that a c section with a general is my most likely delivery method. I am finding it very hard to access a realistic nuts and bolts summary of what will happen - has anyone any experience of this they would be willing to share please?

I am keen to find out what the pre-prep is like (invasive?); whether there is a way of being calmed before they administer the general; who is in the room; how long it takes; when my husband can have the baby; recovery times; when I can do skin to skin; length of hosp stay; pain; when I can shower; if it has any implications for breast feeding; and most importantly outcome for my baby. And I'll bet there are a million other things I've not thought of. (I know-I have catheter anxiety-can they do that once I am out? I dont think I can cope with being touched when I'm awake.)

Thank you for any input. Appreciated

A spinal or GA most definitely would not be administered without a canula. In the former case, IV fluid and anti hypotensives are administered to counteract the fall in BP and with the latter, as a PP pointed out, it is used to give the anaesthetic drugs. The cannula could be administered with lidocaine or topical local.

Hi OP, I had a GA after 5 failed attempts at a spinal, i wasn't happy about it tbh, because i didn't think there would be a problem getting a spinal done, so wasn't expecting it.
However, the GA was fine, i had to have my blood pressure checked and cannula put in before i was asleep though, so i hope you won't be too distressed by that.
I find not looking at the needle, and someone distracting me helps, although im not phobic, so not sure if that would help you.
I was awake very quickly after the section, a bit of a dry mouth, but not a sore throat etc, was sleepy for the rest of the evening, but was able to eat, and feed baby and i was 100% alert the next morning.
Good luck.

TBH the blood pressure being taken was more painful than the cannula!
Was maching operated, so a lot stronger than the MW doing previously.