Epidural - side effects & recovery

[Macaroons]

Just wondering if anyone had any side effect / complications with their epidural? I had an induction with an epidural, felt great at that point (as couldn't feel the pain!) but 5 days on my left leg is still abit numb. I can just about walk but certainly cannot run. I wasn't expecting my leg to still be a little numb 5 days on! Went to GP she said this could take days / weeks or could even be permanent if nerve is damaged. Let's hope this is not the case!

Is anyone facing similar problem? How long did it take you to recover from epidural? Thanks!

Don't know if this helps - I did something on this in work ages ago.

It's only a chance of 1 in 13000 of being permanent or semi permanent (over 6 months) and 1 in a 1000 as temporary so incredibly incredibly rare to be permanent - permanent damage from epidural is therefore rarer than death in childbirth.
Sometimes these injuries are subject to litigation.

Numbness after childbirth due to obstetric reasons is more common than due to epidurals - it is a nerve compression injury.

Have a read here of Mark Zakowski's paper on this: www.soap.org/media/newsletters/winter_spring2001/current_review.htm

Good luck.

Thanks ushy! I do hope it's only temporary and will recover with time! Will read the link later! Cheers!

Something I forgot to say - bit surprised GP did not recommend you get this scanned if it goes on to identify just where the damage has happened

I'm not on the medical side but I think cases are normally sent for a scan although may be it is only if it does not self resolve within a certain period. Any GPs out there to advise?

Probably it will sort itself out shortly anyway but I wouldn't put up with a weak numb leg for very long without getting a fuller investigation.

I'm sure it will resolve itself anyway and won't be a problem but best to be cautious.

Good luck

This is not a normal side effect of having a baby it is highly likely that it is associated with having an epidural. I strongly suggest phoning your hospitals switchboard and asking to speak to the on call obstetric anaesthetist. Hopefully it will resolve soon, but I think it is really important that you are seen by an anaesthetist asap. All the best.

Max You are right - numbness is not a normal side effect but it is more commonly caused by the birth than the epidural. The Zakowski review gives the figures. The good news is that it is hardly ever permanent whatever causes it.