Spinal for C Section

[Camouflage]

Hi All,

I had my ELCS approved today but the consultant said she couldn't really answer any questions about the spinal and this would be explained by the anaesthetist. However, I won't meet him/her until the day of the surgery.

I was hoping someone could answer a few questions for me as I'm finding conflicting info when I google:

1. How far up your body does the anaesthetic numb?
2. How long does it take to wear off? Or start to wear off?
3. Which is more commonly used, spinal block or epidural?

Thanks.

I also went into shock and had a foil blanket with a hot air blower. It was actually quite nice and I was able to pause the hot air blower to feed the baby. It wasn’t scary.

I didn't have any nausea. But I did poop myself after my first. Didn't even know. The midwife told me. That wasn't even that bad. They see it all the time. . But it was down to a drug that I'd had to have as my womb didn't contract. I didn't produce oxytocin. So it was given to me.

I didn't feel sick with my second either. But at least that time I didn't poop myself!

Had 3 sections. 1st emcs and last 2 planned. All spinal. They test that you are numb with a freezing cold spray that they spray right up to under your arms.
My last one they put a spinal in and a separate epidural line also as sometimes with twins and multiple sections it can take longer so may have needed topping up. I didnt and.was fine. I was really sick with first then anesthetist gave me anti sickness meds and immediately it went away. Awesome lol! Got the shakes. Teeth chattering and everything. Was given warming blanket to put over. The ones they fill with air.
2nd one i felt my bp plummet. Thought i was dying. Again meds adjusted and all good again.
I did get really bad shoulder pain in both sides, referred pain from the op, again anesthetist gave me something and it went. Was awful.
Was able to move a few hours after each.
Feels like someone doing washing up inside you. But no pain.

First time spinal was an EMCS and I got the shakes before they cut me open, I distinctly remember thinking how on earth are they going to do this if I am shaking this badly. But I had been in labour for 24+ hours and a baby in distress so I was in full blown panic mode anyway. Stopped shaking just before the incision was made.

Ds2 was an ELCS, much calmer, I told the anaesthetist that I couldn't feel my little fingers, I was stroking them with my thumbs. I had partial numbness in my ring fingers but the rest were all fine. He told me this was a great sign as they can literally pinpoint where I was numb from.

No shakes this time but I did feel sick just after Ds2 was born. My lovely midwife wiped my face with a cool cloth and they adjusted my meds and I felt better within 5 minutes.

But I know I am not great with anaesthetic anyway, I take a long time to come round from a general and I am always nauseous.

I can't remember when I was up and about as my sons are teenagers now

Thanks everyone, hearing your experiences is really reassuring. Sounds like anaesthetists are miracle workers!