Spinal/back issues and unable to have regional anaesthesia for CS - anyone else ?

[backTofrontagain]

For reasons that aren’t completely clear (have a reasonable idea but it’s never been properly investigated) I cannot have an epidural/spinal .

This seems to just be accepted now and no investigation/ treatment just I’m being told any more babies and it’s GA. I feel slightly like I wish they’d see if it’s as something fixable ? (I think it’s a combination of scoliosis and hyper mobility plus poor posture?)

So, I’m not sure what to do really , is it really the only option ? I guess so (not suitable for vbac either)

Anyone else have back issues ?

Have you been seen in an obstetric anaesthetic consultant clinic to discuss the rationale behind that advice and the other pain relief options? If not it’s probably worth asking.

@Greybeardy

Have you been seen in an obstetric anaesthetic consultant clinic to discuss the rationale behind that advice and the other pain relief options? If not it’s probably worth asking.

Can you see one prior to conceiving or do you have to see one once pregnant ?

I literally feel like I’d need to have the conversation before ttc

If it’s in the context of a difficult/failed spinal epidural then it’s probably pretty straightforward to ask for a clinic appointment to debrief/plan future analgesia & anaesthesia strategies. If you’ve never had a spinal/epidural it’d be unusual to see an anaesthetist pre-conception but I guess not impossible - it’d probably depend a bit on the context in which you were told it wasn’t possible. There’s only one way to find out though really - ask. Hope that helps.

Sounds like great motivation to work on your posture!

@Greybeardy

If it’s in the context of a difficult/failed spinal epidural then it’s probably pretty straightforward to ask for a clinic appointment to debrief/plan future analgesia & anaesthesia strategies. If you’ve never had a spinal/epidural it’d be unusual to see an anaesthetist pre-conception but I guess not impossible - it’d probably depend a bit on the context in which you were told it wasn’t possible. There’s only one way to find out though really - ask. Hope that helps.

I think I’ll talk to my gp. The 2 ive had were traumatic to say the least. 6 attempts to place the first which was excruciating and then resulted in me having to have a blood patch after for a severe headache as I leaked spinal fluid

Second took 7 attempts but then didn’t actually work properly so had to go to sleep anyway it was just awful

I have a spinal issue which i thought would impact any epidural or spinal needed. I spoke to my midwife very early on and she referred me immediately to an anaesthetist to discuss my spinal condition and the options available to me.
The guy i spoke to was excellent. Took on board my concerns, looked into my condition and reassured me that even with a poorly alligned spine, I was suitable for any kind of block needed.
They do not routinely offer a general anaesthetic for delivery so will look at other, safer options.
It is definately worth speaking to an anaesthetist and orthopaedic surgeon (if under their care) to find out if there are additional risks for you.
I requested physio early on on my pregnancy too to ensure i gave myself the best ppssible care whilst carrying baby.

@seethesuninwintertime

Sounds like great motivation to work on your posture!

I’ve tried but i think it’s the only factor I can influence but I don’t know what to do about my actual spine it’s curved slightly to the side but also a slight twist in it if that makes sense ? So there are 2 places it’s not in the right position

To even open up the space partially they had to get a nurse to sort or push down and back a bit hard on just one shoulder

I have a scoliosis too -I think they all have a twist.
There’s a good Pilates book called Twists Curves and Bends

Good luck. I don’t know whether is a choice of sites on the spine??