Panic attack on the operating table

[wingingit33]

I'm 29+2 with dc3 who will be arriving via the sunroof. Dd1 was a third degree tear, dd2 an elcs. Whilst my section was a better recovery, I had a panic attack on the table. I absolutely hated the sensation (or lack of) of not feeling my legs. Whilst i knew it was normal I really really panicked. I hated the fact I couldn't move even if I wanted to. The paralysis terrified me. They ended up giving me some light sedation so I was awake but drowsy meaning I couldn't hold my baby in theatre. I'm now absolutely terrified of my next section. Vaginal birth isn't an option as I had a prolapse repair after dd1.

Any suggestions? I know I have no choice but to experience all the above again unless I opt for GA.

You could maybe ask the GP to prescribe propranolol to take the morning of your op? That really helps with the feelings of panic and can be prescribed in pregnancy.

Have you talked this through with your midwife? I am sure you could at least get the opinion of your obstetrician and anaesthetist regarding how to manage this. Your GP would not prescribe any sort of medication prior to a surgical procedure in hospital. That would be irresponsible.

No experience so what I'm about to say might be bollocks! But...

First of all, I wonder if being prepared this time will help a little - you know what it's like so there won't be any nasty surprises. And secondly, there must be hypnobirthing exercises for c sections somewhere - would some breathing exercises and visualisations help you?

Propranolol isn't an option, I'm asthmatic and tbh wouldn't like my gp prescribing something. I'll chat it through with the consultant. I'm terrified. I'm leaning towards GA but then Dh will miss the birth

Speak to the anaesthetist either at your pre op or on the morning of. They are usually lovely and won’t want you to feel panic like that. And it’s then that would be giving you anything anyway. Forearmed is forewarned. Fingers crossed the fact you know what to expect will improve your experience this time ❤️ X

I'd speak to the midwife or consultant about it at your next appointment so that it's on your notes.
If there is some therapy you could try before the birth it might help, or they might have an alternative solution.
If however GA is best for you then do it, you need to prioritise you in the birth plan, not your DH, and he'd see the baby soon enough.

I have the same fear. I turned down a recommended csection with DS3 because the fear of being numb and unable to move was too overpowering. I ended up having an epidural for an MROP after birth though so it kind of backfired not envy.

I got myself through it with mantras, challenging my own thoughts, and clock watching. I know it sounds daft and like it couldn't possibly help at all when you're that fearful, but it really did.
"So what if I can't move, where else do I need to be right now anyway?"
"You'd only be feeling pain if you weren't numb right now"
"You're safe, in the best place, there are drugs here that can take the panic away instantly if it gets too much"
"So what if I panic, it won't hurt me"
And the thing that helped most was clockwatching, so I'd tell myself "if you're still this numb in x amount of time, permit yourself to panic" and obviously as sensation increased over time, watching the clock some more, knowing with each minute was closer to regaining feeling.... just helped so much.

Good luck OP. I'd be shitting bricks too. Really remind yourself it's so so temporary.

Insist on talking to your anaesthetist in advance op if this doesn't happen automatically

Tell them in no uncertain terms that you are worried that you will panic on the table. The last thing they want is you moving around and they will give you something to calm.you down.

I remember exactly the same feeling of sheer panic when I couldn't move my legs. It completely freaked me out so I totally understand!

Much better to prepare the anaesthetist in advance, they are usually very helpful and receptive, and it's their job to keep you comfortable throughout

Good luck

@SoSickOfItNow

You could maybe ask the GP to prescribe propranolol to take the morning of your op? That really helps with the feelings of panic and can be prescribed in pregnancy.

No! Propanalol reduces blood pressure, on top of the spinal which also reduces blood pressure OP would faint!

I hated my CS because of the above & was trying really hard to stay calm. I had a fantastic anaesthetist who held my hand & talked a lot to me. Do tell them.

There’s quite likely to be a midwife who specialises in mental health and an anaesthetic consultant clinic at the unit you’re having your baby at… it may be worth asking to see both. There are good reasons (for both mum and baby) that a spinal is the preferred anaesthetic for many/most women having an elective section so working out a way to make it feel more comfortable with the team looking after you really is probably best if possible.

Thank you all for your understanding