Starting to get nervous now - C-section on Wednesday, xome and tell me your nice spinal stories pllllease

[mummytopebs]

Have got my c section on wednesday and am starting to get nervous especially about the spinal. Had an emergency section with dd 5 years ago and had a general and found the general ok.

I suffer from panic attacks and anxiety and was going to have a general this time but have opted for the spinal. I am starting to get really nervous about this and the general operation. Can anyone reassure me x

You'll be fine, honestly.

I've had two electives and they are far more relaxing than an emergency one.

I don't have any nice spinal stories, but the when I was having my first elective one I managed to fart while climbing onto the operating table . The antacid they give you to take the night before gives you awful wind lol. I was mortified!

Best of luck for Wednesday.

It'll be fine. I had a spinal for my em cs - I was in labour when ds went into distress, so (after a bit of testing-type fucking around) they sat me up and did the spinal. the feeling as the pain whooshed away was unbelievable - from toes up was very nice.
First bf afterwards was a bit awkward, but managed it lying on my side. No probs afterwards.
Good luck!

1 em c-sec and then a semi elective (planned the day before) 4 years later.

I was terrified of the spinal the second time around and it was really really fine and I was sobbing and a wreck by teh time I got to that bit. I can honestly say the blood test they did before hurt more.

Good luck. It was fine really (and I really didn't want a second c-sc).

I've only had an EMCS too and am probably opting for an elective this time. Even though they had trouble getting it in at first (because I have an odd back, you shouldn't have this prob) the spinal was still OK - not really painful to do, complete pain relief once in, and everything after that point was much more relaxed than before.

It really is nice being awake when your baby is born, even with a C-section - I'm sure you won't regret it. Like girders I could BF lying down even though I was very tired - DS helped himself! And planned sections are pretty safe for you and the baby - yes it's a major op, but safer than an EMCS or a really traumatic birth. I am a real worrier too so I know how easy it is to get anxious, but I'm trying to read up about it to reassure myself. Loads of good luck to you.

I've had two c-sections under spinal.

I was absolutely petrified to the point of almost passing out with my first, but it was painless and quick and the whole experience - although surreal - was pain-free and over before I knew it.

I was sick wit nerves again second time around (the whole vibe of the operating theatre makes one feel scared and overwhelmed), but again, spinal was fine (felt a weird hot and cold sensation, but no pain) and the op itself was positively lovely. Honestly. Best day of my life! Recovery was really quick, too

Spinal was the worst bit for me! It didn't hurt exactly, but it does feel very strange going in. Made me feel quite faint. Once it was in though, the planned c-section was like a dream compared to my terrifying labour with dd1. So, it will be worth it!

I am now seriously scared x 24 hours and i will be in theatre

Hi mummytopebs, please don't be scared! I haven't had a c-section but was given a spinal when i was stitched up after DD's birth, it was fine i didn't feel anything at all actually, the doc said to me 'ok lie down for me' and i hadn't even realised he had done it, i thought he was still getting the needle etc ready.

Oh good luck mtp! Are you free to do something nice for yourself today to take your mind off it - shopping, coffee out and a magazine, pedicure etc.?

Either way try to relax and make the most of being able to rest and look after yourself before you have a new baby. It will be fine.

Ive had 3 c sections and my last one was done with a spinal - the only bad part is having to curl over and stay still so they can do it - its no big panic-honestly .

Its much easier than you could believe.

Good luck x

I had a spinal with DS 3 years ago and it was GREAT - I actively recommend it! After 2 days of labour followed by an emergency CS under general with DD - it was a blessed relief.

The injection isn't pleasant but a small price to pay for such a stress free delivery. DH, the anaesthnetist (sp?) and I were talking about house prices, then the surgeon said 'We are about to delivery your baby', next thing there he was!

I'd recommend reserving a private room for your recovery though. Then you have 2/3 days to lounge around reading books and feeding baby in perfect peace.

I wanted to say its ok to think a spinal isn't that nice.

I had one for a kidney op while I was pg with dd2 and it was horrid, amde me feel sick, scared em when I went numb, couldn't walk for hours even though I could feel my feet, I couldn't weight bear.

Its OK not to like it. Have never had one for cs as all my babies were vaginal deliveries, but I hater the whole sensation of being numb at 30 wk pg and panicked - had to ge a M to do sonicaid on me to prove dd2 was still alive as I lost the abaility to feel her move and then they had to sedate me.

It really is ok not to enjoy the sensation, if you don't. Don't let anyone tell you that you have failed if the section isn't the lovely smooth experience that many report!

I wanted to say its ok to think a spinal isn't that nice.

I had one for a kidney op while I was pg with dd2 and it was horrid, amde me feel sick, scared em when I went numb, couldn't walk for hours even though I could feel my feet, I couldn't weight bear.

Its OK not to like it. Have never had one for cs as all my babies were vaginal deliveries, but I hater the whole sensation of being numb at 30 wk pg and panicked - had to ge a M to do sonicaid on me to prove dd2 was still alive as I lost the abaility to feel her move and then they had to sedate me.

It really is ok not to enjoy the sensation, if you don't. Don't let anyone tell you that you have failed if the section isn't the lovely smooth experience that many report!

Mummy - calm down and read the replies that people have taken the trouble to write out for you. All of us have had good experiences with spinals and elective c-sections (myself included, after a crash section under ga for first birth). The spinal didn't hurt one bit going in. I felt a little bit woozy and dizzy during the birth, just for a minute or two, but overall it was a fantastic and happy experience.

I understand you are feeling vulnerable but can you not see that it is rude to post asking for advice, to get 6 friendly and reassuring replies, only to ignore them (not even saying thank you to the people who have answered you) and post again asking for more support. Sorry.

I have had 3 spinals, 1 after dd1s birth to repair damage, and the other 2 with elective sections, the first I never felt at all (shell shocked from labour, high after seeing dd1, and a bit numb all over!), second, was not very nice as they had to try a good few times to find the right spot, last 1 (7 months ago) was a dream! I was told the secret to getting them in first time is to relax your shoulders as you crunch on the side of the bed as this helps everything drop into the right position, I even had a lovely midwife pressing on my shoulders to make sure they were relaxed, I was so so happy when they said it was in!

I had an emergency section with a spinal and I can't say it was unpleasant at all. No after-effects either, though I was quite ill for other reasons.

Just wanted to wish you the very best of luck. I had one for EMCS 2 years ago and it was honestly fine, the scariest thing was having to keep completely still while having contractions but that won't be a problem for you. Having said all that, I'm due to have an ELCS in 5 weeks and I'm a bit nervous about it too because I think it's different when you've got time to think about it in advance but nonetheless, I know lots of people who've had them and been absolutely fine. Also, I had no after-effects at all. Will be thinking of you - let us know how it went once you're ready to get back online

But bibbity sometimes if you're scared, you're scared! Being told how rude you are probably not helping.

mtp, I hope you will be able to let us know how it went.

Thanks everyone for all the nice replies it is really re-assuring x I do have anxiety problems and have had to come off my medication for the operation so am more anxious than ususal. Sorry if i didnt seem like i was liking the support because i was, and if i havent been online since yesterday but have been busy sorting out hospital stuff and spending time with my dd.

Thanks for your advice Bibbity it really helped when i am feeling so scared.

I will update when i get home. Thanks again. I am just thinking about meeting my little girl, it is nice to know i wont have to go throught the emergency situation i had to with dd

I hope everything goes really well, mummytopebs, and that tomorrow is a very happy day for you.

Ooh, very exciting!

Get some rest. Deep breaths. Positive attitude tomorrow, it's going to be one of the best days of your life, after all!

You will be fine. x

good luck tomorrow, mummytopebs

i had a spinal block after my DS was born to repair a tear and honestly, it was absolutely fine. i get pretty anxious about anything involving needles (well, any kind of medical procedure that i don't feel in control of, really), but i had DP with me in theatre & he did some guided relaxation with me whilst the anaesthetist was doing his stuff (imagining myself on a sandy beach etc) which really helped. don't know if you'll have anyone with you for support or if you find that kind of thing useful, but just thought i'd mention it in case you might find it helpful

Have we heard from mummytopebs?

Would love to know how its all gone and whether she's had a boy or girl .

I suppose its a bit much to expect her to get on mumsnet 1 day after a c-section!

Hi everyone x We got home from hospitsl yesterday as there was a problem in the section. We are both fine and Hannah was born at 9.55am on the 20th weighing 7lb 3oz.

There was a problem in the section as my fallopian tube had adhered itself to my bladder and stomach from my previous section so they had to remove it also other tube is now blocked so we have been told we cant have anymore children but i have my 2 beautiful dd so am blessed.

The spinal was vey weird no pain but could feel them pushing and pulling etc but not as bad as i expected. The mood was lightened when dh fainted in theatre lol.

I have been left with no sensation when i need to wee so have been referred to urology but hoping the feeling will come back as the bladder may just be in shock where the tube was attached.

Thanks for your support and i am just so glad it is all over and i am home and enjoying baby hannah