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Original poster

Is epidural safe with scoliosis

6 replies

Puppie · 10/08/2007 12:12

Hi all! I was in the hospital the other day after my anti-D injection when I noticed a leaflet on the wall saying that there were possible complications with having an epidural if you have scoliosis. I was told last year that I have 'mild' scoliosis and am now worried I will not be able to have an epidural if I need one. I'm going to ask at my next app but was wondering if anyone out there ha had the same?

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 10/08/2007 12:16

the epidural is pretty low down, so if your curve is high up you should be okay.

mine is and i've had epis that worked.

Original poster
Puppie · 10/08/2007 12:19

Ta expatinscotland. Did you have someone examine your spine before they decided? I was diagnosed by Private clinic so doc doesnt have it on my records.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 10/08/2007 12:27

No. I knew mine was high up, though. And I had had epis in the US and the anethesiologists examined the spine when I told htem about the curve.

I know mine's very high up - my shoulders are at a different height.

MrsMar · 10/08/2007 13:49

puppie - I don't have scoliosis but I do have a knackered disc, which I'd mentioned to my midwife at my booking in appointment. I'd forgotten all about it to be honest (haven't had any pain at all this pregnancy which is AMAZING!) but at my last mw appt (34 weeks) she was just looking through my notes and noticed I'd mentioned it. She asked me if I'd like to see the anaesthetist in case I need an epi or spinal block. It hadn't even occured to me that I would. If your scoliosis is in your notes I presume your midwife will make similar arrangements... but it can't hurt to ask.

3isthemagicnumber · 10/08/2007 14:59

Hi puppie. I have fusion of the lower verterbrates and mild, lowdown, scoliosis. During my first pg i saw a consultant anaesthatis who just wanted to check that there was an epidural space if needed ( about 1/3 of the way up i think). I went on to have an epidural in that labour and all was really fine.However, they will obviously check on the day too.Hope all works out for you

lemonaid · 10/08/2007 15:18

I have very mild, fairly high up, scoliosis and the epidural worked fine but it took ages and ages to get in so that I was actually fully dilated by the time they had it in . Apparently my epidural cavity wasn't where they expected it to be, or some such I don't think they thought that was directly related to the scoliosis, though, but rather just another interesting feature of my back.

If you had rods in your back for a more serious scoliosis that would be more likely to cause problems.

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