Planned C section

[Lo12345]

Hi all I had a emergency c section with my first but I can’t really remember much as I was on so much morphine gas and air so everything was a blur I’m currently pregnant again and the consultant have said I have to have another c section because apparently my pelvis’s is to narrow for me to deliver naturally .
(1) how long does it take for the numbing to wear of ?
(2) how far up are you numb ?
I’m just so scared of having another one specially because I’ll be walking in to theatre sober and be more alert to what’s happening but I know it’s the only way to get my baby out I just worry about everything TIA x

The feeling started to come back in my legs in recovery, was probably totally back within about 4 hours both times, but couldn't get up due to catheter etc. Numb from just my ribs down.

That’s good to know as some people say from chest down 😨😨 I can’t be doing with that I should be able to remember myself but everything definitely was a big blur x

It is surreal walking to the theatre but the staff were so lovely with me and kept chatting to distract me. Asking what music I would like played etc.

The numbness wears off within 3 - 4 hours. I was in a recovery ward and staff kept checking in on me regularly. My temp was low so they brought me an extra blanket and kept checking for feeling in my legs. After this 3 - 4 hours I then pushed my baby in the crib through to the adjacent ward where I spent the night. This shocked me that I was asked to do this and was able to do this.

I was on the list for a speedy exit as the op had went well so I was also in charge of emptying my own catheter which I was able to do.

I had a forceps delivery previously and could barely move after 2 days so I was really surprised at how quick the c section recovery was in comparison.

Hi @Lo12345. So we aim for you to be numb from about your nipples down, we test with a cold spray to check you can’t feel that (cold and pain sensations pass in the same bit of the spinal cord and nicer to check with the really cold spray!).

The sensation and function comes back over about 4-6 hours. We closely monitor that!

Tell your anaesthetist how nervous you are, we are a pretty nice bunch really and very very used to how scared people can be before a section! I really hope it all goes very smoothly for you! X

@countbackfromten I think you might be one of my favourite posters on here. Your replies are always so reassuring and helpful. Probably doesn't hurt that after my first emcs I hold anaesthetists and their assistants in a very high regard after the absolutely amazing care I received in theatre. You guys are amazing!

I had an emergency section but remember it all! I was numb from the waist down I would say for about four hours. After the best toast I’d ever had and several cups of tea, along with a few naps and feeds, my midwife got me up and walking to the bathroom to brush my teeth and whatnot. To be fair I don’t think I walked again till the next day as I had a catheter in so had to wait till I needed to pee! I found sitting up hard as I couldn’t tense anything and had catheters in both hands so putting any weight on those hurt. I was sore for a couple of days but don’t remember being in pain as such. Was walking around upright within three or four days.

It certainly wasn’t enough to put me off having another - though we’re sticking at one so it’s very unlikely!

@countbackfromten thank you so much x

@Gem176 oh thank you for that! Such a lovely thing for you to say. Spending time on labour ward is one of the favourite bits of my job and if I can be a voice of reassurance on here I will always try to be!

@Lo12345 my pleasure. Elective sections are very different from emergency ones and I really hope it is a great experience for you. Especially as you get to meet your little one! x