Any ladies previously had an epidural?

[ChristiansMum]

I had an epidural with DD and since I have had a bump my back is killing me. It hurts from the moment I wake up till I go sleep. I have always had larger boobs (34F) and if I ever got back ache before it was at the top of my back. but the pain starts halfway down my spine.

Do u think me having an epi with her may be the reason why?x

 

[immie]

I can't really answer your answer question but I had an epidural and it went wrong. It only worked on haldf of my body and the other half was in excruciating pain! I really don't rate epidurals. I hear of so many problems with them and have experienced one myself, I would not be surprised if your back pain is due to the epi. I will not be having one this time, the benefit of a pain free labour does not outweigh the risk of life long problems in my opinion. xxx

 

[Sun_Flower]

I didn't have an epidural during labour, but ended up needing a full c-section level spinal in order for me to go down to surgery and have my tear stitched up. I'm 23 weeks pregnant with my second and haven't had any back issues

I'm pretty sure your muscles and ligaments etc are looser with each subsequent pregnancy (obviously up to a point) and it may be that, or possibly you're carrying baby differently this time. Doesn't have to be because of the epidural xx

ETA: you can buy a pregnancy bump support that will take the pressure off your back and may help with the aching xx

 

[Buttercupbabi]

I had an epidural and ever since I've had the worst lower back pains ever!! I didn't even have a natural labour ended up with a section.
It's happened twice now where I've bent down and just couldn't get back up lilke my back was blocked and like you I have always had a bigger chest (34G).

I am having an elective csection this time round and I am dreading the needle!

 

[ChristiansMum]

Thankyou ladies, it just seems odd that I only suffered after having DD and I had an epidural with her. I'm going to try and stay well clear of one this time, I only has one with her because I was so tired and couldn't cope with it all anymore I just remember saying to the midwife 'I want all the drugs going!' I also remember asking her if I could go home because I had eastenders to watch (even though it was a Saturday night!)x

 

[eris]

I had an epidural with my first. I had awful backaches for a long time after. A friend had a botched epidural and was leaking spinal fluid. I understand why women want them, but I will never voluntarily go for one ever again.

 

[Mrsturner]

I had an epi last time around. It wasn't my choice - I had specifically put that I didn't want an epidural on my birth plan but because the awful midwife I had told me to push when I wasn't fully dilated and baby was facing sideways which is impossible to birth him, I was forced to have one because once they realised this (an hour after I started pushing) I couldn't stop. So I was given one to stop me pushing. At the time, it was fantastic. No pain at all and I got a rest. But it worked too well and I couldn't then push him out and ended up with a terrible forceps delivery which left my poor bubba with facial palsy and terrible bruising all over his face. Then once it had worn off I developed the WORST headache in the world. I was leaking spinal fluid from the epidural sight and had to go to theatre to have a spinal tap. Needless to say, I don't want one this time if at all possible.
Having said all that , that was just my experience and many, many women have had lovely labours with an epidural.
I haven't had any back pain though x

 

[bigbloomerz]

Had one with my first, will never have another. Nothing but problems with my lower back since.

 

[MichelleW]

I had an epidural with my first and I was dead set against it, and it was great, worked brilliantly and never had any issues after the birth either, I wont be so quick to dismiss it this time now!

 

[wanna_baby]

I had an epidural with my first and it was wonderful. I was able to rest and enjoy the labour. I've also read that there's no proven connection between epidural and back pain. I plan in taking it this time around too.

 

[eris]

I had an epidural with my first and it was wonderful. I was able to rest and enjoy the labour. I've also read that there's no proven connection between epidural and back pain. I plan in taking it this time around too.

I'd be interested to read the article you read about there being no proven connection between epidurals and back pain.

 

[tryfor2]

I had one last time and though it didn't take well (I could still feel my legs and could have walked had they let me--the anesthesiologist was flummoxed) plus I had an area on my left where it didn't take at all, it still was sweet relief (at least initially) during my 30-hour labour. I expected it to be more effective and block the pain of the baby crowning and being born (excruciating for me). Having said that, I plan on having one again this time. I've heard too many horror stories about women who are staunchly against them until the pain is unbearable and then cave only to be then told it's too late and they're out of luck. The other drugs--I accepted all on offer--did NOTHING. Now I was induced--perhaps a natural labour is more tolerable. In any case , I had no adverse reactions from the epidural--other than it not working as well as I'd hoped.

I'm sorry to hear about your pain. I obviously can't say for sure, but I'd be more inclined to blame it on relaxin and loosening ligaments and muscle strain than an after effect of an epidural. I just don't think it's that common. But I could wrong.

 

[Jess29]

I can't really answer your answer question but I had an epidural and it went wrong. It only worked on haldf of my body and the other half was in excruciating pain! I really don't rate epidurals. I hear of so many problems with them and have experienced one myself, I would not be surprised if your back pain is due to the epi. I will not be having one this time, the benefit of a pain free labour does not outweigh the risk of life long problems in my opinion. xxx

This happened to me too! I guess it's such a small opening they have to inject into that it's hard to get it just right. I'm not sure I want one this time. The last two times they stuck me repeatedly until it worked, or half worked. :/

 

[wookie130]

I have not had an epidural, as I had a c-section, therefore needing a full spinal instead. I am 12 months post-partum, and have had no difficulties or pain resulting from the needle whatsoever.

 

[RinnaRoo]

Had one with my first, surprised they gave it to me. Did well, no complications during or after.

 

[aliss]

I had an epidural with my first and it was wonderful. I was able to rest and enjoy the labour. I've also read that there's no proven connection between epidural and back pain. I plan in taking it this time around too.

It's very clearly indicated on the consent form that the anesthesiologists give at the time (I know most of us are in no state of mind to read it), it's a well-known side effect of inserting a needle and fluids into one's spinal column!

OP: If this back pain only started after the epidural then it is very likely that it is the cause, as a side effect, sorry you are in pain.

I chose not to have one a second time, but I never had the back problem. It hurt more (obviously) but the recovery was better. I think in your situation, it might be worth exploring. Good luck.