Has anybody experienced a bad reaction to the epidural?

[Frecks]

I was induced with drip and I had an epidural in the end as the pain was so bad plus lo turned back to back, the injection did hurt I won't lie but it was worth it. I was laughing through contractions, as you're hooked up to a monitor it was clear to see when a contraction was coming.
Both myself and lo had an infection start during labour and honestly I'm so glad I had the epi, I was able to concentrate and take in what was going on and what I needed to do. I had pethedine before it and it did nothing for the pain and I was completely out of it.
There are lots of bad experiences regarding epidurals but also as many positive ones and personally I feel that the epidural was the best thing I could have done for my baby and me, and even though I wa a bit shaky I don't regret having it. It's completely up to you and like you I was dead set against it, just wanted to share my experience to let you know it's not all bad Hun xxx

 

[Scarletvixen]

unfortunally mine was one of the ones that you hear about that go wrong, it was 48hours before they knew if i would be left paralysed or not, thank god i wasnt but it was terrifyibg at the tiem and i now have a weak back x

 

[libbylou]

I am keeping my mind open that I want to do it naturally but won't decline an epi if needed

That said I am a little worried about the epi if I do go that route...
DH had cancer 5 years ago and had a spinal tap to check for cancer cells in his spinal fluid. It was very traumatizing as they could not get the needle in and ended up having to do it via laroscopy. Then he leaked spinal fluid for a week straight and was basically stuck on his back as every time he sat up or stood up he was violently ill

 

[MrsStutler]

Thank you for all the helpful answers and advice

I spoke to my doctor about my worries concerning the reaction I had to the spinal tap and she felt that unless there is a serious medical need that needs to be addressed and treated using an epidural we should not attempt one at all. She looked through my chart and saw the doctor who ordered the spinal tap did note my reaction but they had no idea what caused it which is a bit scary not knowing for sure what the source of the reaction was. I feel so much better knowing my doctor is on the same page as me and didn't just tell me I'm insane and stop worrying so much