High Spinal--scared it will happen again!

[SoBlessedMama]

Hi ladies,
I had a c-section with DS #1 in February 2010. Overall, it went very well, and I had a fairly easy procedure and recovery.

However, I had a touch of a high spinal--it didn't paralyze my entire diaphragm, it was just the bottom. So, I was still breathing on my own, but it was a very "smothering" sensation. It was very scary at the time, mostly because I didn't know what was happening.

I'm expecting DS #2 in October, and I'm terrified of this happening again, and very panicked that it might even be worse. Logically, I know the chances of it happening again are super slim. But thinking about it almost brings on a panic attack--and I'm usually a pretty laid back person!!

Have any of you experienced something like this, and then went on to have another c-section where it DIDN'T happen? Lol I know there is no point in worrying about it, since it can't be controlled. But it would really make me feel better to hear someone say, "oh, the second time was much easier!" ; )

Any thoughts or input are much appreciated!!!

 

[SoBlessedMama]

Bump. Anyone? : )

 

[sammynashley]

Hi Hun, my experience was a little different I had a emcs in 2010 where the epidural didn't work full although it numbed me, when they made the incision I felt it so had to be out under general very scary situation!

Second time round elective csection in 2012 I had a lovely anesthetic team spoke to them about my worries and fears, told them what happen in the previous section. They were very good and understanding also offered me a general instead of a spinal if if felt the spinal really wasn't for me. But I went ahead and had no issues section was perfect.


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My Ovulation Chart

 

[SoBlessedMama]

Hi Hun, my experience was a little different I had a emcs in 2010 where the epidural didn't work full although it numbed me, when they made the incision I felt it so had to be out under general very scary situation!

Second time round elective csection in 2012 I had a lovely anesthetic team spoke to them about my worries and fears, told them what happen in the previous section. They were very good and understanding also offered me a general instead of a spinal if if felt the spinal really wasn't for me. But I went ahead and had no issues section was perfect.


https://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/246197//thumb.png
My Ovulation Chart

Thank you!! Stories like yours make me feel better, and hopeful that this time will go even better. : )

 

[Deeni]

I had two c-sections. The first was an awful experience as I had a PPH in the operation room after they stitched me up. I was very close to needing a transfusion and it was very scary. I was petrified to get pregnant again in case I had another PPH. I spoke to my doctor and we came up with a plan (I took iron before the procedure to increase my blood volume and the doctor injected me with some extra medication during the c-section to prevent the PPH). Well, it worked and I didn't have another PPH. I was so relieved.

Also, I had a weird reaction to the spinal the first time around. In the middle of the procedure, I had this sensation of a slow headache moving up my neck into my head. I have no idea what it was and was scared it was going to happen again. However, it didn't and I was totally fine. I am sure you will be too!!

I think the second time around, you and your doctor can be better prepared to prevent or deal with the situation.

 

[SoBlessedMama]

Thanks, Deeni! I appreciate the input. I'm glad your second experience was better!!

 

[Debbie_23]

I had a high block with my first csection and was still breathing on my own but barely, my second csection was fine, didn't happen again

 

[minties]

I don't have any helpful advice, but with my second section I couldn't swallow! It was a weird feeling. I didn't tell anyone as I didn't want to get knocked out so I just kept spitting sneakily off to one side lol!

 

[DragonflyWing]

I think I may have had the same thing...during my EMCS, I couldn't feel myself breathing, and I panicked a little bit because I felt like I was smothering. However, I told the anesthesiologist, and he assured me that I was breathing, my oxygen levels and heartrate were great, and I was doing fine. That made me feel a lot better.

Then they pulled my twins out, and when I heard them cry I burst into (happy) tears. That made my nose all congested, making me feel even MORE like I couldn't breathe lol. I just had to take very slow deep breaths to keep myself calm. The anesthesiologist was great through the whole thing, he helped keep me calm and let me know everything that was going on.

 

[hannah berry]

im getting a spinal done now im freaked out. im asthmatic and freak when i can't breath. is it common to feel like that? my first i felt everything because the epidural didn't work and i went into shock! they didn't even put me under the guy stood there with his hands in the air looking lost for words.

 

[SoBlessedMama]

UPDATE: He came early! : ) I had him yesterday at 12:32pm via c-section, and the spinal was perfect. Went in MUCH more easily than last time, and no smothering sensation. I had a small moment of panic as they were prepping me, but once I calmed down, I could breathe just fine throughout the entire process. Thank you for all the encouraging words--I wish you all the very best! : )

Hannah, I'm sorry, I only just now saw your post--I really hope everything went well with delivery for you!!