Result of Epidural?

[Nela]

Hey ladies,

Just looking for some feedback. (It is in no way my intention of scaring anyone who is considering getting an epidural. I, myself, would get another if I were to get pregnant again.)

I had an emergency c-section with my little one 7 weeks ago. I had developed a fever after my epidural and ended up convulsing (though that might have been something related to the pitocin and not the fever). Anyway, after the epidural, while I remained in the hospital (was there 6 days) I noticed some muscle jerking on my right side, only on my right side. The doctors did notice some overstimulation on my right when testing my reflexes though it lessened some over the course of my stay. The jerking then could happen when I was awake but also especially when falling asleep.

Seven weeks later though, I have noticed the jerking is still happening. It comes on randomly so it's not daily (maybe it's worse when I am overtired too), but mainly when I'm about to fall asleep, or not sleeping deeply (I assume since it's woken me up). I don't remember it happening in the daytime since past 2 weeks post c-section. It's my hand or my leg (can be the whole leg, not just the foot) that acts up so it's not just restless leg syndrome and it's only on one side.

I was wondering if this is directly related to the epidural? I did have leg twitching in the pregnancy but that was both legs. Can I expect this to go away? It's just a tad annoying and I don't want to risk kicking and smacking my OH.

 

[Starry Night]

I have heard that this can be a side effect of epidural. I think our bodies react to epidurals differently each time so it won't necessarily happen again. Is this something you could talk to your doctor about? I don't know how long it would last.

 

[Jaycrew]

I would def speak with your Dr on that one- because epidural is entered into your spine there are tons of nerves back there. I would not chance it- I reacted to my epidural once with headaches off and on for months. The other epidural - my body broke out in a complete rash- the Dr said is was because of the epidural- which I thought was crazy. But personally speaking - i would talk to my doc and see what he says- you may need to see a neurologist or a spine specialist. I work for spine specialists so thats why I say that. I wouldnt chance anything and its always better to know than to not know. Congrats to you on your cutie pie too!!!!! What an angel!!!

 

[Nela]

Thanks guys. It seems to be happening less so I will keep an eye on it. I no longer have contact with my doctors from the pregnancy as I have been discharged back to my GP but I have a neurologist I can ask if it keeps up. I need to see her for an MRI and migraine meds anyway so might as well ask. I guess it's not overreacting too much to ask