When at level 2, I was 'parked' aside while waiting for the doctors to be called in. I was getting nervous and shivered with cold, I comfort the baby (or rather myself), telling him that mummy is going to see him real soon and asked him to behave and not be scared. After about 10-15 mins wait, the anesthetists arrived, checked my medical history and chatted with me abit, to calm me down and assures me.
I was then wheeled into the the op theatre (ard 1030am), they proceeded to prepare administering epidural at my lower spine. When it was first administered, it was cold and very uncomfortable feeling, it wasn't really painful but makes me sick. And because it was done at the spine, I have to cured myself up like a prawn and kept very very still. If missed, I could endanger myself ie paralysis!
When the medicine flow into my body, to my legs, I could 1st feel my left leg numbing (I was turned at my left side).. It was a weird feeling. I thought my legs were floating upwards, I have no control over it and probably that makes me feel helpless. Next I turned to my right and 2nd administration done, now to my right leg but the numbing wasn't as effective the as 1st time. It took awhile before the right leg was numbed.
Around this time, my gynae Dr WK Tan came in and prepare to perform c-section on me. Despite the numbing, I can still feel touches, just not pain. My guess is that she was cutting across my tummy. Baby's paediatric Dr EK Ong is also in. They were all making small talk (something abt naming babies) which helps to divert my attention PHEW!
At around 1110am, my hubby came in, I was so glad to see him! I wanted to talk to him I couldn't really cos by now, I was feeling nausea & shivering, with cold or from the epidural's side effect? I dunno!
To be continued...
Some write up on Epidural anaesthesia :
Reviewed by Dr Gordon F N Smith, consultant anaesthetist
Epidural anaesthesia is the term used to describe the blocking of nerve routes from the spinal cord with a local anaesthetic or painkilling medication. It is also known as an anaesthetic of the nerve roots.
It is commonly used in childbirth to alleviate labour pains.
In childbirth, epidural anaesthetic is usually started during labour and given before the neck of the womb has started to dilate. It is fully effective in around 96% of cases.
How does epidural anaesthesia work?
An epidural anaesthetic blocks the nerve roots that lead to the uterus and lower part of the body.
These roots are located in a space near the spinal cord called the epidural space. This lies within the spine just outside the outer covering of the spinal cord.
How is an epidural given?
An epidural anaesthetic is always given by an anaesthetist. The anaesthetist locates the epidural space by inserting a thin hollow needle - usually into the lower part of the spine.
A small plastic tube is then introduced into the back through the needle and left in position when the needle is removed. This tube is usually connected to an automatic pump, which is adjusted to introduce a certain amount of local anaesthetic and painkilling medication into the epidural space every hour.
What are the side effects?
The most frequent side effects are:
1) a drop in blood pressure. This occurs in most cases and is usually easily treated with drugs or by giving fluids through a drip. For this reason, your blood pressure must be checked at frequent intervals throughout the procedure.
2) headache (also known as a spinal headache). This happens to 1 per cent of women who have an epidural and is due to the needle passing into the spinal space. It can be treated successfully by an anaesthetist. This type of headache can be severe and last more than 24 hours, requiring total rest and strong analgesia.
It's also recommended that extra care be taken with an epidural if you've previously had a Caesarean section or a badly functioning placenta.
Can all women have an epidural?
Epidural anaesthesia has been used for many years, and is a safe and reliable technique. You will receive full information so you can decide if want to go ahead with the procedure.
Complications such as meningitis can occur, but are extremely rare if adequate sterile precautions are used.
Some mothers-to-be fear the risk that permanent paralysis may occur, but this is an extremely uncommon occurrence.
There are certain complications where epidural anaesthesia cannot be given such as back problems, infections, a tendency to bleed and nervous system diseases.
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