r/Anesthesia • u/QuietAcrobatic8771 • 9d ago

C - Section - 'patchy' epidural, failed epidural top up and a spinal but still able to move both legs?

I'm looking for advice on why this may happen/ if it has happened to anyone else or is a common issue and it's just scared me?

I had an epidural during labour which worked but kept dropping to mid thigh and needed two clinician top ups in 8 hours aswell as me using the top up button frequently. The block was always higher on the left but with positioning it was only slightly uneven. I could fully straight leg raise all day and myself up in the bed.

I then needed an emergency c section. They tried to top my epidural up but I had no motor block and a low sensory block so weren't happy to use it.

The they trialled a low dose spinal anasethic which gave a good sensory block but again had no motor block at all on the right and some heaviness but able to straight leg raise on the left.

They ultimately went ahead despite me being able to fully move my legs (terrifying!) but I was converted to general 20 minuites later due to starting to feel pain but I was awake to see my daughter born so to me it was worth it 😊

I have my fully medical notes if anyone wants more information.

5 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

86% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

4

u/Battle-Chimp Anesthesiologist 8d ago

Sometimes that happens, and it could be for a variety of reasons.

Assuming you don't have a complex back (scoliosis, hardware, etc), then there's no reason to assume the same thing will happen next time. Each anesthesia event is unique in OB, as anesthesiologists/anesthetists we get patients all the time that had a tough experience one time but a good one the next.

What I can say is that it sounds like your anesthesia provider did exactly the right things given the situation.

1

u/QuietAcrobatic8771 8d ago

Thanks for your reply, it's very reassuring. I have no known back issues and never had local anaesthetic before.

Yes they were amazing, never thought they did anything wrong just intrested as an A+E nurse. I also had a PPH from trauma and tone so kept them busy and thankful I had the GA in the end!

1

u/Intub888te 8d ago

I wish I could say that this hasn't happened with any of my epidurals or spinals, but if you have done any amount of OB, it has happened to you. Happened to me just the other night. Epidural didn't work tried to top it up unsuccessfully. Attempted spinal but was unable to access the space. Had to go to sleep. Hate it when it happens, but it does happen. Sounds like they took good care of you. Glad you are ok.

1

u/QuietAcrobatic8771 8d ago

Thanks for that - yea definitly as soon as said that actually hurts they offered switching which I've been struggling with accepting due to the confusion/grogginess around the decision making as I can't remember it clearly so did been thinking did even need it/was I in pain or just overreacting ect.

However getting my medical notes of uterine exteriorized which seems to be when I felt the pain start, 5cm extention which tore a uterine atery which kept rebleeding and needed ligating, bleeding sinuses and uterine atopy I'm thinking being out of it was best for me and clinicians!