We finally got to meet with the Anaesthesiologist last Wednesday to go over what exactly went wrong with my last epidural. If you haven't heard that story, here it is in a nut shell. When I was in labor with Austin, they put in my epidural and I almost flat lines. Medical term for your heart stopping. They didn't know what was causing it so the crash cart (the heart shocker) stayed outside my room for the whole labor and delivery. And After a second epidural I finally had him. Then my eyes went weird, one dilated the other was a pin prick size, I couldn't take a deep breath and ended up having to have a CT scan that night. I also got the epidural head ache that is caused when the anaesthesiologist hits your spinal fluid. Those hurt really bad, and last about a week.
So needless to say we want to make sure that we don't have a repeat, since having a natural birth is right out. Sorry all you out there that do, I think you are crazy. So anyway, it turns out that most people have about 4cm to there epidural space before the needle hits a ligament like layer that is covering your spine. They hit mine and broke through with the 3cm needle they give you the general anaesthetic through, which is about 100 times stronger then your epidural medication (before they put in the giant epidural needle so you cant feel it).
The doctor had NEVER heard of this before. The odds of hitting with a epidural needle is one in a million, so you can imagine what the odds are of this happening with that tiny needle. So I am extremely shallow, less then 3 cm. It also turns out I had a condition called Horners syndrome, where the medication goes up the spine instead of down, and that is why my eyes went crazy, why my heart tried to stop, and also why I couldn't breath.
Luckily for me, they are quite confident that we will not have a repeat with this birth, since they know exactly what to expect. I am still nervous, but can not wait to meet my little girl!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Turns out, I am VERY shallow...
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5 comments:
That is a little scary, but atleast you know, and the people that will be taking care of you know too. Hope it all goes well, you will be in our prayers.
You're brave-your story is one of the main reasons why I do it natural! That is so good that you went and found out! I have been worried about you getting another epidural but its great to hear that they can prevent it from happening again.
We'll definitly keep you in our prayers when that time comes and hope for the best!
We can't wait to see pictures of little Lily!
I guess I'll have to call you to know more details. You know me I like to know details. How did they find this out about you? Did they do a ultrasound on your back? What do they specifically do to prevent this? How can they guarantee the medicine will go down this time instead of up? You are very brave. Lily is probably an extra-ordinary person for all that you have gone through. Hang in there friend!
Um, yeah, this information could have been useful the FIRST time,but at least you know now. I love that you flat out called natural birthers crazy. I agree- who actually WANTS to feel pain when you don't have to? I guess I am too closed minded to understand. I can't wait to FINALLY see you again this weekend!
Wow! Who knew...no offense but...I think you're crazy! :) Ha ha!
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