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Michaela
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| Posted: Jan 12 2010 at 4:07pm | IP Logged
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(probably not a thread for pregnant moms who get worried easily....  )
I'm looking for some info in terms that I can trust (mommy terms).
In my mind, my doctors are downplaying the "anesthesia complications" that I have had with my 3 c-sections.
A part of me is glad they don't think it's too big of a deal, but I'm having a hard time reading them. 
Each epidural has been a "high block" where I feel like I can't breathe....numb up to my lips...and last one my heart rate dropped and I needed meds to help. The anesthesiologist said in the operating room "we almost lost her"  -- plus a few other things were said that give me caution flags. (he was trembling while trying to apply a mask to my face and the nurses made comments when I was back in my room).
I've asked if I could be allergic to the meds based on the strong reaction I have, but they basically blow me off and tell me it was the anesthesiologist's fault.....it won't happen again, but each time it does. (worse reaction each time, but they have been warned and nervously correct the problem while my heart rate and breathing drop).
Should I just consider it normal for me?
Let it go and trust?
My OB doctor said just tell the anesthesiologist about my reactions. I do, but like I said they don't really believe me. (They believe what I'm saying, but act like it's not a big deal or won't happen again) They always act so shocked while it's happening.
I'd love some feedback from experienced mommies ....even thoughts if you think I shouldn't worry if they aren't worried.
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Jan 12 2010 at 4:17pm | IP Logged
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Well, you may be running into terminology problems. If you say "allergy" they're probably thinking anaphalactic shock. I have one med that I always tell docs that I have a sensitivity to and that I do not ever want to go through that reaction again.
You might try asking them questions like. So what reactions to anethesia are of concern? what other options are there?
And sometimes you also need to thank them for trying to reassure you but that, it's not that you're scared of the procedure but that you think you have a medical problem with that procedure and being told it's ok won't cut it. That you either need documentation showing that your reactions are normal and nothing to worry about or you need to have something changed.. they type of anethesia or where it's put in (spinal vs epidural) etc.
Sometimes they just need to be helped out of the way they always do things.
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SeaStar
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| Posted: Jan 12 2010 at 5:18pm | IP Logged
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I would definitely bring up this point again with your OB and even ask to meet with the anesthesiologist before your next c-section.
You might say: Each time I have been told it won't happen again, and each time it does, and worse. Is there another protocol we could try for anesthesia?
If you calmly but firmly stand your ground and don't let them down play it, they will have to address it. Say you want your concerns noted in your medical record. The squeaky wheel gets oiled, you know? And you have *every* right to be taken seriously on this account.
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Jan 12 2010 at 5:26pm | IP Logged
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Something I was trying to say earlier and just realized that I didn't get clear is...
If you are "combative" they may not listen to you well even if you're firm.
If you are enlisting their help to solve this problem without accusing them of anything and yet standing firm in your concern needing to be addressed, you will not only be more likely to be listened to but get action on your concern.
And sometimes if all else fails, break down and cry. I know it sounds like a mean trick or something. But really, they're so used to people over reacting that if you're calm and stoic at some level they tend to downplay it. So sometimes what you need to do is let go of that control and react.
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JennGM
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| Posted: Jan 12 2010 at 7:59pm | IP Logged
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Scary stuff, Michaela. I have a bad reaction to Demerol, but when I used "allergy" with my first c/s, the anesthes. dismissed me -- "that's no allergy, it's just a reaction and we have meds to counteract that." He used it, I had a reaction, and yes, he had meds, but they really made things worse for me.
Second time I had a very understanding anesthes. who completely listened and used something different. Unfortunately, I had to be put under anyway after the baby was born.
Have you only had an epidural or have they tried a spinal block? A discussion of the meds would be helpful.
I wonder how your hospital works -- is there a pool of anesthes. from one place that you might be able to schedule and appointmetn beforehand? Can you perhaps find the doctor who did you last one to discuss things?
Problem I see is that waiting until delivery day to discuss anesthes. you could end up doing the same thing since they are under a tight schedule.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Becky Parker
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| Posted: Jan 13 2010 at 7:18am | IP Logged
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JennGM wrote:
Problem I see is that waiting until delivery day to discuss anesthes. you could end up doing the same thing since they are under a tight schedule. |
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I agree, don't wait. I had problems twice and finally when pregnant again I told my OB that something had to change. I had to be pretty adamant about it. She is wonderful though, and didn't say "tell the anethstesiologist". She told him herself,and he listened. Then he and I had a conversation and it was all very peaceful.
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crusermom
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| Posted: Jan 13 2010 at 8:03am | IP Logged
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You might request an operation report from your last c-section or better yet from all your sections. It would describe what happened and what they had to do to bring your heart rate and respirations back to baseline. It is so difficult to remember the details when you are in such a position - it would be helpful to see it all written out. You would also know exactly what meds and what doses they used. I think that info would be very helpful to the next anesthesiologist - but don't wait to discuss things.
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Fuzzy
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| Posted: Jan 13 2010 at 11:32am | IP Logged
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I had a section with the last baby and they did a spinal with him. I had epidurals with the first 2 babies, and the spinal was really great. Have you ever had a spinal?
I do like the "break down and cry" advice (which isn't too hard for me when I am pregnant ) and they will have yoru attention.
Prayers!
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 Fuzzy
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Molly Smith
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| Posted: Jan 13 2010 at 12:07pm | IP Logged
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Definitely do not wait until the last minute, and definitely do schedule a telephone call with the anesthesiologist. My first four c/s were standard, uncomplicated epidurals. My fifth was a epi/spinal combo and I did react with a spinal headache, requiring a blood patch. I will not even attempt to describe this procedure!! Turns out, I may have an unusually narrow spinal cord. For my sixth, I insisted we return to the straight epidural. They didn't want to, but they honored my wishes. BUT, it was important that we had discussed it ahead of time because straight epidurals take longer to take effect. For my seventh, we again used a straight epidural, but for the same reasons as #6 it was important to have talked to anesthesiology in advance. And of course I reminded the nurses about a million times on the big day!!
Know your stuff, stay calm and give them the courtesy of some advance preparation. This really is your decision!
Peace to you!
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Molly Smith in VA
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Experienced with epidurals?
