Has anybody had any lasting side effects from an epidural?

~Jennifer - posted on 03/09/2010

Thank you for your responses to this question.

Danielle - posted on 03/09/2010

i have has two epidurals, and i didn't have any problems til my last one wit my little girl. i haven't been to a doc about it but i do have an appointment in may and i was going to ask him about it.

Kat - posted on 03/09/2010

Sorry I dont have time to read all previous posts, but I had this issue too but I got a Spinal instead of an epidural due to an emergency c section. They thought it could be an "air bubble" in my spine. Which really scared me but they assured me that they could do a patch with my blood and all would be ok if need be. However, it eventually went away. Thank goodness! That was 7 years ago and I forgot about it until you posted this :)

Tammy - posted on 03/09/2010

I have had serious back problems since my epidural ----serious issues!

Jamie - posted on 03/09/2010

I had a spinal block when i had my daughter, she was born by c-section. I had horrible headaches so bad i could not even function! I ended up going back to the hospital and they did a procedure called a ephidural blood patch where they took blood out of my arm and put it into the spine where i had a opening that was leaking causing my headaches. You need to see your doctor as soon as possible and see what is going on.

Anita - posted on 03/09/2010

I had pain to from it, still have from time to time!

Nicole - posted on 03/09/2010

I agree with most here. You need to call you doctor back and tell them you need to get in to see him now. They need to address this and make sure it's not an infection or some other damage that was accidentally done during the procedure.

Jayne - posted on 03/09/2010

I didn't have an epidural but I had a spinal block ( planned c-sec) this was in August 08. For the first 6 months after I did struggle with a very painful stiffness but not anymore. All I suffer with is a bit of stiffness when it's cold and damp. I do believe you may have a leakage though so you really MUST go and see your doctor. It shouldn't be as bad as you describe. Hope you come right!

Cheryl - posted on 03/09/2010

My oldest son was a csection and i had an ephidural and after he was born my left foot one of my toes i have no feeling in that toe at all. We he was born my toe would be in pain and i mention it to my doctor and he told me that it was the side effect from the ephidural and there was nothing that they could do for me. All of my boy's were csection. My middle child my back started to bother me when i came home with him and I went to the hospital and i told them that my back was hurting to the point that i was sweating and i wanted to pass out. The doctor asked me how old my son is and i told her that he is only a week old she asked me if i was on any medicine for my stomach and i told her yes but i stop taking because he would latch on me and go to sleep. I had to put a heating pad on my back and take some tylenol and i called my regular doctor up to make an app. I went through pain for a while and my doctor told me that i had to go thru therapy for my back. I can not remember what the name of the therapy i went . It has been 7 year's. I know what you are going through. I can not believe your doctor can not get you in sooner. Have you gone to the hospital to get it checked out? They might be able to give you some pain med for your back. Just hang in there i know it hurt's and that really suck's sorry to hear about your back. When you do go asked your doctor if he or she recommend's therapy for your back. You do not want to be in pain anymore you want to enjoy your baby. Do you have any help coming in during the day to care for the baby? I had my mother in law came in during the day and help me with the house work and make luch for my oldest child . She was a big help. She would take my oldest outside ,shopping she would put him down for a nap so she did everything for me. I had to bring my middle child with me because i was nursing him amd he was not used to having a bottle. Hope you feel better soon. Take care. Cheryl

Violet Mwende - posted on 03/09/2010

i think it could get serious if you dont get medical help i had similar problems but not as severe though it depends on individuals your best solution is to go back to the hospital and explain to them, the pain should not be so severe and you should be able to move with ease, I have had an epidural twice and that does not sound usual to me.

Cherie - posted on 03/09/2010

Brittany I'm not a doctor but have had my share of back issues - it's my understanding that the shot may soften the tissue around the back area and break it down a bit - over time you either will need to try and strengthen your back or may have other issues that the shot just helped to surface sooner :) Ice will be your friend for a while too and will help with the swelling good luck.

Amanda - posted on 03/09/2010

yes!! after 13 years I now have to see a [pain and back specialist from a bad epidural, like you I enjoyed the pain free labor, but after having 2 natural, now I wish I would have went natural with the last...be persistant in your search for answers from your doctor, dont let them tell you it will eventually go away...i finally got my doc to listen to me and they did an MRI and found that when they placed the epidural they hit the nerve that is the one sending shooting pain up my back and down my legs. good luck and dont give up.

Kimberly - posted on 03/09/2010

Yes, I had a problem like this. I had to have a blood patch done, because the spinal fluid leaked after the epidural was given. I had a horrible migraine that wasn't relieved until I had the blood patch done.Mine happened in the hospital though. I had really bad back pain for 3 weeks after the epidural was given. If yours was in November I'm not sure if this helps.

Nikki - posted on 03/09/2010

I ended up having 2 epidurals because they did not get the placement right on the first one and I had tons of back pain and headaches but they went away within a few days and the doctors said that was normal. If I were you I would definitely get checked out by a doctor, I do not think it is normal to have pain and headaches this far out.

Brandy - posted on 03/09/2010

I have experienced natural childbirth as well as with an epidural and I can honestly say I wish I had not ever had the epidural. I have suffered from headaches for 14 years since I had it. I also had back pain, but never sure if it was that or because I had back issues in high school. But, I never had headaches until the epidural. It has been only in the last couple of years that I have had some relief from them, but they still come on fairly often. So yes, I believe you may have the epidural to thank for the problems you are experience.

Dee-Dee - posted on 03/09/2010

I've had 3 babies with 3 epidurals. I've had terrible back problems since the last one was born 5 1/2 years ago. My suggestion is go see a reputable chiropractor and a reputable Muscle Activation Therapist. Both will help.

Anzel - posted on 03/09/2010

Hallo Brittany! Yes I had ephidural with all 3 my kids and I also had side effects. The back ache is one of it and the migraine as well. However don't worry it will "resolve" in time - my doctor told me that it part of the side effects of an ephidural - because they inject you through your spine. My discomfort lasted for about 6 months when it improved and I haven't had any "trouble" ever since. Good luck and do take some pain medication for it it will give relieve, and try to rest you back when you're not handling your baby.

Yolande' - posted on 03/09/2010

I had an ephidural when I had my daughter in September last year, and I have only get now and again lower back pain. It sounds like they hit the spinal cord and some of your spinal fluid has leaked out. but get it check up, it happed to someone I know and they just took blood from her and put it back into her back and she is now fine. Good luck

Judie - posted on 03/09/2010

I didnt have any but I know there are bad side effects, the ones you listed are the common ones I have heard of. Head aches and back pain. I would see a doctor ASAP with the nature of yours. Good Luck

Ankita - posted on 03/09/2010

Call your doc immaediately! Because this could be a `WET TAP'.......I had the same problems, in fact I am just surprised you have managed to wait so long, because my headaches were so severe that I just couldn't function....I think it happens because the injection didn't go exactly where it was supposed to in the spine and the hole isn't healed properly....it's a very small procedure to fix it so call your doc.



I had a terrible back for few months...and I did some back strengthening exercises to make it better....I still don;t think I still have the same back as I used to but it's better.



Call the doc and mention `wet tap'....he will know what you are talking about...the pain won't go away till he doesn;t fix it...the procedure to fix it is called `blood patch'.



Hope this helps!

Dawn - posted on 03/09/2010

My youngest is now 10yrs old and still get twinges from my epidural in February 2000. I get a numbing feeling and sometimes I get a shooting pain in the spot where they had it in! It will shoot down my one leg and stay go as far as the middle of my back to my shoulders! I asked the doctor about it and he told it is something that happens to most woman after having one done!

Sara - posted on 03/09/2010

I had an epi with my son Izaak, i was induced and the pain was intense. Izaak was also lying to one side and managed to block nerves on my left leg which also made my heel on my left foot go numb and to this day (10.5mths on) i still have a slightly numb heel. I also have back problem but i am not sure if that is a side affect of the epi or a pre-existing injury.

Susan - posted on 03/09/2010

sounds like it could be a pinched nerve to me. I had a spinal and haven't had any problems, but being so close to your back - could they have got a nerve???

Ashey - posted on 03/09/2010

Yeah I would see your doctor . Sounds like that one off chance you are having adverse affects. The only thing I noticed was I was sore from that and a weakened ab muscles.

Ashey - posted on 03/09/2010

Yeah I would see your doctor . Sounds like that one off chance you are having adverse affects. The only thing I noticed was I was sore from that and a weakened ab muscles.

Ashey - posted on 03/09/2010

Yeah I would see your doctor . Sounds like that one off chance you are having adverse affects. The only thing I noticed was I was sore from that and a weakened ab muscles.

Francesca - posted on 03/09/2010

Hi there, I would suggest to see a doctor asap that doesn't sound too good. I had an ephidural for my c-section two years ago and not suffered any problems or side effects at all. Good luck

Omayra - posted on 03/08/2010

i have 4 kids my oldest is 16 n i had 4 ephidural.ive been havin back pain since it will not go away.

Sarah - posted on 03/08/2010

Sounds to me like you might have nerve damage from it. I had my daughter in January and I got an epidural..and every once in awhile I get a shock in my spine and I'll get random pain also. Hang in there.

Annemarie - posted on 03/08/2010

I HAD MY SON IN 2007 JULY, AND I HAVE PROBLEMS WIT MY HIP GIVING SUDDEN SHARP PAINS. My ephidural actually shocked my and the Dr pushed me down when I sort off jumped up, then he said "I should have told you that might happen"

Michelle - posted on 03/08/2010

I have had 3 epidurals and one spinal with my children... I have to say I have had migraines and all since I had them... I also have a numb spot in the middle of my lower back that has never regained feeling... My lower back hurts frequently from carrying the kids while prego and from the epidural... Unfortunately there isnt much you can do that I know of... BUT I would definitely talk to your doc and see if there are any meds you can at least take for the migraines... It sounds like it might be a pinched nerve, but I am not a medical doc, so the best bet is to chat with them...

Alice - posted on 03/08/2010

I have only read a few posts as there is heaps



I had my daughter in 2006 - My labour was really fast, and they tell you the complications and that 1 in 1000 people have problems with epidurals.. I wasnt listening to this advise - I had a junior anaethetist and she was crap she took 7 goes and couldnt get it - They called the top anaethetist out of surgery his 3rd try went horribly wrong - I got a sudden shock as if I had my both hands on an electric fence and I yelled out WHAT THE F*** WAS THAT - they were like oh dear.. they had gone straight to my spine and I lost all my spinal fluid - and 2 seconds later I had killer migranes, after I had my daughter I was bed ridden for 3 days as when I got up or sat up I would near faint - I have had back problems which before reading this I thought it was from many horse accident falls but I am now rethinking that loosing all my spinal fluid has something to do with this...

Alice - posted on 03/08/2010

I have only read a few posts as there is heaps



I had my daughter in 2006 - My labour was really fast, and they tell you the complications and that 1 in 1000 people have problems with epidurals.. I wasnt listening to this advise - I had a junior anaethetist and she was crap she took 7 goes and couldnt get it - They called the top anaethetist out of surgery his 3rd try went horribly wrong - I got a sudden shock as if I had my both hands on an electric fence and I yelled out WHAT THE F*** WAS THAT - they were like oh dear.. they had gone straight to my spine and I lost all my spinal fluid - and 2 seconds later I had killer migranes, after I had my daughter I was bed ridden for 3 days as when I got up or sat up I would near faint - I have had back problems which before reading this I thought it was from many horse accident falls but I am now rethinking that loosing all my spinal fluid has something to do with this...

Kim - posted on 03/08/2010

i had 1 and i have had nothing but probs since i have wacked my back out 4 times and before my son i never had probs

Gabrielle - posted on 03/08/2010

I had my son in July. almost immediately following i had back pain. It was terrible, i told my doctor but the response i got was that it is normal. I wasn't sure but now i am feeling fine. If the pain continues to worsen go see a doctor but i suggest you wait it out for awhile.

Layne - posted on 03/08/2010

I had one with my first son, everything went smoothly. I also had one with my second son, and I wish I could say the same. It didn't take, I'm just grateful it was a quick delivery! I had severe migraines for 2 weeks following his delivery, and, in the last month or so, I've developed a burning sensation in my left foot, followed by numbness. I've seen a podiatrist, and he told me it's linked to the delivery and the ephidural I had (that didn't take). He told me it's nerve damage, and if it doesn't fix itself in the next few months, I should see a back specialist. I suggest you see a back specialist too.

Stewart - posted on 03/08/2010

I could feel my insertion site for 18 mo to 2 yrs after I had my son. But it was not painful. I am a nurse and I definitely recommend seeing your doctor about this. If you are not being covered by your OB then for sure see your primary care. This is NOT okay. Good luck!

Stewart - posted on 03/08/2010

I could feel my insertion site for 18 mo to 2 yrs after I had my son. But it was not painful. I am a nurse and I definitely recommend seeing your doctor about this. If you are not being covered by your OB then for sure see your primary care. This is NOT okay. Good luck!

April - posted on 03/08/2010

No but I did read about problems like these in the papers they made me sign when they give it. They should have given you info about the risks and side effects. I still have some shooting pain every now and then, but it isn't as bad as you say yours is.

Deanna - posted on 03/08/2010

Never had the "opportunity" to experience an epidural for myself, but as a nurse I have known many patients who experienced what they refer to as "spinal headaches". They occasionally do something called a "blood patch" to help it resolve. Your continued back pain isn't right - and not necessarily "normal". Contact your doctor and let him/her know about your symptoms - better to get it treated sooner than later.

HSU - posted on 03/08/2010

our bones deteriorate with time, specially when we pass through pregnancy, as we get older we need to pay attention to our health more.... not only because of how we may look, but also because we need to be super moms for our little ones. After pregnancy we need to keep with vitamins, folic acid, vitamin D and calcium, the baby took everything from us... Yes the epidural has side effects sometimes during cold weather it may hurt a little, but if we control our weight and good health it won't be as bad. I would feel some sort of ant bites in my back once in a while when my body is cold, but not that often. I preffer that than the pain I skiped during labor. God bless you.

Missy - posted on 03/08/2010

After I had my daughter with the epidural, I had really bad back pains that I couldn't even pick her up from her bassinet. I went to the doctor, and they insist that the pain is from a car accident YEARS ago. Still to this day, I have back pain, not as bad as before, but the doctors still think it has to do with the accident and wont do anything further.

Rikky - posted on 03/08/2010

Hi Brittany,sorry to hear your suffering like me. As you said, it was a godsend at the time. My daughter was born on 25th Oct last yr, and the anaestesiest kept putting the needle too far to left, and I kept correcting him, now I also have terrible headaches, and for nmo apparent reason, my left side of my back will become so painfull, I cant roll over in bed, and am actually on painkillers during the day. I have to wait for hubby to come home to do a lot of things with her, like bathing, coz I just cant bend down to pick her up.

Sam - posted on 03/08/2010

I've had four children and had epidurals each time ( im a wimp, with pain lol ) after the first baby, i had awful back problems, it felt similar to what you are describing, but my dr gave me tablets and it was sorted, i've had it three more times, and not had any problems, i swear by epidurals, as i cant handle the pain, i know lots of people who have had them, and they all swear by them too. I would go to your dr to sort out the back problems, but dont let it put you off having one again if you have another child, as every pregnancy and labour are different. Good luck xxx

Jennifer - posted on 03/08/2010

I have had the same problems. I had an epidural for my son who is now 13, but my youngest is 2.5 since she was born I have had 2 epidurals and one spinal. Now when i get up in the morning I have the same pain in my back that shoots right up your spine and stops you from moving. After the spinal I was quite literally bed riden for everytime I starightened up from a lying down on my back position I had this horrible headache. I put up with that for a few days and finally had to go and get a blood patch as the spinal caused a leak in my spine and a spinal headache. Now my back seems worse than ever.

Lisa - posted on 03/08/2010

Yes, I hear about these side affects all the time and in fact they last for quite a while if you are lucky enough for them to go away. Wouldn't it be great to hear about these side effects before they become a problem. You may want to try massage therapy or chiropractic for relief. Good luck

Letha - posted on 03/08/2010

I am certainly NOT a doctor, but you really should call your doctor!

Sarah - posted on 03/08/2010

Hi Brittany



I really feel for you. I myself had an epidural with my daughter Polly who was born on 3rd March 2008 Yes 2 years ago and still suffer from bad back. I wished i had known of the side effects before as i may have decided not to have one. Some mornings i wake up and cannot even move and have to roll out of bed. It is not as bad as it used to be, and occurs less often now, but the key to helping it is some yoga, a hot water bottle or one of those back heat pads. Other mums have told me it will go away eventually, everybody is different and for some it goes away within 6 months, other can be a few years. Hope this helps.



Sarah

Kayley - posted on 03/08/2010

I had my daughter in may 08 and have had shooting pains in my back no and then, it is common for that to happen but that a negative to having it! x

Karen - posted on 03/08/2010

Definitely get it checked! Personally, mine went perfectly, but I know someone who's sister was paralyzed a few months after hers & then died of complications. Call your doctor today!