Has anybody had any lasting side effects from an epidural?

Laura - posted on 03/08/2010

I had to get an ephidural because I had a c-section. Ever since then I do have lower back pain, especially when I am laying down and try to turn over. The pain is strong enough to make me cry... I have been going to my chiropracter and it has helped! The pain is not as strong and I feel like it has been going away. I was seeing him twice a week, now I go once a week. I encourage you to see a chiropracter. I hope you get to feeling better.

Chantell - posted on 03/08/2010

yes im having pains too! my little munchkin was born in sept. and i still have back pains. sometimes my epidural spot is tender to touch. bending over is very painful now and im only 19!! its gotta b that stupid epidural!

Charity - posted on 03/08/2010

This is something that you need to have checked to find out exactly what it is. The only thing with 'back problems' is they don't usually go away. Most likely you will always deal with back pain from having the epidural. I had to have an epidural with my daughter, against my wishes due to complications & now almost 6 years later I am still dealing with the 'pain' of that epidural. I have been told I will have to live with this pain the rest of my life.

Jodi - posted on 03/08/2010

You should see your doc now. It's possible you're leaking spinal fluid which is easily fixed. Or you could have nerve damage. I had back spasms for a week or so after, but it never lasted long.

Lori - posted on 03/08/2010

I agree that you should definitely see your doctor. I had an epidural 10 years ago in which the anesthesiologist put the needle in too far. I have had permanent injury and nerve damage from it, including some of the symptoms you are describing. I'm not suggesting that you necessarily will have permanent damage like I do -- only your doctor could determine that -- but in my case, there have been a few things that help alleviate some of the symptoms. Hopefully, your doctor can help find some things to alleviate yours, as well. Best of luck to you and the baby!

Jennifer - posted on 03/08/2010

Yes I agree with everyone else, you should see your doc asap, don't wait. I had a spinal and I had no problems at all so everyone is different. I was very lucky. Good luck!

Jane - posted on 03/08/2010

I would see a doctor about this. Both my sister and I have had back trouble since the epidural. My sister acctually has a ruptured disc that requires surgery. My epidural was not put in well, it wore off durring my c-section, and since then my back now has a weak spot. Too much activity in that area and I would be in serious pain. I got physical therapy and eventually strenghtened the muscles around the area enough that its no longer a major problem.

Lisa - posted on 03/08/2010

I had never had back pain in my life until after my pregnancy and having an epidural. It doesn't take long these days before my lower back is screaming with pain. As a young, healthy woman with no prior injuries, I completely attribute it to the surgery.

Kelly - posted on 03/08/2010

when i had a epidural the doctor tried 16 times to get the epidural in me and then after i had my daughter and it wore off i could not more i had a bad headache the next day they had to put blood from my arm in my back to stop the leak. you need to see a doctor asap.

Andisa - posted on 03/07/2010

I have heard good and not so good 'after effect stories' of people who have had an epidural. I gave birth in May 2009 and I got a spinal block instead of an epidural, not that I knew any difference at the time. So, ladies who have had problems with an epidural or are planning to have kids, maybe speak to your doctor about other alternatives next time...Please see your doctor and hope you get better soon

Deidra - posted on 03/07/2010

YES, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. SAD IT IS SUPPOSE TO HELP. IT NEVER HELPED WITH MY DELIVERY BECAUSE THEY POORLY TIMED IT. BY THE TIME I DELIVERED HIM MY EPIDURAL WORE OFF.

Jessie - posted on 03/07/2010

i had a epidural with a emergency cecarian and i do believe it does something to your back it has been 5 years since then and even still till this day i can not sit straight on my bum i have to sit forward and slowly move back ive been to different doctors but they wont tell me that it was because of a epidural they all tell me different things

Connie - posted on 03/07/2010

I would call your doctor. I had problems for months after my epidural. It took them a couple tries to hit it right, but if I sat a certain way it would ache and hurt like I was having it done all over again. And it hurt when I had mine done, I remember sobbing uncontrollably while they did it, and the nurse having to hold me still but even now, and my son will be 2 in May, I can tell you the exact spot where I had it done because if you push, it still hurts. I didn't have the headaches, but I did have back pain for months after.

Tabitha - posted on 03/07/2010

I had the same issue when I had my first daughter. My lower back pain lasted about a year. I opted out for the epidural the second time around. I figured the pain of having a baby lasted a few hours vs. lower back pain for another year. The good news is it does go away with time.

Glenda - posted on 03/07/2010

yes i had one in 1994 every once in a while i have back pain but your pain shouldnt be so severe

Karla - posted on 03/07/2010

No - I've had two with no problems, as well as many lumbar punctures; after which if you get up too soon you can get a bad headache. You're body needs to replace spinal fluid.

Has you're OBGYN been told? You don't want to wait long if you've got a bubble or an infection.

Onica Nonhlanhla - posted on 03/07/2010

I had a bad reaction whilst still in the hospital so they had to keep me for a week. After returning home I couldn't lift my right leg without help for about a week. You should speak with your health provider about your condition.

DARNICE - posted on 03/07/2010

I'm sorry to hear your having such pain. Also I never had an epidural I had all my three children naturally. But I'm sure there are some other women out there who could help.

Let us know how your doctor's appt turn out. Until then I'll be praying for you. Praying the pain totally disappears..

Leonella - posted on 03/07/2010

I have 5 kids. Three of them were epidural babies. Let me tell you, your back will never be the same, again! Let your doc know ans see if their is any meds that may help, but u'll never get complete relief, stay active and see a chiroprator, regularly. Good Luck :)

Angela - posted on 03/07/2010

Sounds like to me that you may be leaking spinal fluid. That could cause the problems you are having. You need to see your Dr. before your appt in April. If you are leaking fluid they can put some back in there and your pain will go away.

Robyn - posted on 03/07/2010

I had one with my 3rd try and never had any problems. Some people do though. Your back pain could be from this or it could be another matter entirely. You may have pinched a nerve while lifting something or slipped a disc. Whatever is the cause you need to see a doctor, if you can't get into your normal doctor see another one. All the best.

Kristina - posted on 03/07/2010

talk to your doctor if you haven't already done so! I've had 2, going in for our third child in just another week, and I've not had any issues from either.

I know that each hospital and anesthesiologist are different, but there may be some serious nerve damage going on. It may or may not be a direct result of the epidural, but this is NOT something you should ignore.

Tracy - posted on 03/07/2010

YesI had two c-sections with both of my kids and they give you an ephidural. My back till the day hurts. My kids are 3 and 8.I have really back pains and they get worse when its cold.

Tracy - posted on 03/07/2010

YesI had two c-sections with both of my kids and they give you an ephidural. My back till the day hurts. My kids are 3 and 8.I have really back pains and they get worse when its cold.

Charlene - posted on 03/07/2010

My sister in law had the same problem. It's from the spinal fluid draining out that is causing the pain and migraines. There was a hole where it was draining from and the dr. had to find the hole and close it up. It completely cured her. I'm going to email her and find out details so I'll post again later.

Brandi - posted on 03/07/2010

I have heard of some women having this problem. I think you need to contact your doctor asap and let them know. I know that the doctor can fix it though. Just not sure how.

Heather - posted on 03/07/2010

i had 2 with my daughter plus a buster with her then i had one with my son i had alot of back pain after her go to a ciropractor it helped me i also have a scar now where it was im havin pain in my back still off an on try to strech out alot keep your back steachted out it goes away over time good luck

Lori - posted on 03/07/2010

I have had pretty bad back problems since I gave birth in July. I went to the dr to see if it was epidural related and he said no. I then suffered for many months and someone suggested the chiropractor. Apparently my hip was out and was causing huge lower back pain. I go every week now and it has helped so much! Maybe try that?

Ayleila - posted on 03/07/2010

i had a epidural a year ago and now cant feel my right shoulder, have permanent pins and needles in my right wrist and hand and if i lay on my left side for more than 10 min my right hip and leg goes numb. all due to the epidural! they are great at the time but not so great after! go see your doc about your back though cause thats not right! x

Rashika - posted on 03/07/2010

Apparently according to the midwives and my Dr it is normal to have this back pain for a while as well as the migraines both of which I endured after my son was born in September but if it persists past 3months and by the sound of the severity of urs I would suggest you have ur Dr book u an appointment with either a chiropractor or for some physical therapy. Have a relative or ur husband handle all the chores and the baby for the day of and the day after and that should work wonders for u as it has for me. also...try some yoga stretches when u wake up before u get out of bed once the physical therapy has eased ur pain. i hope this helps.

Stacey - posted on 03/07/2010

When I had an epidural, I ended up with a spinal headache. Mind you, I had a c-section. It was so bad while I was in the hospital, they gave me some pretty hard drugs to counteract the pain and even debated going back into my back with the epidural needle to see if perhaps there was a fluid leak from the initial needle. However your pain sounds like you might have a pinched nerve. Both myself and my sister-in law had some pretty bad chronic back pain after our pregnancies. I delivered a 9 pound, 2 ounce baby, and hers wasn't far behind at 9 pounds 3 ounces. Check with your doctor, taking care of a baby with bad migraines and bad back pain is going to really wear you thin! You definitely don't want to burn out.

Amanda - posted on 03/07/2010

I ended up with migrane that lasted for days. Ended up being treated in the emergency room. However, they would not treat me with pain meds unless I agreed to discontinue breast feeding. I was told it is a common reaction. Yours sounds more severe. Do you get a rushing (sounds like the ocean) in your ears when you move? The only thing that helped me was to lay flat (completely) on top of the pain meds for a few days (well as much as possible, but I had help at home).. Hope you feel better soon.. Your lil man is a cutie!

Anndrea - posted on 03/07/2010

my chiropractor helped me tremendously.

Mercedes - posted on 03/07/2010

I had an epidural with both children, i have permanent numbness in my left thigh. but my children were 9lbs and almost 10 1/2 lbs. i got a separated pelvis from the last one and im still recovering 6 months later, i have severe pain in my pelvis and lower right back/hip but i know thats related to the pelvis injury bot the epidural. so i swear up and down in favor of an epidural, but its not for everyone and there can be some very serious side effects. i suggest you call your doctors office and explain your symtoms to a nurse. they will be able to give you an earlier appointment or come in that day if its serious enough. i wish you luck

Juliette - posted on 03/07/2010

I have. My daughter is 6 now and I still have back problems. The pain is so painful at times that I have to lay in bed. All the doctors have done is give me heavy muscle relaxers and sent me on my may. I have a friend who is a nurse and has said she has heard from many mothers, that after the ephidural, the mothers have complained about the same symptoms as you. Im not sure what there is to do.

Jennifer - posted on 03/07/2010

could be a spinal fluid leak from puncture that was made in your dura. most people can be cured from this with a procedure called a blood patch. high doses of caffine can help with the headache. CONSULT a doctor.

Holly - posted on 03/07/2010

Go see your doctor and ask them to rule out spinal headache, you might need a blood patch.

Heather - posted on 03/07/2010

Hi I don't know where you live but in the province I live in they don't do ephidurals which kind of upset me at the time but after hearing the responses here I am glad I went natural child birth all 3 times. Its amazing what you can do given no other choice.

Tracy - posted on 03/07/2010

yes,,, i had epidural, and had serious back pains for ages after, and now i have arthritis in my spine due to no help or support. See your doctor and insist on something getting done. The people on here that have had no trouble, probably had proper care and a proper annesthetist. Dont get fobbed off.

Heather - posted on 03/07/2010

Goodness... I thought I was nuts that I could feel the spot they put that bad boy in... I gets so sore... glad to know I am not loosing it! lol

Elise K - posted on 03/07/2010

I had my son Armand last year August and ended up having an epidural aswell as a spinal block and had him vi C-section. Not by choice though! I was on a syntosin drip to thin out my cervix and when I was 8-9cms dilated they did not top up the drip and my cervix thickened up again and ended up having the op. They had to try 5 times before they go the needle in the right place. Now when I bend over to change my baby I have to go on my knees as my back is killing me and I can't bend over for too long. I still have a bit of a baby belly do you think that could be causing strain on my back? I am hoping once I have lost the baby fat my back will get back to normal! Does anybody have any comments or advice please?

Marga - posted on 03/07/2010

i had problems with like that too, i was thinking if epidural is really the right shot for me. now i was having second thoughts what is the best anesthesia without having back problems. not only migrane, i was half paralyze for a week i couldnt move my upper body neck, arms and head. the doctor said i must have been stressed or had muscle strain or just tired but i did not believe it.

Claire - posted on 03/07/2010

sorry to hear you are having such problems ,has the pain suddenly come on ?,if it was ok after it sounds very much like a trapped nerve or slipped disc,do you get pins and needles and electric shock feelings? if so sounds like a damaged nerve ,you should see your dr asap as there is powerful medication,diflofenic or gabapentin which can dramatically help.I was very interested in your question,as my husband actually fractured his spine and has had so many treatments ,you may need physio to help ,also I had major surgery for Chrohns and was kept on an epidural for 10 days ,the effects after were truely horrendous and did some research into how it effected others ,I had that awful migraine and they treated it with massive doses of caffeine,but it was to do with a nerve passsage,that connects the spinal cord .I found many women who had an epidural for surgical pain relief were left with some weakness and loss of sensation [which is the the opposite to you],I was literally not able to walk,I would see a dr if you can get an emergency appointment ,people go to A and E for these reasons,he should refer you to a specialist ,but please do as it it could get worse,and I have just come off morphine which really messes you up ,you dont want it to get that bad ,hope you get it sorted and let us know ,best wishesx

Kayley - posted on 03/07/2010

i had an epidural in late november and they gave me to much of the dose and i fainted and had a fit wasn't nice. and i still suffer sometimes with my back it's not severe but is still painful

Lurlene - posted on 03/07/2010

Go get it checked out,asap

Annaliza Riosa - posted on 03/07/2010

i had back pains before the worst was when my left leg was really painful and i couldn't walk. I had MRI and the findings was slipped disc on my L4, L5...

JoAnn - posted on 03/06/2010

Sometimes they have to give you a "patch". The amount of spinal fluid might be low. This is not uncommon. Please see you're doctor!

Alisha - posted on 03/06/2010

Its been 16 months since I had an ephidural. My left thigh lower back on the left side still goes numb. This usually happens when i sit down for awhile.

Katrina - posted on 03/06/2010

I get really bad back pains during my mences but thats all

Tiffany - posted on 03/06/2010

You could have a leak of spinal fluid which is causing the pain, if this is true they can generally do a simple procedure which they insert some of your blood into the area where you had the epidural, this will patch the hole and stop the leak. It is also possible that they hit the worng spot when they put it in. You should get seen as soon as you can. You should not still be having problems this far out. Good luck.