2006-09-26 20:25:15 · 7 answers · asked by cshellmybell 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I am a labor and delivery nurse who assists with epidural placement everyday. First off the epidural is supposed to "miss" your spine. It is not supposed to go in your spine but rather the epidural space that surrounds the spine which is full of nerves. The anesthesiologist will inject numbing medication through the epidural catheter into the epidural space and that medicine will numb you from the waist down. Very similar to being at the dentist. So if you are worried about getting an epidural for labor pain management or for surgery, don't. It is safer than being put to sleep and in my 16 years of being an RN. I have never seen nor heard a true story about anyone being paralized. So go ahead and be painfree.
2006-09-26 20:38:21 · answer #1 · answered by callmecray_z 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Was going to answer but saw another nurse gave you an excellent answer so there's not much to say except don't worry - if you want and need the epidural, get one. I have heard of chronic back problems afterwards, or a spinal headache but the former has not been definitively linked and the latter is easily fixed with a blood patch and some time/rest.
2006-09-26 21:16:56 · answer #2 · answered by BabyRN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This has never been known to happen. The needle has to go pricely between the vertebrae and a doctor know by the feel of the needle that is in place. If it missed, the worst would be an ineffective epidural.
2006-09-27 02:55:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an epidural while in labor with both of my babies. Best thing I ever did. I highly recommend it.
If you are considering it for labor. The worst part is while you are having contractions and they are trying to insert it and you have to hold as still as possible. Not much pain, a little uncomfortable.
2006-09-27 01:20:08 · answer #4 · answered by Jenny K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know someone who was actually temporarily paralyzed on her left side after her epidural.
2006-09-26 20:31:20 · answer #5 · answered by lotr_geek 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alli think they told me was that i would get a headach or something where i would have yo get an other drug to make it go away
2006-09-26 20:33:23 · answer #6 · answered by lil mama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i dont know that they can miss if they are any good at it. i suppose its possible to be parylized
2006-09-26 20:27:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋