General anaesthetic and caesarean birth?

Question

I appreciate that this isn't the best place for serious questions, but I need to ask this one as it is driving me nuts. (I'd be grateful if any trolls lurking here would get lost, as I'm really not in the mood for 500 pointless spam answers.)

My younger sister is scheduled for a caesarean section in a few hours time. To say she's not in the best of health is an understatement: she's an eplileptic, asthmatic smokerwith bronchitis! The problem is that she's insisting on having a general anaesthetic rather than an epidural. When her elder daughter was born via caesarean, the anaesthetic didn't work at all; obviously, she's not keen to repeat that experience.

I respect that. Still, I can't shift my own fear that it's is all going to go horribly wrong. I've looked up a load of info on the internet and, quite frankly, it has terrified me even more! Can anyone offer me any advice on how to get through the next few hours without going totally insane from worry? Someone? Anyone??

I guess one of the aforementioned trolls proved my point by thumbing down my question. Prat.

Thanks for the reassurance... I'm just so nervous. I'm 100 miles away and won't be able to be with her at the birth. The fact that the medical team are advising her not to have a general frightens the hell out of me. I've tried my best to talk her out of it. No good.

I'm a bit overwhelmed - I didn't think anyone would notice this question! Thank you all so much for your advice and kind wishes, I really appreciate it.

My baby niece was born safely and my sister is doing well despite significant odds to the contrary. I cannot thank you people enough for helping me, you helped me find some peace of mind for a while with your answers, and I am very grateful. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Consult with the doctors and tell them your concerns. They will be able to tell you the truth, and just keep in mind that doctors would never do something to jeopardize the health of their patients.

Answer 2

I agree with you, having had two c- sections in generally good health, I cannot see having a local anesthetic or how a doctor would be okay with that- it sounds rather odd to me.

However directly answering your question- though it is easier to say don't worry than it is to actually do it- worrying will not change the outcome- it takes a lot of energy and physical resources to worry and fret over something you have no control over. Yes, this is upsetting and something bad could happen, but something bad could happen if she got the epidural, something bad could happen at anytime unexpectedly- who can add a day to their life or change something completely out of their hands by worry? noone.
Do what you can do- your sister has made her deceision- now use your time and energies wisely- you don't agree- fine- but you now need to respect her decision- say it out loud. I dont aggree with you but you are an adult, about to have a child, I respect that you have thought this through and have valid reasons for making the decision you have made.
Now again, remind yourself of exactly what positive, edifying things can be accomplished by fretting and worry- NOTHING.
Spend your energies doing the following

* pray for her - call friends to pray for her

* call friends and set up a support system to help her after the baby is born- make a schedule where people can come and bring a meal, sit with her and the baby for a little while, clean up in hte house- these things are NEEDED after a baby

Basically think of some things that you can do or think about that will accomplish a positive end and focus your time , thoughts and energies on those things- when you are doing this , it is hard to think about or dwell the negative-
though the thoughts come- you alone have control over them- dont let the negative , oppressive thoughts take control over you- only dwell on what you can do something about and then spend your time doing something :)

Answer 3

When my son was born ten years ago, he was an unplanned, emergency C-section. I couldn't go into the room with my wife (this was our third delivery, I'd been there in the other two natural births), so they stuck me in an observation room right outside the OR. They put her under FAST and the doctor started cutting.

And I began to get light-headed. The fear started to come up and grab me -- what was going to happen -- we already had two children who needed both parents -- what would I do if...

And then a miracle happened and four medical students walked into the room with me to watch the C-section.

I started giving them the medical history -- how long a labor, fetal heart rate indicating distress, doctor's decision to do a C-section, and then I started narrating what was going on. (We'd just watched a documentary on C-sections so I had a basic clue what was happening -- skin, muscle sheath, omentum, uterus, etc. as he was cutting her open.)

My natural tendency -- the thing I do in life when I get stressed out, or worried, or just want to relax -- is to start teaching and explaining things. (Uh... and I spend HOW much time on Yahoo! Answers? :-) So at the moment of my greatest stress and concern, in walked four people who needed me to explain to them. I completely forgot about my fear and became Dr. Science. My wife fully recovered, our son is ten, and everything worked out.

So there's what you can do -- get into a conversation with somebody that will displace the fear you're feeling. Go to a soup kitchen and feed the homeless. Do something -- anything -- as long as it's so overwhelming, so distracting, so demanding of your total concentration that you won't think about being afraid or worried or concerned.

Because the truth is that all the worry in the world won't make a bit of difference. But that's a very advanced conversation. :-)

Answer 4

I have 4 grown children--all born by c-sections. For 3 of them I had a spinal. So I was numb from the waistdown. For one of the births I had an epidural. I felt pressure and discomfort during the epidural. I would recommend the spinal to anyone. It is the only way for me. Please try not to worry about your sister. We must have faith in the medical profession. Medical technology can do miraculous things for people in need.

Answer 5

i have 2 children. 1st by c-section.2nd by v-back(natural birth) of course there ware almost 9 years separating them. i did not feel the risks involved out weighed the chances of having a healthy baby the natural way. i birthed a healthy baby boy. they requirements 7 yrs ago was that you had to have at least 2 years between births after a c-section to try a v-back. but they have changed that protocol to once a c-section always a c-section because of there being too many risks involved for the mother especially along of course with the baby. being an epileptic i'm surprised the Drs. would even let her breath the word natural birth around them along with the fact that she has a history of respiratoy problems. for the safety of the mother and child, your sister should be putting the welfare of her child and herself first and go the c-section route.

Answer 6

I have has natural birth, epidural, and a c-section. I have not had a general anesthetic ( i cant anyway) Child birth is not easy for anyone especially if the mother is not in the best of health. Put your faith in her decision. She has doctors that are aware of her conditions so you can put your faith in them...I suggest you pray for her to have a safe delivery and I am sure a great deal of prayers from anyone that reads your question will be heading her way....have faith sweety it will be your warm blanket on a cold night.

Answer 7

The doctors will help her make the best decision for both her health and the health of the baby.

P.S. Dear Brown Eye Girl..... it is VBAC not V-Back (Vaginal Birth After Cesarian. You make the rest of us questions your credibility as a respitatory tech by not knowing a simple term as that. And NO not all hospitals and not all doctors have changed to once-always..... because my first was a C-section and the second was VBAC... and much more recently than 7 years ago.

Answer 8

steves wife here.i have had three sections...2 general and1 spinal.i recovered a lot quicker with the spinal,was up and about and didnt get the chest infections afterwards with spinal.best of all i was awake to see the baby and my husband was with me.from experience i would advise the spinal.one last point you dont need so many pain killers afterwards.hope this helps and i know all of you will come through this with a lovely bundle.

Answer 9

The doctors will evaluate the best course to take with your sister based on her medical history and present condition. General anesthesia will not be offered just because she demands it if it is not safe. Doctors will safeguard themselves against liabilities to the best of their abilities.
You can pray for your sister and your soon to be born neice or nephew. I hope the baby is healthy and all ends well.
God bless.

Answer 10

ok with my first c-section i had a spinal block. i paniced and went into shock. i felt no pain but the sensation of them moving my insides around was to much. the second time they gave me something that made me sleep. they waited till just before theywere ready to start.knocked me out and performed the c-section. it was easier to handle.than the spinal. there are a few small risks, but you will find those with anything you do. my son was fine and so was i. and i am sure your sister wil be ok to. just be there for her and let her know she will be alright. good luck and God bless.

Answer 11

Take comfort in knowing that the doctors who are there, know the condition of your sister's health. Everything is taken into consideration when she goes under. If anything does go wrong, they are usually prepared and know exactly how to handle it.

If it helps any to know, I have said a prayer for God to watch over her and her baby, to bring them safely through the surgery and to also give you comfort while you wait for the little one to arrive.

God Bless the three of you.