Anyone had a planned C-section?

Question

This is my 2nd pregnancy. The first one I had an emergency c section and it's the worst experience i had in my life. They tried to give me an epidural but it felt like it was shocking me and they couldnt get it in.

I am terrified of catheters so my doctor said they can give me one after my spinal. But i am worried how bad the spinal hurts. he says they'll numb me first but i am so scared the shot will hurt..... Also with the first one after they got the baby out and was sewing me up , i got so nervous i felt like i was going to throw up and they had to knock me out. The recovery room was even worse cause i am paralyzed and have to lay flat. I was only with a mean nurse and couldnt not stand not being able to sit up and not move.
Then the next day the nurses had to keep pulling me out of bed just to go pee....i couldnt hardly walk or cough or anything. IT SUCKED!

So someone tell me good or bad stories please. I can take it. Does the spinal hurt? I can't remember.....

Answer 1

I've had 4 kids 2 c-section 2 natural and if i had to choose again i would do c section . first c section i had the shot thing and it didnt hurt me at all and i cant deal with pain second c section i was knocked out also had tubes tyed same time but the nurses did the same with me . they have to to make sure things are healing right i guess . but trust me i had 2 natural also and thats also why i scedualed the last one c-section much better for me cuz i hate pain!!! HOPE THAT HELPS

Answer 2

I have gone through all you stated above. You will be better prepared the second time around. The spinal hurts some but it depends on the CRNA or doc putting it in. Make sure you tell your doctor all that happened the first go round. You should have a consultation with the anesthia department first, then they will be better equipped to deal with your troubles. I had a nurse with nails put in my catheter after 22 hours of labor with no pain relief, epidurals do not work on me!! But the second time around I knew what was coming. It is for the best to get you out of bed quickly, after two days you start to lose muscles!! Take it easy and do not worry too much!!! Also request different people to take care of you, if a nurse was mean ask not to have her!!! My husband and I are both in health care-he is the guy who puts the spinals in!! Best advice is relax and know that a planned csection is better than an emergency one!!!!!

Answer 3

I am so sorry you had that whole entire beautiful experience ruined by an Emergency C section. And a cranky Recovery nurse just makes things worse.
Some of us 'nurses', and I use that term lightly for some, couldn't give a flying hoot about patients feelings and rights as a human being.
They 'nurse' for the glory of being a NURSE!!!! And bedding a Doctor.
We are all not like that.

Anyway that out of the road.

And epidural will be given to you again if you feel you can emotionally cope with what will happen in Theatre.
You can choose to be knocked out. But they like you awake so you can join in on the joy of a new life. The staff who do this everyday goes silly from excitement enough themselves.

A planned C section is so much more controlled and relaxed than an emergency.

Before anything the Anaesthetist will explain ALL the risks and side effects and what percentage they may occur BEFORE HE EVEN TOUCHES YOU.

When they give you the epidural they will numb you first with a small shot of local anaesthestic.
Local anaesthestic does burn and sting, sometimes pretty bad, BUT ONLY LASTS FOR A FEW SECONDS.
Swear, scream what ever you want. You will NEVER shock us!

After that you will be numb in the area where they will pass the epidural cath into the epidural space of your spine.

When he/she puts in the anaestitic into your spine you will be numb from the breasts down.
It also means you willl not be able to feel they half as your body willl no longer 'reconise' it. So no control.
This also means you will have no baldder control. So a catherter will be put in place.
They don't hurt at all and only take one second to insert, but they have to take their time cleaning the area first.
If you really want you can ask to have one put in after the epidural takes affect. It's your body and say. Your wishes will be obligated as much as they can and stilll keep your best physical interests at heart.

In recovery you will hopefully get a nice nurse to care for you.
If not ask for someone else to look after you.

After surgery you will have to remain in bed but if you don't want to lie flat ask them to turn you on your side. You won't be able to do it yourself. They will unless it is contraindicated in your care plan.

Getting someone to help you shower and to the toilet is embarrassing and does suck, but we do it all day, every day and have seen everything and some pretty weird, ugly things. So try to reassure yourself that we see a naked human body we feel the same as if YOU would look at a steak in the shop. Nothing!

Because it will be a calm expeience this time around the whole birth will be much better for you.
I had an emergency c section to save my life as it was all shuttting down after 72 hours, and only 2 centremetres dialated, and not one pain killer. My body just had enough.
I found the experience heartbreaking and suffered severe PND following Dylan's birth (now 11.5 years old) and was hospitalised for 3 months.


Good luck with it all. I hope so much your really get to enjoy the experience this time.

Answer 4

Can't say as I have, dear!