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epidural site pain

post #1 of 11
Thread Starter 
How normal is this... the site if the epidural is sensitive still and last night my 3yo ds kneed me right there and MAN! did that hurt. a strange hurt... but a hurt.

I'm 3 wks and 3 days out now. I can't remember how long the epidural site hurt with ds 3 yrs ago.

should I be bringing it up with my dr yet?
post #2 of 11
I've never had an epidural, but I've known many people who have. I had a friend who's lower back hurt for a long time (several years) while DH's father (an anastesiologist) says that lower back pain usually goes away by 4 weeks.. We got into a "discussion" about the side effects of an epidural (which he thinks everyone woman should have in labor).. This is exactly the reason that I've chosen to avoid them. It doesn't seem worth the possible side effects. I hope you get better soon.
post #3 of 11
Thread Starter 
i was set against them last time and this time too, and I made myself read and reread the list of adverse effects... but after days of labor it was a desperate exhaustion vs pushing equation in my head that made sense.... I'm suprised that I feel no regrets... but if there were ever a next time I'd still try to avoid it.

the pain isn't bad enough now to regret the relief it gave me then... except maybe the disturbing pain when I got kneed.
post #4 of 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by GradysMom View Post
i was set against them last time and this time too, and I made myself read and reread the list of adverse effects... but after days of labor it was a desperate exhaustion vs pushing equation in my head that made sense.... I'm suprised that I feel no regrets... but if there were ever a next time I'd still try to avoid it.

the pain isn't bad enough now to regret the relief it gave me then... except maybe the disturbing pain when I got kneed.
I'm glad to hear it. I understand that there's definitely a time and place to get one. I hope you feel better soon.
post #5 of 11
I'm glad you made the right choice for you in the moment. Interventions have a time and place, y/k?

Anyway, I think if you are wondering whether or not to bring it up, it means you should. 1 quick call won't hurt.
post #6 of 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Abraisme View Post
I've never had an epidural, but I've known many people who have. I had a friend who's lower back hurt for a long time (several years) while DH's father (an anastesiologist) says that lower back pain usually goes away by 4 weeks.. We got into a "discussion" about the side effects of an epidural (which he thinks everyone woman should have in labor).. This is exactly the reason that I've chosen to avoid them. It doesn't seem worth the possible side effects. I hope you get better soon.
Your post was insensitive.


OP~ my epidural pain with my first lasted I think maybe two weeks? However my mom swears she still feels hers 24 years later. My eldest is nearing 6 and I don't even remember where they put it in. I say wait another week or two and then ask your OB.

You were smart getting one, IMO. If I knew during my third's birth what I know now I would have gotten one before I went through a 45 hour traumatic labor and delivery. Not all births are rainbows and butterflies or even manageable.

Love the name Coralynn!
post #7 of 11
Although the medical literature doesn't mention it, the massage therapists I know say lingering sensitivity is pretty common (and they're dealing with non-labor spionals/epidurals as well). The Obs I had with my first vbac also said that it's something they hear frequently and that the bio-mechanics make perfect sense (an injury near a bunch of nerves = potential for lingering funky sensations).

For myself, the 'pain" from the spinal injection site was mostly an ache for a week or so. Then everything felt fine unless someone touched the injection site. Yowsa! It was a very specific, almost electric, sensation that was very painful and totally out of the blue. Dh would forget and rub the spot while rubbing my back and I'd yelp! This lasted about 3 years. In the last year or so the sensation when pressed is more like hitting a bruise than being jabbed with a hot electrode so I'm counting this as an improvement!

However, it can't hurt to ask your care provider to take a look. It's possible that a cyst has formed, or a minor infection, or some sort of treatable swelling is causing the problem. Given the location, it's a better safe than sorry thing in my mind.
post #8 of 11
I have had four epidural births and two natural. My back is still sensitive in the area where my epidurals were given and that was 5 years ago. Just one of those things the doctors don't tell you!
post #9 of 11
A few weeks after my first was born, I saw a Cranial Sacral Therapist. I didn't discuss my birth process with her but she guessed correctly that I had an EPI. She told me that often times women can have back problems years after an EPI. She was able to work on that sight and felt heat coming from it. If you are able, I suggest finding a Cranial Sacral Therapist. They might be able to help you out.

I hope that you feel some relief soon!
post #10 of 11
I'm so sorry that you're still feeling pain! I've had 2 epidurals with my 4 births and I have NEVER had such pains. I would call the Dr and check that this is normal. And your decision is your decision - no need to defend it
post #11 of 11
Yeah, I had DS1 7 years ago and still get pain at the epidural site now and then. Just one of those things. Though I do know people who have it most of the time still so I am lucky.
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