New here with a ?

[PurpleJewells]

Hi all! I'm new to this board. I just found out I'm pregnant w/ #2. Had a c/s w/ my daughter because she was frank breech. Otherwise, no complications.

Was really hoping for a vbac for #2, but also just got diagnosed w/ a herniated disc. Surgeon doesn't want to operate until after delivery.

So, is it stupid of me to try the vbac? I've already lost some muscle control and nerve function in my lower right leg, along w/ the pain. I'm worried about pushing and doing more damage or not being able to push because of the numbness, etc.

Any suggestions? If its really not a good idea, I'd rather know now, so I can switch back to my old OB (who won't do the vbac) and not mess with the wondering and hoping of getting one.

TIA!

[MNHall]

Hey girl! Just wanted to say hi....I'm glad that you found your way over here. Obviously I'm just lurking...I like to read up, keep up, and support when I can since encouragement and support for a VBAC was a big deal for me!

I'm sorry I don't have too much knowledge on all of this, not sure if you saw my other post to you yet...but I'm be curious of a few things, like, would it actually be harder to have a c/s, then have to recover for TWO surgeries in 9 months.

And as for a VBAC, I'm not sure how the disc would effect you...but I sure hope you can find out!

And the main thing is, I'd make sure you find a very supportive and PRO VBAC doctor. So that, if the doctor tells you, VBAC is NOT a good idea, you know it's not because of their schedule and convienence, but really for your own health. The more pro vbac they are, the more likely they are going to try to get that vaginal delivery for you (without causing you more harm!)

HUGS!!!

[smeisnotapirate]

I'm not sure, but I would definitely ask a natural minded MW if I were you. If you shouldn't have a VBAC, the MWs won't take you anyways - none of them want the liability, you know?

Try in Finding Your Tribe in your local area and ask around for MWs who are VBAC-supportive. Then you can call and ask them directly.

Good luck! I hope you can get your VBAC!

[DocsNemesis]

I'd be talking to as many doctors as possible. Have you asked the back doc what his opinion is? Talked to an OB about it yet? And I agree, finding a good VBAC doctor who really tries and advocates for VBAC is a necessity. At least if they tell you they don't think its a good idea, you know you are making an educated choice and don't need to worry so much about a doc telling you no just because they don't like VBAC to begin with.

I wouldn't take just one doctors advice though. No matter what they say. I have an issue with my head, had been planning a homebirth, my previous neuro didn't see an issue with it and my midwives didn't either. But when I went to my new neurologist, she insisted I should NEVER have a homebirth and referred me to high risk doctors. After discussing what she said with my midwives, we all agreed that this seemed really silly. I went on to have a wonderful homebirth with no complications. Why in the world that particular doctor was so freaked, I have no idea! (the problem I have is excess spinal cord fluid around the brain, its not like I have a tumor in there that could rupture with pushing or something )

[Mom2M]

I would talk to your back dr. If your disc is bad enough to warrant surgery and you are already dealing with loss of function from it, pushing may be a bad thing.
Or...maybe an alternative position for pushing besides lying on your back would be ok.

Good luck,

Deb

[PurpleJewells]

update

Thanks for all the information and suggestions. I was finally able to talk w/ my surgeon today and he strongly recommended that I not attempt a VBAC. He said there is a very high percentage chance that I could do further damage to my disc or suffer permanent loss of bladder/bowel control due to nerve damage.
Certainly not what I wanted to hear, but, a solid answer nonetheless. I trust my surgeon and his recommendations, so looks like I'll be scheduling another c-section sometime in June.

Maybe, if we take this rollercoaster ride again for #3, I can try for my VBAC then.

Thanks again for everything and I wish you all the best of luck!
Julie

[Mom2M]

Hi, I hope you don't mind, I just wanted to ask about your back problem. I tried to send a PM but it didn't go through.
I had emergency surgery at L5-S1 for CES in 2007 and am due to give birth any day now.
When you wrote that your surgeon said you were at risk for permanent B & B damage if you did a VBAC, it made me think you might have the same issue.

I am planning a VBAC and until I read your post, I never really thought of contacting my surgeon to get his opinion but I think I might do that tomorrow.

Anyway, the good news is that despite gaining 35 pounds, I've had no back pain or aggravation of the herniated disc.

Deb