PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for May, 2001: Re: 'Walking' epidurals

Re: 'Walking' epidurals

From: R. Daniel Braun, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 3 May 2001 22:04:41 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: R. Daniel Braun, MD: "Re: 23 days pregnant: HCG levels in 72 hrs increase from 1503 to 5927?"
Previous message: R. Daniel Braun, MD: "Re: Bleeding"
In reply to: Kristy: "'Walking' epidurals"
Next in thread: Jenny: "Re: 'Walking' epidurals"

At Thu, 3 May 2001, Kristy wrote: >
>I would like some information about "walking epidurals". I've had both
>my children naturally, but I definately want pain relief this time. The
>thought of having my legs numb scares me, and I know I'd have a panic
>attack if they were numb. So I don't want a normal epidural.
>

This is done by using a very dilute solution of the anesthetic agent so that only the sensory protions of the nerves are blocked but the motor protions are not. This allows one to control the muscles (not very well) while every tthing is numb. There are not many anesthesilogists who will attempt it and aeven fewer who will be successful.

>What kind of pain relief does a "walking epidural" offer?
>Is there pain in the vagina and perenium during pushing? [that was VERY
>painful for me].

Depends on the level fo the nerve block. Even a regular epidural may not relieve this pain unless your OB and anesthesiologist work very closely together.

>What are any side effects of a walking epidural?
>What are the risks?
>Any after affects?

Same as a regular epidural PLUS it might not relieve pain as well.

>I have non-life threatening heart arrhythmias. Do walking epidurals
>have any risk of causing arrhythmias?

All epidurals do have a risk of doing this.

>If a walking epidural doesn't numb the vagina and perenium, can
>something be done to numb them during pushing?

A caudal epidural is more likely, but there are very few docs around who know how to do them anymore.

[oh please say yes...] >I'd also like to hear of personal experiences from women who may have
>had them....details details details! I'm SO scared to go through that
>kind of pain again. I felt like someone was ripping me in two. Any
>help is greatly appreciated. I checked the archives and found nothing
>about walking epidurals.
>Thank you...
>Kristy

--
R. Daniel Braun, MD FACOG  FOG

This is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be replacement or substitute for consultation and examination by an appropriate medical professional.  Due to time constraints, private e-mails cannot be answered.

Next message: R. Daniel Braun, MD: "Re: 23 days pregnant: HCG levels in 72 hrs increase from 1503 to 5927?"
Previous message: R. Daniel Braun, MD: "Re: Bleeding"
In reply to: Kristy: "'Walking' epidurals"
Next in thread: Jenny: "Re: 'Walking' epidurals"

use when must restrict search to only the pregnancy & birth forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: