Spinal block for scheduled C-section - any others with fusion gone through this?

[SIsForSarah]

Hi all, I haven't been on for a long time, probably since I had my son two and a half years ago. I tried to deliver naturally, but was unsuccessful and ended up having a C-section under general anaesthesia. This time, the anaethesiologist would like me to try a spinal block if I go through with a planned C-section (which I most likely will). Due to my fusion (T5 to L2), he told me I am not a candidate for an epidural, but that a spinal block would work. Has anyone else with a fusion had a spinal block for a C-section? Did the fusion affect it in any way? I've had so many problems with my back over the years that I am really nervous about this.

[JenniferG]

I know nothing about this, but wonder why he wants you to have something untried, especially as it's worrying you. The general anaesthetic worked well last time, I gather? Good luck!

[SIsForSarah]

Thanks, JenniferG, it's a good question, and I should clarify. A spinal block is safer in general for both the mom and the baby (babies delivered through general anaesthesia get the effects of the anaesthesia and are groggy). They had to use general anaesthesia last time, because I tried for a natural birth, but after 20 hours of labour and 2 hours of pushing, the baby was stuck in my pelvis and they needed to get him out right away. This time, I am going in for a planned C-section, so there will be plenty of time to administer the spinal block. I know several non-fused people who have had spinal blocks for their C-sections, but don't know if having a fusion would complicate things, and am hoping some others in this board have had it and can tell me if it's worth being worried about or not (my default is to worry about everything.

[leahdragonfly]

Hi Sarah,

I wrote a post to you earlier today but alas it has disappeared--not sure where it went haha.

Anyway, I was fused as a teen from L4-S1 in 1984 (uninstrumented). I delivered both my kids (ages 11 and 8) by c-section, both with spinals. The first spinal went right in and worked perfectly. The second time the anesthesiologist had trouble and told me she was going up one level. Then it worked fine. I had no effects at all to my back. I had a lumbar scoliosis at the time of around 30-35 degrees. The area they go in is numbed before they start so you do not feel anything beyond the initial injection of local anesthetic.

It seems like you should do well with a spinal because it would be below your fusion. I felt a lot of pulling and tugging during the deliveries but it did not last long. I was wonderful to be able to hear my babies' first cries and see them right away. If your anesthesiologist thinks it will work for you, I would encourage you to try.

Congratulations on your coming baby, and please let us know how things go. When is the happy day?

[Confusedmom]

I was not fused when I had my planned c-section with a spinal block. However, I did have severe lumbar scoliosis. They just had to be careful where they inserted the needle. It all worked out fine. I would think since you're only fused to L2, the needle would go below that, right? If so, the fusion would not be am issue, I don't think. Best wishes! Exciting time. :-)

Evelyn

[loves to skate]

Hi Sis for Sarah,
I just had a total hip replacement seven weeks ago and had a spinal because general anesthesia makes me very sick. I am fused from L2- S1. The Anesthesiologist wasn't sure he could do it, but do it he did. Recovery from surgery is much easier with a spinal than from general anesthesia and if there is something in it for the baby, do it. You will be fine.
Sally

[SIsForSarah]

I have been having trouble getting on this site, but just wanted to say "thank you", Gayle, Evelyn and Sally for your responses. I feel much better now about having a spinal block with a fused spine and am definitely going ahead with it for my c-section, which is scheduled for next Thursday!

[susancook]

I agree with all of the above, but most especially Gayle's comment about being able to enjoy the first moments after the birth having had a spinal vs waking up after a general to find out that you had a baby. If your partner can be with you when you have the spinal delivery, then that is another moment that the two(or three!) of you can share. Spinal recovery is so much easier than general anesthesia recovery, plus it has much less risk which is a biggie.

So, enjoy your birth and relax. You might want to talk with your OB MD and remind him/her that you have back surgery and that you would appreciate it if an anesthesiologist "with a lot of experience" could be assigned to your case.

Congratulations in advance, Susan

[SIsForSarah]

Just wanted to give an update for anyone else considering a spinal anaethesia after having spinal fusion - it worked on me really well! Although I was extremely nervous, I had a very calm, supportive anaesthsist (I'm sure I'm not spelling that right and it went well - no pain or problem inserting the needle. No back problems after due to the spinal (just my usual issues with repeatedly lifting a growing infant, that I keep in check through physio and physio exercises). It was nice to be able to nurse my daughter in the recovery room, which I definitely wasn't able to do after my general anaethesia with my first child. I highly recommend it to those who need it for a C-section.

[leahdragonfly]

Dear Sarah,

That is wonderful to hear, and I am so glad everything worked out well with the delivery of your daughter! I thought about you and wondered how everything went, but I know how busy it is with a toddler and new baby.

It would be good to have your pediatrician keep an eye on their backs as they grow. Just a quick yearly visual check and forward bend should be sufficient.

Congratulations on your daughter's birth. I am sure your posts will help others in the future pondering the same question.

Take care,