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Epidural Gone Terribly Wrong

Epidural Gone Terribly Wrong

The above heart wrenching story may be a half a world away, none-the-less, we can still connect with this. This tragedy happened to a fellow mother.

I've heard of epidural complications, but never to this extent.

So sad. :(

I sure hope none of us have such tragic testimony, but will you add your epidural story on whether it turned out well, or not so well, to help mothers consider the procedure.

Would you do it again?

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Anderson on September 12, 2010 at 10:39pm

With my oldest, I was Pro-Epidural. I worked for the obstetrician and met with the pain management clinic ahead of time. I have scoliosis and was concerned that my spinal curvature could be a hindrance for an epidural. The pain management people assured me it would not be. WRONG!
I was induced a week early due to PIH. Arrived at LRMC 3 cm dilated, got on pitocin at 8am, asked for epidural at 1230pm, newbie nurse did not check cervix prior to epidural being administered, pain doc hit a nerve when inserting epidural causing my body to go into a shaking frenzy. Ended up I was already 9 cm. dilated (too late for epidural), epidural did not take affect as meds did not go into proper space in my spine. Twelve years later I still suffer from back pain and back spasms although with time they have spaced out more in between episodes. None of the docs (including one I worked for) would admit wrong doing and ironically the pain doc that administered the epidural "left" the pain clinic shortly after I had my problem. I did have a nerve evaluation done about 7 years ago and was told that there was permanent/unfixable nerve damage where the epidural was inserted (I can still pinpoint the exact spot).
SOOOO.... with 2nd one 6 1/2 yrs later I adamantly refused the epidural and arrived at LRMC 7cm dilated, but ended up with c-section as there apparently wasn't enough amniotic fluid for the baby to deliver. After an hour of arguing with the the HEAD of same pain clinic and refusing to allow anyone to touch my spine, I was completely knocked out and a c-section was performed.

Now I am Anti-Epidural (risks did not outweigh any potential benefits). Although after much discussion, I did allow one marvelous ER doctor to perform a spinal tap a few years back (he did it flawlessly and I had no ill effects). It's an individual choice, but if I had it all to do again, I would have never opted for the epidural under any circumstances.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn Spivey on September 13, 2010 at 9:30am

Michelle, what a story! Thank you for sharing this with us. Definitely a mental chew for those considering an epidural in future.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn Spivey on January 17, 2012 at 12:40pm

This story really stuck with me. So much in fact, I went in search for updates.

Meeting epidural victim Grace Wang. This is the woman who was mistakenly injected with antiseptic instead of anesthetic during an epidural at Sydney's St George Hospital.

If you would like to catchup as well, you can get updates on the Grace Wang - Epidural Tragedy - Updates and Help. There are some uplifting comments there as well as other tragic stories being told.

Here's one that caught my eye:

Grace, I want to let you know that once I read your story, it all rushed back to me. The day our grandson was born, seven years ago. Our daughter had an epidural and we are not sure what was is the cocktail they gave her through the needle, but by 10 pm that night, her right leg came back but her left leg never did. She has raised her son from a wheel chair. There is something so wonderful and so great about a mothers will and determination to carry on no matter what traggic turn of events get in the way. Our daughter has been a great inspiration to us and watching you Grace, has multiplied that feeling. Your strong will to get on with life and do the best you can will show your son that he can do anything. You look like you have a wonderful family and support preople around you and I wish you all the very best on this journey. God Bless you.... Holly Loewen

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Permalink Reply by Trisha Hopkins on January 17, 2012 at 3:11pm

I had epidurals with all 3 of my children. Child #1: Took them 2 tries to get it in my back but from then on wonderous relief...slept through majority of my labor but then when it came time to push I couldn't really. After 2 hours I was having chest pains (heart condition) so they used a vaccum to help me deliver. Child #2: Had yet another epidural and it went it fine. About 15 mins later i was having trouble breathing so they shut it off. Come to find out catheter turned the worng way so meds were creeping up instead of down. Delivered with no pain meds...WAS HORRIBLE. After delivery went to sit and got a horrible headache. Suffered through 5 days of a spinal headache because the anesthesiologist didn't want to believe me that I was NOT IN FACT having a migraine but something much worse. After the 5th day at home and finally not being able to hear or walk because of the pain OB sent me to ER to have a blood patch done. Two weeks of horrible back pain followed. Child #3: Took 2 tries again to get epidural. Got one in but they stuck me to low and I wasn't numbing, pain was so intense I made them take that one out and do it again. Finally relief came and it was fine after that. Not sure if it's just me and I do not have the body for those but I take them over the pain of no meds anyday. All that matters is I have my healthy happy three children. Pros vs Cons. I suffered either way but at least with one it was for a long time or as bad...