paralyzing epidural

Nobody even mentioned any of this as a risk to me when I had mine! OIY!

This is sorta 'off topic,' Gompers, but I'm trying to get into nursing as we speak and I've been wondering if my height would put me at a disadvantage. What's your experience been?? If you don't mind my asking.

I don't remember anyone saying anything to me either, especially considering the only question I was asked was if I wanted to be awake.. I wasn't given any option, ie spinal or epidural. I don't think it ever occurred to me that something like that could happen until they hit the nerve! I suppose it's likely that they *did* tell me, but I chose to block it out!

Ahhhh... the lidocaine, they couldn't get that needle in the right place, either.. Once they did, I was soooo thankful. I've heard of people having back problems after spinals, but I haven't had too bad of a time. The biggest problem I had was when I first came home, I leaned against a bar and it was just the same height as the spinal was on my back. I barely touched the bar and about went to my knees... the soreness went away after a few days.

Now I am all freaked out! I had an epidural with my first child and had a c-section. I am due in a couple of weeks with # 2 and am having another c-section. My doc said I would be getting a spinal. I understand that women having a vaginal birth can choose not to have an epidural but what am I supposed to do? I don't really have a choice... I guess I will just Let Go and Let God! Please wish me luck!

There are many very short nurses out there, so don't your height stop you. I did notice, during school and while working as a CNA in med-surg, that it was a little harder working with larger patients. If I was doing a bath, transfer, or linen change with another CNA or nurse, I'd always need the bed really low and if the other person was taller they'd risk hurting their back. So that was a problem, but what are you gonna do?

I work in the NICU now and it's funny because with our isolettes, my arms are at the exact height of the armholes - it's like I was made for them, LOL. The taller nurses have to bend over with these beds, so in a way my height is ideal in this area. I'm not saying that all short nurses should work NICU, of course, but it is one area where you won't have any trouble.

Never had an epidural for childbrith, but I did have one for knee surgery. It was great!

My surgeon wanted me to have general anesthesia, but my CRNA came to my rescue and did the epidural.

I watched most of the surgers...kept my mouth very shut...was up and about in less than 45 minutes after I hit the PACU. The nurse was freaking out, said I was going to fall, but I had full sensation and function.

Thanks, Gompers. I was HOPING you'd say something like that.

For those of you scared of epidurals....

You, of course, have every right to be scared, but just remember that from reading these posts, the instances of things going wrong are very few and far between. I am sure you will all be fine!!! Big hugs and lots of prayers.

Happened to me with my first..(my Dtr. who is getting married next week !)

First time they hit too high... and I went into respiratory distress. After all that mess, they did another.. lower... this time too low. It was a total disaster.

After that I switched docs and went all natural all the way .. no NOTHING with my son. Felt like I was passing a watermelon through my rectum, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat ! Best birthing experience ever.