Epidural that didn't work

[kaosotep]

What is the name of your state? CA
I had a c-section 3 months ago. I was given epidural that didn't work. The doctor did the usual test and I said that I could feel it. He insisted that I should have some sensation. He did this about 3x and each time I said I could feel it. He used a scissors like tool to pinch my leg and I said I could feel it. Again, he said I should be able to feel some sensation and not pain. Well, I didn't feel pain so I told him that I could feel the pinch but not pain.

So they proceeded. My OB made the sliced and when it got to my right side, I felt the slice and a great deal of pain. I screamed, they tried to apply local but it was even more painful. I could feel each injection. I was screaming. They kicked my husband out and they gave me general anesthesia.

I have nightmares about it and generally just horrible memory. Could I file for malpractice?

 

[CALIF-PRO36]

What is the name of your state? CA
I had a c-section 3 months ago. I was given epidural that didn't work. The doctor did the usual test and I said that I could feel it. He insisted that I should have some sensation. He did this about 3x and each time I said I could feel it. He used a scissors like tool to pinch my leg and I said I could feel it. Again, he said I should be able to feel some sensation and not pain. Well, I didn't feel pain so I told him that I could feel the pinch but not pain.

So they proceeded. My OB made the sliced and when it got to my right side, I felt the slice and a great deal of pain. I screamed, they tried to apply local but it was even more painful. I could feel each injection. I was screaming. They kicked my husband out and they gave me general anesthesia.

I have nightmares about it and generally just horrible memory. Could I file for malpractice?

My response:

Many people have poor medical experiences. But, having those experiences does not mean that your pain or nightmares rise to the level of malpractice. So, since you've come to a legal site, instead of a medical site, I have to tell you that with what you've stated, I wouldn't take your case. So, not only do I feel that there was no malpractice, there's just not enough money in it, either. I'll bet you haven't been to a psychologist either. Ergo, no damages.

You'll survive.

IAAL

 

[kaosotep]

Thanks for the response.

I've lost sensation on that side of my stomach. I spoke with my OB and he said that's normal for c-section. It was my first c-section so what do I know. I searched online medical info for this problem but couldn't really find any.

But I have a beautiful, healthy baby girl. So I'm just going to focus on that.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

AN epidural is givwn to avoid the more gangerous general anesthesia, no form of anasthesia is without it's risks and individuals may react differently to anaesthesia. The use of an epidural allows your husband to be presant during birth, not so with general anasthesia., so you opted for the less risky anasthesia but it didn't work, however you safely delivered and have a healthy child, thus no damages for a medmal lawsuit. As your OB said, it is common to have some numbness following a C section and there are sites where individual cases are discussed at length. Here is a link to a closed forum with a wealth of questions and answers by OB/gyn
http://forums.obgyn.net/pregnancy-birth/

 

[abaga]

AN epidural is givwn to avoid the more gangerous general anesthesia, no form of anasthesia is without it's risks and individuals may react differently to anaesthesia. The use of an epidural allows your husband to be presant during birth, not so with general anasthesia., so you opted for the less risky anasthesia but it didn't work, however you safely delivered and have a healthy child, thus no damages for a medmal lawsuit. As your OB said, it is common to have some numbness following a C section and there are sites where individual cases are discussed at length. Here is a link to a closed forum with a wealth of questions and answers by OB/gyn
http://forums.obgyn.net/pregnancy-birth/

Rmet..

Excellent site you sent the OP to read. I used to frequent that site and it's others (OBGYN.net Womens Health Forum) and answer the questions I had knowledge of.

I've not had a C Section, but I've had surgery on my abdomen and even though it has been a few years, I have areas that are still numb. For the OP, it is definitely a normal thing that can happen. Sometimes you get the feeling back, and sometimes you do not. Years back, I was told surface nerves are cut, which is the reason for the numbness.

Great to hear you have a healthy baby..that is what is most important!

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Rmet..

Excellent site you sent the OP to read. I used to frequent that site and it's others (OBGYN.net Womens Health Forum) and answer the questions I had knowledge of.

I've not had a C Section, but I've had surgery on my abdomen and even though it has been a few years, I have areas that are still numb. For the OP, it is definitely a normal thing that can happen. Sometimes you get the feeling back, and sometimes you do not. Years back, I was told surface nerves are cut, which is the reason for the numbness.

Great to hear you have a healthy baby..that is what is most important!

Yes OBGYN.net was an excellent site providing both professional and lay responses. It looks like they are getting their sponsorship back to open again to the public but in the mean time there are thousands of quesitons and answers about almost anything re OBGYN issues. THen we will have another place to directly send posters with these questions.

 

[shell007]

Thanks for the response.

I've lost sensation on that side of my stomach. I spoke with my OB and he said that's normal for c-section. It was my first c-section so what do I know. I searched online medical info for this problem but couldn't really find any.

But I have a beautiful, healthy baby girl. So I'm just going to focus on that.

I had a c-section over 7 years ago and the "loss of sensation" around the incision site still exists.
This is very normal.

 

[abaga]

Yes OBGYN.net was an excellent site providing both professional and lay responses. It looks like they are getting their sponsorship back to open again to the public but in the mean time there are thousands of quesitons and answers about almost anything re OBGYN issues. THen we will have another place to directly send posters with these questions.

I communicate via email with one of the MD's that answered questions on the forum. Hopefully he will be back answering questions when they reopen the forums.

Anytime I have a question regarding OBGYN issues, I always refer back to them. To me, it is by far the best website around for womens health issues. If you know of others, clue me in, Rmet ..