Have a few questions. [local anesthetic] [cervix]
Ive done some reading and such and have a few questions about a number of tests and other things. I am nervous about the amneosintisis (sorry can not spell). From what Ive read to them either through your abdomen or cervix . OK, this scares me a lot! Has anyone had done without local anesthetic? Im resistant to local people and have never really been numbed by one (had two ingrown toenails removed and it did not work either time, nothing works when I was a little surgery on my finger) I really do not have a high pain threshold and Im really scared about this! And how does one work and epideral and locals are not working for me what are the chances that it will? Also what happens if I have a C-section! How will they deal with that? The three proceedures I did before I told the doctors that I feel everything and uncontrollable crying and shaking in pain, but she thought I was exaggerating or faking. When I saw the other doctors they just say that I was not enough to give me a lot of data and it still does not tell, what should I do? I would wake up when my baby is born, but can not imagine a Csection while I feel everything! All this is really starting to scare me, and I am only 9 weeks! Any advice or has anyone solved this?
Jaimie
EDD 01/12/2004
Reply:I had an amnio with my first pregnancy about 2 years ago, and just had another one last week (they were due to my "advanced age" – I'm 38). It really wasn't bad at all. It just feels like a little pinch and some pressure. I also didn't get a numbing shot for it. The doc said it goes so fast and the shot isn't worth it – she was right both times. As far as anesthestics go, I also woke up during my wisdom tooth extraction (IV sedation) and when I had an EGD done a few years ago (where they stick a tube down your throat into your stomach to look around) they gave me all the drugs they could and I was still WIDE awake for it. That being said, I had an epidural with my first pregnancy and it was wonderful. I could have passed a bowling ball and not known it, however, complications came up and I ended up with an emergency c-section. Since the cath was already in my back from the epidural, that's what they used for the other anesthesia. I felt nothing at all and was awake for the entire surgery. I was really scared about a lot of things during my first pregnancy but found out that anticipation was a lot worse than what actually happened. Just so you know, the anesthesiologist is right there by your side during the surgery too and they are constantly monitoring you. Hopefully you won't need a c-section, but it does not good worrying about it. Good luck to you.
Reply:Hi Jamie!
I think rbsb4585 is right you should try and relax for your sake and babys. It is great that you are reading and becoming informed on your pregnancy and what to expect during your 9 months. But it's important to remember that not all tests or circumstances will pertain to you. Some tests you can decline to have, like the triple screen or AIDS test. Other's like the glucose test are routine for everyone. Like the other ladies have posted the amnio is only offred for women who are 38 and older, or who have a history of family birth defect. Even if you fit into one of these catorgories you can still decide to not have it. I was told that b/c of a triple screen result that my baby "could possibly" have downsyndrome. They offred us an amnio but told us the risk of m/c and we decided that it didn't matter if he had downs or not. Turned out the triple screen was a false positive and our son was fine.
As for the epidural that is also your choice. I had one with baby 2 b/c they thought they were going to have to do an emergancy cesection. The epidural didn't work on me, they called it a spotted epidural b/c part of my tummy would be numb but not the other side. Same with my legs. I didn't end up needing the cesection but had a horrible headache, a huge bruise on my back and felt really sick for 2 days. So w/baby 3 I went natural and for me it was an all around better experience. But I do know plenty of women who loved their epidurals and had great experiences with them.
Keep reading and asking questions and remember that you have awhile yet before you have to make any decisions!
Sending happy thoughts your way! :bouncing:
Reply:I had amnio, they did it through the abdomen. It was strange more than painful. Reading about how they will stick a needle into your uterus is one thing, but when they actually go and do that it's pretty wierd. They didn't give me anything, the Dr. said the shot to numb the area would be just as painful as sticking me with the amnio needle. It hurt like getting blood drawn when the needle went in, after that I just felt pressure.
It included an ultrasound before it so it was fun seeing my daughter. During the amnio they had the ultrasound going so I got to see daughter safely curled up, she slept all the way through it.
The test where they go through the cervix may be CVS rather than amnio. Here they take a tiny pinch of placenta tissue. It can only be done before 11-12 weeks. I was headed for this one but I coudn't get an appointment soon enough.
ONE THING THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN:
After the amnio they told me to easy for 2 days, like hang out on the couch and watch DVD's. They didn't tell me this ahead of time. I've been pretty active and just lucked out that I didn't have huge things at work or worse a business trip planned.
Next time anybody goes near my abdomen with a needle they better be sucking out at least 5 pounds of gut fat for my trouble.
Teapot
Reply:I was never given an amniocentisis…. many doctors only give them if the AFP comes back unusual, or the parents carry genetic risks, or there is some thought the baby may have problems, like with older moms. I was just curious if they had already told you you needed one.
It does seem super scary to me. I was SO relieved when I found out they weren't routine. I think they do use a local anesthetic, but boy, that is one huge needle. Also, there is a 2% miscarriage risk with amniocentesis, so they should only be done if the benefits outweigh the risk.
Aa for the other, I don't have any advice for you because anesthetics have always worked great on me.
Just don't worry so much!
[This message has been edited by guy (edited 06-01-2003).]
Reply:Why do you suggest to not have an epideral? I'm a big wimp when it comes to pain. Is there something wrong with the epiderals?
I haven't been through this yet, but my only advise is to relax. You are only 9 weeks, so you have a ton of time to get info. The last thing you need is stress. Take it easy. Ask a few doctors, hopefully more people here will respond to you, and perhaps you can find some literature. Just, please, take it easy. Don't stress yourself out about it, there is no turning back now. 
I know it is probably hard not to think about, but I hope you can find something to ease your mind. Take care.
(And ladies, if you have some info for this woman, give it up. I hope everything is going excellent for everyone. Take care.)
Reply:I don't know about the amneosintisis. But as far as locals not working, they don't on me either. I woke during wisdom teeth extraction, I woke during colonoscopy. So right before my lap in Jan. my dh told the anethesiologist that I am resistant to being put under. So I was given a medication to help relax me. It worked. And I even woke up without throwing up. The epidural is wonderful,but scary. I had 2. It is done in your back into your spine. But please try not to have one unless really necessary.
Tink
01-04-04
