QuestionI am 35 y/o, with two children (ages 15 & 16), and now pregnant with my third child. LMP 12/9/05. I have had lower back pain for many years. In 2003, MRI's showed spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and bulging discs between L3-L5, and herniated disc between L5-S1 (to the left impinging on the nerve). I opted for surgery (discectomy and laminectomy L5-S1, instead of the spine fusion the neurosurgeon recommended) only after my left leg went numb and it became very difficult to walk. After the surgery, an area from my lower back, through my buttock down the lateral aspect of my left leg to my left two little toes have remained not quite numb, but a marked decrease in sensation. This has still caused some difficulty in walking, but has improved markedly over time. The neurosurgeon (follow-up appt. s/p surgery) informed me that the nerve was impinged greatly due to the disc pressing on the nerve, and that the loss of sensation may be permanent, in which it now is. He also advised a tubal ligation (obviously I did not have), because pregnancy may place added stress on my lower spine causing even more difficulties in the future if I decided to have another child.
Now my questions are these. I am getting conflicting answers from the OB clinic about whether or not a c-section is required, and if it will be done under general anesthesia. I was told because of my previous back surgery, I am not eligible for spinal anesthesia. I would prefer not to have a c-section, but I am also afraid of the pressure to my spine with a vaginal birth. And yes, I still have chronic lower back pain, especially with the added weight (and more to come) I am carrying and it is becoming increasingly difficult to walk once again. I am becoming stressed day by day by the wait and see approach. So, what I would like some answers to are these, another opinion if you will. Is it beneficial to have a c-section due to the back problems I have? And would it have to be under general anesthesia? I so much would like to have the daddy-to-be with me with the birth of our daughter, but I am also worried about my lower back health in being able to take care of our baby after she arrives.
Please give me some peace of mind.
Thank you,
Jamie Stack
AnswerI do not believe that you will find any anesthesiologist who will do spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia. That does not mean that you must have a cesarean section. You can still have a vaginal delivery with Stadol or Demeral.If you do have a cesarean section, it will be safer and more comfortable using general anesthesia. I would suggest that you have a consult with the anesthesthetist in the hospiral in which you will be delivering.
