Q about epidural/spinal block

[Shezabelle]

Hi Michelle
The difference is postion mainly. An epidural goes into the epidural space and delivers local anaesthetic to the desired area and a spinal block injects local anaesthetic directly into the desired nerve to numb it for a period of time. An epidural is a catheter that stays in place whilst needed ( & thus can be topped up) whilst a spinal is a single injection.

I had an elective c/s for my 1st and I actually had both a spinal and an epidural. I think the anaesthetist was worried about the position of the spinal block so he put the epi in for good measure. I did feel the block but not too painful, kind of pressure on my back and little stactic type shocks. I was completely numb from my collarbones down and my left leg stayed that way for about 4-6 hours then I got feeling back. I would definately recommend it. It was the only part of the c/s I was worried about too and it was fine and I was so excited to meet bub that it was even easier to cope with.
BTW the epidural went in after the spinal so I didn't feel a thing.