Anyone had to have a caesarian under general anesthetic?

[Leigh26]

Hi Girls,

I am due to have my 3rd c/s next Wednesday. With DD1 I ended up having an emergency c/s with her at 37 wks after a long labour and because she was majorly stuck they had to cut my uterus in an upside down T shape. I was told I'd only be able to have a c/s from then on due to fear of rupture.

With DD2 my c/s was booked for 38 wks but like DD1 I went into labour naturally at 37 wks. The hospital was short staffed and I laboured for 6hrs before having my c/s which also resulted in my uterus tearing in a + shape.

So now I am due for my 3rd c/s on Wednesday at 35wks 6 days, they want it done sooner rather than later to avoid me labouring again. I had my final appointment at the hospital today and was told I would be operated on by the Director of Obstetrics (he did my c/s with DD2 as well). Because I have major scar tissue inside they have told me I have to have my c/s under general anesthetic as it will be a long and difficult c/s and they don't want to risk the epidural wearing off.

I am totally freaked out by this. I've been put under GA before for 2 D&C's but never for a c/s. I am absolutely terrified that something bad will happen, like me dying or something. I keep looking at my two DD's and crying and praying I don't die. They are expecting a lot of blood loss which may result in a blood transfusion or a hysterectomy if the bleeding can't be stopped. DH can't come in during the operation either.

Have any of you ever had a c/s under GA? Were you nervous etc? I guess I am just after hearing about other peoples experiences too.

Thanks

[maz]

All 4 c/s were under a GA cause my back is so stuffed that the needle cant get between the disc's, we tried and nerve were hit.

I woke in recovery and was given my baby to bf straight away . Ii felt good afterwards and was able to get up and shower straight away.

Only down side is you dont hear their first cry or have DH in with you to cut the cord but hey its a little kick to nothave to go through all the yucky bits

[Arimeh]

Mama Spice had hers under a GA as well

[Astrid]

My second was under GA, both my c-sections were emergency Going in I was in tears, I had not prepared for it and my poor midwife was not either, she had not been to a c-section under GA for 17 years. We had been prepping DH to go into theatre and all of a sudden he was not allowed in. I had some unknown infection and they were not going to stick a needle in my spine due to it.

I have to say waking up from the GA was much better than the c-section with an epi. Once bubs was handed to me, she stayed with me. She was snuck into recovery for me so we could get breastfeeding asap and I held her on the trolley whilst they wheeled me to my room.

I hated the one with an epi, I got bubs for a moment, then she was gone whilst they stitched, I felt so neglected just laying there alone having the shakes and not knowing why. The I did not get to see her again till I was in my room. It was a long wait in recovery.

[~mamaspice~]

Leigh,
Yup I had my CS under a general too. Although I didn't get much time to think about it beforehand as they tried an epi/spinal but kept hitting bone, then they got it in, but couldn't get it to work properly, hence putting me under.

I can understand why you must be feeling afraid with the increased risks of excessive bleeding etc, but just remember you are in great hands with the Director of Obstetrics doing the surgery. And the anaesthietist will be taking extra special care of you also.

Personally, I did feel REALLY ripped off with the fact that I missed bubs birth and first cries etc but should I ever end up needing another CS under a General I would be requesting the following:
* to have bubs birth filmed so I could watch it later
* to have bub with DH at all times
* to have bub bought to me for skin-to-skin and feeding as soon as I woke up in recovery
* to have the placenta kept so it could be shown to me later.
I think all of the above would help me to deal with the emotional aspects better ITMS.

Hopewfully your little ones lungs will be strong enough that she can have skin to skin with you asap when you wake up.

Wishing you all the best. x

[shazzi]

Dear Leigh,

I had an emergency c-section under general when i was 29 weeks with no preparation and it was scary. I understand your fears. I did not go in to labour. I was bleeding, part of my placenta had just come out and my poor little DD's heart was beating at less than half of what it should be. So when they put me under i did not know if DD would make it. I was also scared i would not make it, especially as the doctors did not know if the blood was from me or the placenta. Everything turned out fine, I awoke (yay for being alive) and my DD was as well as could be expected and in NICU (yay again). I did not need a blood transfusion, and I was sewn up nice and neatly. You sound like you are going to have a top team of surgeons on hand that have time to prepare. Try not to worry too much. Easier said than done though I know.

Sending you positive vibes.

[Leigh26]

Thanks for your replies girls, hearing your stories have made me feel a bit better. I am looking forward to not feeling the yucky things you normally feel during a c/s.

MamaSpice - I will definitely ask if it can be filmed so I can watch it afterwards. Even just the part of bub being born. They said DH will be waiting outside and go straight upto special care with bub and stay with it until Im ready. Hopefully they'll bring bub to recovery but if not straight to my room as soon as I get there.

I'm bummed about the whole thing coz this is my last baby and this is the only baby that we haven't found out the sex. I was looking forward to having bub coming out the dr saying its a...... but now I will wake up in recovery still none the wiser.

I told my sister that Im having it under GA and she asked if DH will be telling everyone what we had or if I wanted to hear first. I'm thinking maybe I'd like to find out first, after all its my bub. My mum will be here at my place looking after my girls & I know she'll be dying to know how it all went. She is a massive worrier so maybe DH could ring and tell her, that way the girls will know if bub is a boy or girl.


Thanks again girls, talking to you all on here does make me feel better!!!