LP i had an emergency csection for my first & elective for my second - i chose to have the spinal block & use it after as pain relief for 24 hours - although i was restricted to bed i was up & around much quicker than after the first where i just had an epidural - something to ask about anyway - dont worry about the catheter pretty painless - only prob i had was that once i was up & about i still had it in (not sure why) & almost left it behind a few times - very stylish handbag to carry around - lol