Spinal or epi?

Im doing up my birth preferences at the moment but not to sure on the difference.

Whats better....a spinal or epi and why?

Hi...I have no idea what the difference is but I had two attempted epi's that didn't work then a spinal which did...I have no idea why, I didn't ask.

I realise that doesn't answer your question but I just thought I would share.

Good luck with it all!

Hi kim, I'm the opposite, the tried to do a spinal block, three time, couldn't get it in or something, so just topped up the epi. I think the spinal gives more pain relief but for not as long?

Isnt th diff that they inject into a different layer? I think thats what I've read somewhere, like a spinal works more on the surface than an epi...?

Kim - I've had both. WIth the epi, the line is kept in you so they can top up if necessary. Spinal is just one needle - in and out.

I had a spinal last time - and it wears off quicker (well it did for me)

The primary difference between the two is the space in which the needle and drug are inserted. They can use the same drug for both. It depends on your body as to how quickly it wears off for each of them, however, a spinal is usually used for long term numbness (and pain relief) after a proceedure.

A spinal is *usually* easier to control in terms of where the block is.

Theorectically, you will be up quicker with en epidural than a spinal. In terms of pain relief and numbness for the procedure, they are much of a muchness.

HTH

MG

With mine, they gave me both. The spinal was used as the anaesthetic, with the epi in place JIC the spinal didnt work, so I could try to avoid a GA.....
And they also said if there were any problems, they could keep the epi on for pain relief if required...
Good luck with working out your plan.

eta = I had the spinal at about 3pm, and I was up and in the shower the next morning at about 9am, and only waited till then, as I had to wait to get the catheter removed and the nurses were busy... I have no idea when the feeling came back to my legs as both DS and I slept for 12 hours that first night... Also, I really had very little pain and was very mobile after. Not sure if this was due to the spinal or not but if I need a section again I will def be requesting the same anaesthetics.

also with a epidural your more likely to suffer after with headaches due to the fact the needle is bigger(its a tube type needle that has another tube inserted in through)which means you are likely to lose some spinal fluid and then it takes a little while before your brain/body makes some more.

I think the spinal frmo memory is shorter wearing and has more pain relief then the eppi.


I couldnt have either because my spin disc's ar efussed together from a Work place injury........they did try though and I could feel everything...even when they hit the bone and the nerves so had to opt out and have a GA with all 4.

And hey Kim.... :clap: good on ya for thinking of such a thing.

Thank you everyone for your input....much appreciated!