[nattstar]

So I was induced for DS1 and asked for an epidural as I wasn't coping with the pain, the epidural did take the edge off the contractions, but i still felt ALOT. I'm booked in for an induction next week, and would like to try an epidural again but wondering if I'm likely to have the same result as last time.Has anyone had an effective epidural after a previous failed one??Thanks for your replies

[TillyTake2]

Did the anethesist suggest why it wasn't effective?

I had an epidural during my very very long labour. It worked better at some stages than others depending on when it was last topped up etc & I still felt some back pain but when topped up it definately numbed everything.

[nattstar]

Did the anethesist suggest why it wasn't effective?

I had an epidural during my very very long labour. It worked better at some stages than others depending on when it was last topped up etc & I still felt some back pain but when topped up it definately numbed everything.

No I kept telling everyone it wasn't working so they turned it up a bit but I still could feel pretty much everything and no one seemed to know why. I have raised the question a number of times with my OB but he doesn't seem to have any explanation other than sometimes they don't work

[SeaPrincess]

With my first, the epidural was lopsided, so one side was more affected than the other. This was OK when it was light enough for me to still walk around, and I could feel the contractions but without pain. However, when my OB wanted to use the ventouse and increased the dose, it became clear that the lighter side was extremely light - I shouldn't have been able to move my legs and I had no problem moving that one into the position he wanted it.

I had an epidural again with #3 and it was perfect. Again, it was light enough for walking, so I could feel the contractions, but without pain. It had worn off completely by the time I was pushing though.

The main difference I think is that with #3, the epidural was put in before I was in labour - my 1st delivery was relatively quick, the 2nd delivery was even quicker, and because I was being induced, my OB said I should decide beforehand or risk not being able to get one. So it was all done when I was completely calm, rather than with DS1, where the anaesthetist was trying to work quickly between very strong contractions.

[Drakk]

The same thing happened to me OP but no one believed me that it wasn't working until 12 hours later when I was taken for an emergency c section.

I had a second epidural line put as well as a spinal. My spinal wore off half way through and I was given a dose of epidural. Thankfully it worked it I would have been knocked out. With a general.
So it may have been two in one day but my second one worked.

[Corella]

They are not always effective. I'd be asking for a senior anesthetist to do it so they are confident of it being effective, and not leaving until you have effective relief! It may be something with your back or it may just have been poorly done.

[nattstar]

They are not always effective. I'd be asking for a senior anesthetist to do it so they are confident of it being effective, and not leaving until you have effective relief! It may be something with your back or it may just have been poorly done.

Ahh a senior anesthetist, thats a good idea, I think I'll do that!

[JBaby]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but does anyone know if you can ask for a senior anesthetist in a public hospital?

Also, I have no idea why my first one failed, but am I able to get that information 2 years after the fact?