[cazbir]

Just wondering if anyone has used Emla cream on there lower back before a spinal or epi, for a planned C/S? as i REALLY need numbness for my spinal in Dec, and just wondering if you think i would be allowed to do it?
Anyone used it and has it numbed the area so you didn't feel the spinal?

Thanks

[Boombox]

'm not too sure- but I'd imagine it wouldn't do a whole lot. It only numbs the superficial layer where as a spinal/epidural goes a whole lot deeper. The anaethatist inject local anaesthetic before using the bigger needle. I guess the emla might help with a bit of the local injection- but not much as it (the local) would also go deeper than the emla would numb. You'd also have to know just where they planned on putting it as I think there are a couple of vertebrae they can go between- you'd need a large area of emla to cover it all.

Maybe try some focussing/meditation type techniques to do while they put the epidural in.

BTW- just saw you're having a spinal, that is a VERY fine needle and really shouldn't hurt too much- good luck.

[Battingeyelashes]

They can probably give you a local if you are worried about the pain, but to be honest, it isn't at all painful. It's uncomfortable in that you need to lean forward, but certainly no pain.

[cazbir]

Thanks for the replies. I have had an Epi before during my first C/S but that was during labour and had an emergency one.
2nd was a GA as i was TOO scared and was all shaky to have the spinal
Its like local that hurts and stings, not the actual spinal i am worried about as the local numbs it, but it just freaks me out abit

[Guest_KLJCS_*]

With my first spinal I never felt it as the labor pains were worse. My last one (12 weeks ago), hurt less than the IV drip in my hand.

[Guest_dixiebelle_*]

The local is the worst bit, isn't it! But without it, the rest of the procedure would probably by impossible, as you'd be moving from the pain!

I am not sure if the anaesthetist would even like you using Emla on there, so ask them first... they do a lot of prep on that area beforehand to make it a sterile procedure, but surely that wouldn't remove the superficial effect the Emla has had??? Best bet, talk to your anaesthetist before if you can, or ask the midwives to find out for you...

Good luck... I would much, much prefer a Spinal (with morphine in it, thank you!) than post-op pain after a General..

[Battingeyelashes]

It's a scary process, isnt' it? Needles and backs just seem so wrong!

I had local cream put on my hand for the drip when I had my hernia op last year. There would be no reason they couldn't put that on your back.

I was fine when they put the spinal in, then I got the shakes, I shook for about 5 hours. It was really quite strange actually.

[CrispyEm]

Hi there! I'm not saying you COULDN'T use it, but it would have to be the anaesthetist putting it on at least 30mins before your caesar (because they are the one doing the procedure, and they will be picking the precise spot for the spinal / epidural).

If you have enough time before your birth, have you thought about having a bit of counseling- maybe some hypnosis? about your needle phobia? It seems such a shame to have to have a general simply because of your fears.

All the best.

[cazbir]

Thanks for all your replies. i am thinking using it might be silly.
I will be talking to the anaesthetist before the actual day.
Just nervous i guess

[3XY]

Yes, I had it put on by the anaesthetist about 1.5 hours prior to the caesar. Didn't even ask for it, had it on my hand for the IV as well, which worked perfectly. Still felt the sting of the local in my back as it only does work quite superficially. You need it on for at least 1 hour, and up to 2 hours for maximum effect. Worth asking for if you want it.