Spinal block for hydrodistention

[magtech]

Yesterday I had a DMSO with hydro distention, when they walked me to the OR my uro told the (anestisis sp?) give her a "spinal." They were all very confused, I started crying asking them "why am I getting a spinal?" My uro came back in and told me that he thought that it would be much better of a choice for me since i was having a bad flare up yesterday. Today I have the worst backache ever, and fever. I called my doctor and he told me to keep taking my temp every 3 hours. Has any of you ever had a spinal block for a hydrodistention. I never recieved any information on this procedure at all, I am very upset, and hurting more then ever. I guess a mild backache is to be suspected?

[littlemyrn]

I have always had general with all my hydros. I am not sure why they did a spinal, but I can tell you when I got one for child birth, it took me months for that backache to go away. I would rather have natural childbirth which I did with my other. Hope you are feeling better soon....

[FENNSM]

Hi, I am so sorry that you are in pain. I actually requested a spinal for the hydro because I am terrified of being put to sleep. I did chicken out at the last minute and had deep sedation instead. The anesthesiologist really didn't want to do the spinal so when they explained it me they really put it in a bad light and pushed sedation. How did you feel? Could you feel anything? Was it hard to breathe during? I really hope you get better fast.

[dverba]

They gave me a choice of spinal or going under. I have had many spinal blocks over the years. Back ache is not that serious. If you have a head ache you could have a small hole in the lining of the spinal cord. I had to have what is called a blood patch for that. Even that is not rare. Most dr.'s go over all this before hand. I hate they left you confused and worried. Any time you run a fever after a proceedure you need to call your dr. right away.

[ICNDonna]

I actually prefer a spinal block for a hydrodistention. For one thing, they don't wear off completely for a couple of hours, which gives my bladder pain a chance to calm down. My last hydrodistention, I was given deep sedation and had the worst pain ever during those first few hours.

Donna

[magtech]

Hi all, warm thanks to you guys, I have been still preety miserable this afternoon, but keep taking the pain meds that kill the pain some. I wish that he would have went over the side effects of a spinal. I was completley "out" I had no idea what was going on, it didn't hurt. I didn't even feel them doing the spinal, i think that they gave me versed or something to calm me down, all I know is that I am still passing small blot clots- I have had 2 distentions done before and never had this happen? Did any of you pass clots after the first 24 hours of a distention? It would be helpful to know if this is common, my uro told me this morning that they should subside by 1pm, it is now 5:30 p.m. and I am still passing them, maybe I am just being paranoid??????

[ICNDonna]

Passing clots after a hydro is not uncommon. I have done it for two or three days after a hydro. If you have bright red blood showing, you do need to be checked.

Donna

[snowgirl]

I always have a general anesthetic with my hydros. They have never offered me a spinal. However, I know if I ask they would probably do it. I go to sleep and get my hydro- DMSO and I am in the recovery room shortly. It is a short case. Vicky They also give me b-o suppository right while I am in the OR. So, it starts working in the OR- this is one of my ticket to great pain control by my anesthesia pain team. Vicky

[CaliAnn]

I have had many spinals - and always end up with headaches. You need to drink caffeine (have a coke or coffee if you can), and lie down on your side. The worse thing you can do is lean your head forward (I did this once to wash my hair in the sink). My headache became so bad I ended up in ER where they actually gave me an IV of caffeine and something else until my headache eased off. If the IV didn't work, then they were going to do the clotting in the spine. The headaches can last up to a week.