one for the girls

[vini]

hi all

it seems to me many of you girls have got into this situation from epidurals in child birth , I wonder how many moms suffer this not knowing what it is and it being put down to post Natale depression , if this is the case is there negligence involved
I am sure you ladies will chat on this one, but it dose beg the question was something not done right

as always best wishes

[forevan]

Vini- You have made a great observation! This is something that I have thought alot about. As many leakers in general go misdiagnosed or with a delay in diagnosis, I do think that is the case with some women who have had either epidurals, spinals or the combination spinal/epidural (called CSE). They get diagnosed with chronic migraines, some sort of daily headache syndrome, or hormonal headaches. And yes, I wonder how many cases have involved negligence either because of the manner in which the procedure is done (studies have looked at the types of needles that make it more likely to cause a leak, position the needle should be inserted, needle bevel direction etc.) or anesthesiologist not recognizing when they have a complication or pt. is at higher risk (number of attempts to get the anesthesia is huge--the more the more at risk, bolus a pt. with epidural meds that obviously are leaking into the spinal fluid, not following up on pts. in the days post-delivery to see if they have any symptoms of a leak etc.). In addition, this is a subset of pts. who often are going to be increasing their intracranial pressure (with delivery) and I have even read some articles that suggest if there is a difficult epidural or spinal, normal delivery should not be attempted and a c-section should be the route (so no increase in ICP).

[sadlisa]

Vini,

I have wondered how many people suffering the after effects of meningitis might be suffering from csf leak? Talk about increased intracranial pressure and a reason to keep tabs on their progress. It is just to easy to say it's after effects. I believe anyone who has an epidural or LP should be watched closely.

Thia

[LauraL840]

ITA with you Vini and Thia!

BOTH times DH developed a CSF leak occurred after a LP to diagnose meningitis.

[Concerned Gal]

Vini - i think about that often too and get very sad at the thought. A long awaited newborn, a rip roarer of a headache/head pain, and no one will listen to them...

I make it my personal mission to tell everyone I know who has a c-section (in a totally non-confrontational and casual way) that if they don't feel right afterwards to not sweep it under the carpet, keep telling the Drs til they take you seriously).