Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/3/2008

Question
I recently had an emergency c-section and had an epidermal that did not take properly.  When the anesthesiologist inserted the needle it sent shocks of pain down my left side.  Once the c-section was started it was quite clear the epidermal DID NOT TAKE and the anesthesiaologist  tried to press the epidermal fluid into my spine and it didn't budge. I had to be "put under" and that didn't go well either. Since this lovely surgery I have had numbness, swelling, tingling, loss of motorskills and headaches... it's been nine months.  No pregnancy complications, no other medical injures or problems. Not diabetic. Don't have MS (had a head MRI already) I personally think it is from a botched epidermal.  If this is the case (botched epidermal) will things get better, or am I going to end up paralyzed on my left side?  Things are progressively getting worse.  I have already had a EMG(?) and have been dx'd with peripheral neuropathy with undetermined cause.  The pain is getting worse. I really don't know what to do.  My muslcels freeze up in my fingers, and the tingling sensations are painful. I swell up only on my left side. Can this get better?  Or is it only going to get worse? Where can I look for answers?  Where can I research this?  I've tried looking online and everything I find is so vague!  Thanks for trying to help.


Answer
First of all, you should be seen by an anesthesia pain specialist to evaluate this progressing pain. I assume that you have seen a neurologist but if not, you should see one of those as well. The epidural could have be botched but that doesn't explain the pain in the fingers. The epidural is placed too low to affect the upper extremities. I cannot tell you if it will get better without knowing the pathology or an exam but the pain slecialist or neurologist should be able to help you. You may need a spine MRI or a myelogram.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston