Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 7/27/2008

Question
hi , i received an epidural on june 30 2008 for my second child it went wrong and i was still in pain when the doctor said it went in too deep and he has to pull it a little to take effect, when he did it was too late i alreay gave birth but i was numbed after only on my left side . a week after i had lower back pain , it got worse in time instead of better and now 5 weeks later i got pain in my left leg when i got into bed at night the first night the second night both legs hurt this is my third night and the pain is getting worse i couldn't sleep from the pain starting my lower back and all the bones and muscules going down to my legs .when i stand up and walk it gets better like during the day, but worsen when i lay down .  could this be from the epidural mistake ? i'm so worried could it cause a severe injury to my legs'n back ?

Answer
Hi Darine
The likelyhood is that this will improve with time - especially as mobilisation seems to help. Continue to keep your self mobile and use simple analgesics at night e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen to help you.
However if this does not settle or the symptoms get worse then please go and see your doctor immediately.
Could it be linked to the epidural?
I would have to say yes it could, it is unusual for an epidural to cause problems but given your description it is a 'possibility'. However it is unlikely to cause severe injury unless you have developed an infection in your back where the epidural was placed. Again this is extremely rare.
So keep moving and do gentle exercises, simple pain killers at night, see a doctor as soon as possible if symptoms get worse, see a doctor for advice if doesn't settle within 2 weeks.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson