Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/15/2010

Question
My sister had her baby on the 15th of dec. 2009. she had the epidural and after 3 hours of her pushing, they decided to do a c-section with a spinal block.
when she got the epidural, they stuck her 4 times before they got it right, then 2 more times with the spinal block.
It has now been a month today and she is still having bad headaches and still can’t get her shoes on due to the swelling in her feet. she has gone back to see her doctor and they are basically telling her that her headaches and pain are all in her head. She can’t go and get a second opinion until they release her and she can’t get them to do so.
So my question is, do you think that there might be and infection or leakage that is causing the swelling in her feet? If not, what do you think is causing the swelling?

Thank you for your time.
Teresa Edwards  

Answer
Hi there
Sorry but I can't see how the anaesthetic could have caused feet swelling - so I can't help there. I suspect that is more linked to her pregnancy.
You don't mention much about the headaches ie when they occur, what helps them and what makes them worse, how often are they occurring - every day?
Apologies but there is just to little to go on at present.
Dr Ian Jackson