Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/13/2007

Question
my first c-section was in 2002.  i am having a repeat c-section in 2 weeks.  
years after my first c-section, i started having problems with local anesthesia
at the dentist. i had never had problems at the dentist with the drugs in the
past. after being injected i began feeling shaking, disoriented, difficulty
breathing. 911 was called once. now i am terrified that i have developed an
allergy or have an allergy to some local anesthetic meds and if i can react that
way when only injected in my gums, what will happen when they inject it in
my spine!!??!!  i have been trying to locate my previous records, but am
running out of time.  what are the chances i developed an allergy after my
first c-section to the -caine drug used to numb me or one similar?  p.s. at
least one of the times i reacted i am sure that NO epinephrine was in the
drug.  please help me!

Answer
The possibility certainly exists and you should get checked for it at your earliest convienience. On the bright side, being allergic to the amide local anesthetics doesn't mean you are allergic to the ester type agents. Furthermore, they can always do your c-section under general...so you still have options. Make sure to talk to the anesthesiologist prior to your scheduled section to discuss your concerns and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston