Epidural or no Epidural?

[Anonymous]

I’m not pregnant. In fact, I won’t have kids for at least 4-5 more years. Although, I’m just curious about the epidural. I heard it is absolutely horrible and causes severe back pain and issues and some women have ended up in wheelchairs because of the epidural. I don’t want the epidural necessarily, but I also don’t feel like I would be able to handle the pain of labor without it. I’m not really sure what to think about the injection. I don’t have to worry about that decision right now, but it is something to think about it. I just want to know if you or your baby momma, or spouse had the injection and what their experiences were with it or without it. Also, if you or whoever chose to have the epidural, were/are there any complications after?

[MORPHEUS_12]

Those many correlate an epidural as a procedure for numbing a woman so that she can effectively vaginally deliver a baby. The truth is, it's not just for pregnant women. An epidural is merely a procedure used in anesthesia to block pain. I think your information is exaggerated and rare. I am childless by choice BUT I have had an epidural several times for surgery. I had my hip replaced and that is what my particular orthopedic surgeon prefers. One the 3 times that I have had an epidural I never had any issues. Sure there is some slight pain of the needle piercing the skin but it doesn't last long and then you are numb. Also for people with a lot of low back issues, doctors will prescribe an epidural pain block to inject cortisone into the painful joint in the back. I have had over a dozen in my lifetime and never had any issues. Its a practice where the pros outweigh the cons.

[codyccc]

Like any medical procedures there definitely is risk expesssaly when the spine is involved but under 3% isn't bad