Re: [ozmidwifery] Epidural side effects

[Mary Murphy]

Usual run of side effects with some much more serious than others.  Dural puncture with subsequent SEVERE headache.. not able to be relieved until 3rd blood patch on 9th day, baby now formula fed because of incapacitation of mother; some paralysis; some lingering numbness; epidurals that don't work in labour; repeated attempts; Ongoing severe back pain because of these repeated attempts; all different cases.  Could it possibly be lack of teaching and close supervision of our Residents? there are other cases, longer ago, but still severe,  that are poorly supported when they go home.  I am not out to blame, just to remind ourselves that epidurals STILL have their dangers and the more often they are used, the more women are affected. MM ----- Original Message ----- From: Christina & Damien To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 11:18 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Epidural side effects I haven't heard these stories. Can you please tell us about these poor outcomes. What sort of injuries are occuring? Christina   -----Original Message----- From: Mary Murphy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Monday, 28 July 2003 10:47 Subject: [ozmidwifery] Epidural side effects  I have  been hearing disturbing stories about recent poor outcomes of epidurals in the Perth & suburban hospitals.  I think that it is very easy for us to get too blaise about the safety of epidurals and mislead women.  We don't do this on purpose, but by using "minifisms" and  down playing the risks, we inadvertantly fail to warn of the side effects.  Also when women are discharged home, it is "out of sight & out of mind".  we don't see the on-going effect it has on her daily life and her relationship with her baby and other family members.  . MM