Can an epidural cause long-term pain and neuropathy?

Question

Hello doctor,

Twelve years ago, I gave birth to my first baby. I was healthy when I walked in, and then, not even for a single day, I felt well. When I was given my epidural, my heart rate shot up to 150, and you could see it beating from the outside. They took it out and replaced it. The anesthesiologist said he must have hit a blood pocket. What does that mean?

The epidural caused my BP to drop every time I lay on my left side. My baby's heart rate dropped every time I lay on my right side. After what felt like an hour, they made me lay on my left and gave me a shot to keep my BP up.

Is that normal?

Because I stayed on my left side, I could not move or feel anything on that side, but could feel everything on my right side. I now have migraines, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, and fibromyalgia, all on my left side.

Could the issues I have now have been caused by the issues with the epidural?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Maybe, unintentionally, the epidural needle must have hit a blood vessel in the epidural space, and so the needle was withdrawn and reinserted in order to place it in the epidural space avoiding blood vessels.

Hypotension in pregnancy may be caused by supine hypotension syndrome (a condition that occurs when a pregnant woman's uterus compresses the inferior vena cava while lying down), and they are also due to regional anesthesia. So, you were placed in the left lateral position, and you were given an injection to keep your BP (blood pressure) up. It is not unusual to have these situations and are treatable. The issues you have mentioned are due to a spine problem, most likely prolapsed intervertebral disc, etc., and very less likely due to an epidural. It may require an MRI of the lumbosacral spine to diagnose. Need to consult an orthopedic surgeon.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.