pregnancy - Page 3 - Writers Forum

seigfried007 · 08-12-2008, 06:39 PM

I've had two epidurals and they were markedly different.

"Epidural" just implies that the anesthesiologist injects the meds directly into the spinal column fluid, but the placement on the spine (how far down) and which drugs to use vary doctor to doctor.

The first epidural had a continuous feed from an IV so I couldn't move around (but I didn't want to either--rather have less pain than greater mobility) and it worked like a dream--full eight hours--and cut out before the delivery so I still felt all the wonders of pushing my daughter out (tres painful).

The second did not have a feed and wore off too darn quickly (lasted just long enough for me to nod off... and leave me crying a couple a hours later... with the need to push). Second doc was a jerk too... didn't help matters.

You can push without feeling anything below the waist--pushing's easy. You just can't push while unconscious

WriterDude · 08-12-2008, 07:32 PM

For a fun time, try literally sitting on your own hand for quite a while. It will go completely numb, so you won't feel much in it. You can still use it, though. No need for expensive drugs to know how it feels to not have full control of your own body.

Malone · 08-12-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

For a fun time, try literally sitting on your own hand for quite a while. It will go completely numb, so you won't feel much in it. You can still use it, though.

I've heard that people do that before they beat off so it feels like a stranger giving them a hand job. I've never done it because I don't like the way it makes my hand feel when (I'm not sure how I do it, but occasionally the blood flow gets cut off to my hand somehow or other and it goes numb), but to each their own.

Damien. · 08-12-2008, 08:31 PM

Way to go off topic. I do not mind. Is to be expected.

Anyone ever run away from home? Is this a good list? For a short story, of course.

knife
forks
can opener

toothbrush
toothpaste
shampoo
small towel
contacts
deodorant
sleeping bag
glasses
writing paper
pens
hair ties
retainer
two books, no more - Catcher in the Rye and Ender's Game
2 pair of jeans
belt
black t shirt
purple tank top or orange
sweater
3 pairs undies
socks
rain jacket or trash bag
food?
water bottle
matches

Kast13 · 08-12-2008, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malone

I've heard that people do that before they beat off so it feels like a stranger giving them a hand job. I've never done it because I don't like the way it makes my hand feel when (I'm not sure how I do it, but occasionally the blood flow gets cut off to my hand somehow or other and it goes numb), but to each their own.

You are supposed to reach around from under your leg too.

simplicity · 08-13-2008, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seigfried007

I've had two epidurals and they were markedly different.

"Epidural" just implies that the anesthesiologist injects the meds directly into the spinal column fluid, but the placement on the spine (how far down) and which drugs to use vary doctor to doctor.

The first epidural had a continuous feed from an IV so I couldn't move around (but I didn't want to either--rather have less pain than greater mobility) and it worked like a dream--full eight hours--and cut out before the delivery so I still felt all the wonders of pushing my daughter out (tres painful).

The second did not have a feed and wore off too darn quickly (lasted just long enough for me to nod off... and leave me crying a couple a hours later... with the need to push). Second doc was a jerk too... didn't help matters.

You can push without feeling anything below the waist--pushing's easy. You just can't push while unconscious

Ha! I have a simular story. With my first daughter, the epidural worked perfectly, everything went as planned with little to no pain at all. When I had my second daughter, everything went wrong. I went into labor 5 weeks early , ( my doctor thought I was right on, but was wrong ) the anesthesiologist was a jerk, and kept yelling at me to push my back into the needle.. while I was in horrible pain of contractions. He ended up putting it in wrong, and it didn't work at all. When I had my doctor call him back up to my room, it was too late, and I ended up giving birth to my second daughter, Sam, naturally. It was so painful, but well worth it. I had 2 sons after that, and both of those labor/ delieveries went as planned. I don't regret a thing!

Now, I'm getting phone calls, because two out of three of my sisters are now pregnant and about to pop. I'm sort of the on-call person for them both. I'm excited for them, but do not envy either of them.. haha. I've had my tubes tied for a reason

Malone · 08-13-2008, 02:56 AM

Quote:

the anesthesiologist was a jerk, and kept yelling at me to push my back into the needle

Fuck no. I couldn't do that. I could barely having a needle pushed into my spine, let alone pushing myself back into it.

CodeRed · 08-13-2008, 03:50 AM

As far as pregnancy goes, for me it was three months of chronic morning sickness - and by that I mean it lasted from the moment I pened my eyes in the morning until I went to sleep. I couldn't even hold down water for days at a time and even then I was constantly sick - and if you want the really gross details, that meant pretty much for the first three months I ate almost nothing and was constantly vomiting bile. I had to quit my job, too. Fun times. Oh, and I lost weight, rather than gained it.

Then that passed and the rest went along ok. Labour was barely painful for me - no screams, shouts or constant berating of my partner, as they so like to depict on TV. I guess the "morning" sickness was the trade-off...or something.

shraga · 08-13-2008, 08:25 AM

my mom was telling me that she only had an epidural from the seventh child, it worked. But on the eighth, ninth, and tenth it didn't
Her only advice for pregnancy though is epidural

JosephB · 08-13-2008, 08:40 AM

Some women insist that childbirth be "natural" -- no epidural. I actually heard a woman speak with disdain about women who have one. I don't understand the thinking behind that. Maybe someone can enlighten me.

Quote:

Anyone ever run away from home? Is this a good list?

Don't forget your blankey.

shraga · 08-13-2008, 08:50 AM

My wife is talking about having a natural birth. Its the idea that it is better for the baby. Ask me again in a month and a half and Ill tell you what ended up happening.

JosephB · 08-13-2008, 09:04 AM

I've heard that. It slows breathing, heart rate in the baby. Haven't heard about any long term effects though.

I'm sure the concern is legit for a lot of moms. But maybe not having the epidural has something to do with showing what a great mother you are -- it's sort of about bragging rights and "I care more about the baby than myself!"

This is what I've gleaned from how I've heard it expressed. It's the start of the whole "supermom," thing.

Interesting conversation, despite the OP. The whole process of pregnancy and childbirth just blows me away. I'm fascinated by it.

seigfried007 · 08-13-2008, 10:29 AM

Natural childbirth is very much a bragging right and "supermom" thing. I've heard a lot of disdain from said 'supermoms' about getting an epidural--and I've seen it target ladies who've had C-sections as well. Very much the "If I can do it, you should've been able to do it too (but you're weak so I'll just sniff and stick my nose in the air)"

JosephB · 08-13-2008, 10:34 AM

Yeah -- that's what I mean by Supermom syndrome. I get sick when certain moms go on about all the they do for their precious one. I was Mr. Mom for a couple of years and listened to all that shit when we girls would get together.

Non Serviam · 08-13-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damien.

This may just be me being a weird gay man, but - what's pregnancy like? The actual act of pushing the damn, weird red thing out. I'm just confused. Is it anything like getting kicked in the balls? The whole thing just sounds weird. Ever see Aliens? Erk.

I once asked my wife this question, and she said, "If you want to know what I felt, try shitting a football."