January 30, 2012 I gave birth to a healthy, beautiful, and precious baby boy.  Little did I know that I would leave the hospital a few days later with leg braces, a walker, a wheelchair, and a prescription for physical therapy for the next several months.  My labor and delivery was a breeze.  I only had to push for about 35 minutes and Caleb Elijah had arrived.  I feel that one reason my delivery was so easy was due to the fact that I continued my gym routine throughout my entire pregnancy. I had a healthy pregnancy and I felt great (after the first few months).I was scheduled to go to the hospital on a Monday for an induction and the week prior to that I was at the gym 3 days doing some type of exercise.  So if you are expecting as you read this, I encourage you to exercise!!  It really helps. 

Once Caleb was born, the nurses removed my epidural.  The feeling slowly began to return to my lower body, but something very strange happened.  The nurses would ask me from time to time if I wanted to get up and walk.  I wanted to so badly, but I couldn't because my feet were still completely numb!  More time passed and I could tell the doctors were getting concerned.  After no change for 24 hours, a neurologist was sent to my birthing suite.  She basically told me that if I wasn't better in a couple of weeks that she wanted me to come into her office for a series of nerve conduction tests.  Meanwhile, the anesthesiologist that was on call informed me that he felt an MRI may be necessary to rule out a hematoma or bleeding around the location of the epidural. I did have an MRI the next day and fortunately, it was normal. My stay at the hospital was extended a few days due to the complications I was experiencing.  When I was finally released to go home, my husband happily loaded up all the extras.  I can only imagine what was running through my husband's mind as he loaded up all of the baby items along with his wife's wheelchair, walker, and toilet chair.  I am so thankful he is in my life.  He is a blessing. The day after I got home from the hospital I began in home physical therapy.  I was determined that I would walk again.  I just wanted to be a normal mom.  I couldn't bathe my baby or walk around with him in my arms.  Not only could I not care for my newborn alone, but I couldn't take care of my family or myself very well. I couldn't drive (obviously) or even go to the bathroom without assistance from my husband or a device. I can't tell you the fear and frustration I experienced.  Finally two weeks passed and I visited the neurologist.  She stated that my complications were directly related to the epidural and that I would be in for a long haul.  She also stated that she felt I had a "toxic" reaction to the anesthetic drug in the epidural, also known as Bupivicaine.  I asked her if she had any idea how long I would be in this condition and she said approximately 10 months (of course this was only an educated guess as this was something that they had "never seen before").  I was horrified, but thankful at the same time. It could have been much worse.  It could have been permanent. At least I had control of my bodily functions.  I have never been so determined to do something in all my life.  After many months of physical therapy, hand controls in my vehicle, a scooter, and many, many prayers, I am happy to report that God has healed me and I am now almost back to normal. Other than strange tingling sensations and a few wobbles from time to time I am close to normal. I have worked extremely hard doing the PT and it has helped tremendously.  I am also happy to report that my precious little one is doing great.  I am still doing PT twice weekly and will continue until my physical therapist feels I no longer need it.  This condition was referred to as bi-lateral paralysis.  It affected both of my feet for two and a half months.  The outer sides of my legs were also numb for quite some time.  If you or someone you know has had a similar experience, I would love to hear about it.  My physical therapist is conducting a case study on my condition due to the rarity of it.  We also agree that if it is truly a "toxic" reaction to the anesthetic drug in the epidural, that more women should be made aware of it.  Thanks for your interest

Paralysis & Epidurals

I have created this blog spot to create awareness of the risks related to epidurals for childbirth.  I have no intentions of frightening anyone, but I do feel it's important to share my experience. 
If you or someone you know has had pro-longed or permanent paralysis of legs, feet, or both, please feel free to share your experience.  
I would just like to hear from other women who may have had a similar experience. 
Thanks for your interest!
April Adair