can anyone help me please
 

Long long story to tell...I am 24 yrs old I have had my 3rd child 17 weeks ago I had a epidural never had one with my other two children before and since I've had a epidural I've been poorly with no answers seen 5 gps and not one can tell me what's wrong so here I go with symptoms...pressure and cold sensation behine left eye...serious bad head pressure all over and makes my head so heavy...tingling in hea and sharp bad pains tht cripple me I get a intense bad burning in my head I throw up my eyes go funny..hot and cold sensations in my head and a crwaling feeling left temple and popping sensations in my head too I get heart palpatations but my heart ok had a ecg had bloods done december they came back fine my head feels like its rocking bad and I get like a tingle all over my head.. Its affecting my ears they feel full of preussre and are burning outside I've told my gp whi looked in my ears and saw nothing ?vibrations in legs and starting to go through every part of me internal vibrations not felt on out side... Buzzing feeling inside and now shaking inside when I am not shaking outside I am petrified I get a constant feeling of blacking out all the time even when sitting its scaryI've only been like this since my baby she's 17 wks old now I'm having bad headaches I've never sufferd with headache until I had my bab my head cripples me I dread going to bed that bad I cry I'm so scared I won't wake up I've been to 5 gps in 17 weeks they haven't even got a idea what it is and finally thursday yesterday I got reffered to a neurologist as not one gp has any idea what's wrong with me but that isn't until feb 2nd another four weeks this has ruined my life for 4 months that bad I'm on anti depression tabs now I am so scared as I have never had any of these probs before I'm only 24 has anyone ever has any of this before I'm so scared getting no answers!!

I would like to add my gp and 4 other gps I've seen have never sent me for any tests just standard blood work wich come back normal I have even been to my local hospital and no ytests have been done nothing at all just sent home with paracetamol everytime I'm taking tramadol tabs they don't even touch the pain my gp gave me beta blockers for some apparent reason I have changed gps now as the ones I've seen are useless even my new gp hasn't a clue what's wrong with me! Any advice is appreciated loads

Hi Sarah, I wanted to welcome you to the site. I am glad you took the time to find it. There are more of the most amazing, generous and helpful people here then anywhere I have physically gone. I have received an incredible amount of emotional help as well as more education and referrals than ANY single MD has given me.
It sounds to me that you need to see a neurologist and that you are already waiting to see one. But meanwhile, look around here; search other post for similar symptoms and maybe you'll get some respones back as well that will be helpful.
I am very sympathetic to what you are going through- it must be wretched especially with a new baby and other children - my thoughts are with you!:hug:

17 weeks seem like a very long time, but all of your symptoms sound consistent with what little I know about epidurals. They can have serious and long lasting side affects, even if it happens rarely it can happen. Also, getting a doctor to even consider the possibility that your problems were caused by something they or another doctor did is next to impossible.
I would be hopeful that your symptoms will eventually improve with time, but there are many people on here much more knowledgeable than me. I am sure you will hear from them.

thankyou for the message i thank all of you for the support from my heart.... i never had a epidural with my other two children just my new baby and all of what i can remember i had a bad pain shoot down my left leg and thought nothing of it i didnt even need the epidural as when it was inserted she came withint 2 mins anyway i didnt realise i was that close so im grieved to have had it to be like this i was fine when pregnant felt great just a day later headaches started and another few days the pressure i also has symptoms of a stroke arm went dead pins and needles jaw pain everything like a stroke i took myself to the hospital and luckily it wasnt im only 24 just seems every thing has only happend to me since the epidural and 5 gps cant explain anything to me except just one of the gos says the needle could of made a small puncture in my spine in whats caled a dura to hard to explain so ill say google it lol he said that could be causing the headaches but the other symptoms just dont add up i constantly went back to 4 gps at my local doctors complaining for the last 16 weeks of all my sympotoms to go back thursday for them to say oh we are sorry you havent been reffered to neurology before now we thought you had been so i change my surgery to a better one hoping to shed some light and shes the 5th gp and even she doesnt know all i got was theres several possibilitys but couldnt tell me anything incase she is wrong gotta suffer now till feb 2nd im so worried as i have 3 kids to look after im scared of going to bed cuz i feel so bad all the time i dont wanna go to sleep incase i dont wake up and when i do wake up im so relieved i got through to another day i just cant pin point why this has only happend since my baby and the only thing ive done is a epidural as im writing this i feel shaking inside and my heads rocking with bad burning in my head pressure behind my eye and crawling along temple and im trying to keep myself busy trying not to think of it lol
thanks for everyones reply its appreciated just cant count the days quick enough till 2nd feb for hopefully answers...im wondering what do neuros actually do as im new to all this im not sure what to expect

Hi I am so sorry. I can understand the fear you are going through. When I first developed the pain and symptoms I was 28 and the doctors had no clue what was going on. Finally since my pain and symptoms were so bad I was refered to a neurologist and the dx testing began. I had a wait too but I called everyday for a cancelation. I have gotten into many apts early doing that. I suggest you do that.
How is your support system at home? I hope you can get help with your kids and emotionally for you. Also if you want an email buddy I am here. I wish I could offer more. Hang in there

This really does sound==
 

--like a possible spinal fluid leak to me. I am really surprised, if you've been telling the doctors that you had an epidural, that more of them haven't been investigating that possibility.

We do have a sub-forum for cerebrospinal fluid leak that you might want to peruse:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum78.html

17 weeks and 5 different gps ive been telling them of my sympotms they kept putting it down to anxiety and stress cause a day after having my baby she stopped breathing and i had a panic attack i was scared she died they had to ressusitate her i did have some anxiety but that went ages ago i even told one of my gps i thought the epidural went wrong and he said it can happen where the needles pushed to far in and punctures the dura but when that happens your meant to have a blood patch wich is blood taken from my arm and put in my spine similar to another epidural to seal the puncture with blood and form a clot but he never even sent me for that every gp ive seen says take tramadol and beta blockers and dont worry wich nothing helps with the pain and as for worrying im petrified to go to bed im scared i wont wake up and ive got 3 children a 5year old a 3 year old and my babys 17 wks old....thankyou millions to everyone who has replied to me all your comments are really nice its appreciated loads to know that other people do care so thankyou all again i just feel like im going crazy ...i have now got a appointment for 13th january instead of feb 2nd someone cancelled so next friday im going to birmingham queen elizabeth neurology so fingers crossed i get some answers...one question i need to ask to anyone whos under a neurologist what happens first appointments as i dont know what to expect and also what sort of things do neuros do xxx:)

Hello Sarah
 

I just wanted to take a moment, though a bit late, to welcome you to Neruo talk. I hope you find the answers to some of your questions, and comfort. I can already see by the posts, that others are reaching out to you. I hope a solution to your condition can be found, and corrected soon. The idea of a neruologist, sounds like a good type of physician to see. All my best to you. ginnie:hug:

thank you ginnie xx ive finally got a appointment for 13 th jan now instead of 2nd feb someone cancelled so i happily took the new appointment i couldnt take another 4 weeks of this so next week hopefully ill get somewhere with the neurologist thanks for the message everyones fantastic and supportive on here and its a great place to make friends cause i feel so alone that im going through this ...thanks again ginnie:)

Hi again Sarah
 

Glad that you got the appt. early. Please do write back and let us know how you are. It is nice to know that you feel comfortable with NT. I have found alot of compassion here too. take care, ginnie

Hi Sarah, are you in the UK then if it is a hospital in Birmingham?
My experience with my Neurologist was that the first appointment was quite lengthy as she took her time exploring my medical history. I then had a physical exam where my feet were looked at in detail, she stabbed(gently) with a pin to find numbness and then used a tuning fork to vibrate and look at my reflexes also. I then had to get bloods drawn for lots of different tests, checking thyroid function, vitamin levels etc.
I then was referred to another hospital for nerve conduction tests.
Daniella has suggested you keep on at the hospital to try to get cancellations, I would say this is essential if you are in the UK, also make sure you keep phoning for results, my experience is that they aren't very fast.
GOod luck, I will be thinking about you next week and make sure you get help with your babies, you certainly have a handful there but try to enjoy them as much as you can - I find distraction from this disease works best and children are a wonderful distraction.:hug:

Hi I PM you but that is great you got an early apt. I am in the US but mine was similar as stated. Like I said before your appointment it is good to have a list of questions,concerns,if you had any labs or other tests done at the GP's bring those. I would also think of meds you have been on or anything else that stands out. The physical exam was similar a pin prick it does not hurt but to see if you can feel it,reflexes etc. The neuro will ask when this started,symptoms,pain scale rating,should suggest some tests for me it was Mri,Emg/NC,and then meds or other treatments to try,also an referals to other specialist like I was refered to endocronoligist/rhemuatologist etc. Make sure you to speak up for yourself and push for any test you feel may help or possible referal. Can you have someone go with you?
Hang in there

I've had a cancelation appointment for friday coming instead of feb 2nd I'm happy x thanks for everyones replys its most helpful knowing there people out there offering support its appreciated loads so thankyou to you all. I am not going to be fobbed off by anyone I see and I will make sure they run tests as this isn't normal ..)Es I'm in the uk I'm in walsall close to birmingham I chose queen elizabeths as they are the best hospital close to me everyone recommends them I'm just keeping my fingers crossed they can sort me out I am not being fobbed off anymore I'm going to write a list of what I want and need to ask so I don't forget haha will keep you all on update aswell.... I'd be happy for any tests they can do for me I just hope I do get sorted I'm trying to keep myself busy with my children to occupy myself for the next 6 days xx thank you all so much for the support I'm glad I joined this site cause the support I. A few short days I've been a member has been brilliant so thank you again xxx

Hi Sarah
 

I am happy you found Neuro talk too. That comfort is so important when dealing with medical issues. I sure hope your appt. goes OK. I found support at a time when I needed it in my life too. I was scared and in pain. since that time, I found comfort and a lot of new friends. Hope to hear from you after friday, I do want to know how your appts goes. The week will go fast. ginnie

Hi Sarah, Welcome to the group. I feel as glenntaj does. I am shocked that afater having an epidural not one of those doctors suggested a cerebrospinal fluid leak. That can cause the symptoms you are experiencing. I am curious if you took any of this information to your OBGYN. Please let us know how you make out on the 13th. Good Luck

RE: I can help
 

In 3% 97 out of 100 women who get an epidural the spinal cord is punctured resulting in all the symptoms you mentioned. There is medication for your problem. Do not worry. The puncture is always easily fixed.

Hiya I'm thinking a fluid leak aswell its only been since my epidural two days later headaches started then pressure all weird thing and pressure and cold behind left eye the last symptom to starts the head burning its so bad it cripples me I throw up and my head rocks well feels like it does really bad I've requested my gp notes to take with me all the symptoms I've been to gps with half of them wasn't typed on computer they kept saying there isn't a problem I'm just confused as to what tests can be done and if I can prove it down to epidural I signed a consent form just wondering if I have the right to sue them at all I'm not sure but either way ill try lol thanks for the message its appreciated I'm counting the hours and minuites and seconds till friday it can't come soon enough I wish it was tomorrow lol will keep everyone updated the supprts amazing on here wish I joined sooner! Thanks again xxx

I would like to ask that this statement be clarified.

Do you mean out of 100 women who get epidurals 3% or 3 of them have problems? (not 97 out of a 100!)

Where do you get your facts? I find your statement quoted here very confusing. On an information board such as this, clear writing is really important.

example:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidural

Hi I've searched the internet for weeks and your right a blood patch does seal the puncture all I got off one gp was yes its possible the dura has been punctured and I mentioned a blood patch and his reply was it isn't needed as its been so long it should of sealed itself by. Now I'm petrified cause it can leak furtjer and I've read can cause a brain clot or something so I'm getting a bit worried even my local accident and emergency refuse to help me saying there isn't a problem when obviously there is all I can remember during labour after being high is when the needle was inserted in my spine I had a bad burning pain run down my lft leg and didn't think anything of it as I never had a epi with my other two children just thought it was normal as it was in my spine that's when a few days later my left side went numb arm neck face like a stroke so went to hospital to be told its nothing I continued 2 other times to go to hosp as other symptoms crept in to be told again nothings wrong with me so kept going to my gp to be told its in my head its anxiety of all things but I know and anyone knows when they are poorly and somethings not right so finally after 17 wks I'm reffered to neuro friday all my gps and my local hospital could of sorted this when it started but they couldn't be bother I'm now reffered to a brilliant hospital this friday fingers crossed they help me xxx

Is it possible that the epi has done something to have all these symptoms as I've only been like this since the epi my pregnancy was brilliant I felt great then bang had epi got head pressure cold sensation behind eye and behind eye pressure burning in head sharpe bad head pains I throw up when it burns bad headaches hot and cold sensations and a weird crawling sensation over left temple the head pressures horrid I'm not sure what the hell all this is but its so scary I have internal vibrations in my legs and internal shaking and my head rocks aswell and goes so heavy it feels like it will drop off I've tried to search my symptoms came up with aneurysm and clot in head weird crazy scary stuff I'm hoping the neuro don't leave me like this any longer I've suffered for almost 18 wks by the time I go friday

Hi sarah
 

We are glad you found NT also. I know how good I felt when I found the people here to listen and talk to me too. Hope the week goes fast for you and that your doctor can easily repair any leakage. Lots of people are sending good thoughts your way. ginnie

Hi Sarah, this was exactly like my experience with the NHS, I was fobbed off for 18months and told to fiddle with my shoes at one point! I have come to realise that this is a deliberate ploy to separate the needy from the not so needy, it keeps people off waiting lists and docs still on target. Grrhh sorry it makes me mad when i think of the money we put into this system and the amount wasted when it should be used for patient care. My bet is you will see someone exceptionally nice on friday and they will help you resolve this problem. Good luck

Hi Sarah
 

It is going to be OK. Those docs at the hospital will find what is wrong. don't give up, and don't let anyone tell you it is all in your head. I am sorry this whole ordeal has been so difficult. It is awful when you are not listened to. This will change with your coming up appt. Bring all the records you can with you. I know it is a pain to get them, but it usually helps the physicians when they are all in their hands. If you have to do it in person do it. They don't always transfer records when asked to do so. I wish you all the best, and hope this problem is solved soon. You will recover, try not to be so worried as I do believe help is just around the corner. I hope you come back here with good news, and a good resolution. I will be here waiting to hear from you. Of course you are not alone! Prayers are being sent your way. ginnie

Nhs is a joke at times especially when helps needed fast and the most if I do find its down to the epidural I will persue a case with the hospital well try to I know they can go wrong but surely not wrong for this long and how bad I will try anyway I've got nothing else to lose... I'm going to say now that no matter what time or day if anyone on here needs a friend or a chat I am more than willing to be there for the same way as everyone on here has been for me I've never had so much support in my life and I love coming on here to replys of people with advice its appreciated millions x as soon as I'm back friday I will be straight on here to update you all and hopefully with answers x I'm going to my gp tmoz to get my medical notes to take with me xxx thanks again I can't thank you all enough right now I don't feel so alone now I've joined this site met great people on here feel free to add me ill be more than happy just know that when you need some on you can count on me to return the favour too xxx

Whooooo I'm at neurology tomorrow finally lol x

Help you hopefully
 

**********go to your best major hospitals ER, request a neuro consult and get admitted. I am sorry that 17 wks have gone by, but you need treatment, not ???from GP doctors, they won't know. Your children are too young for you to manage yourself when you are in so much pain, family should step up to help when you are in the hospital. You should remain there until you are treated, (somehow)and able to go home without restrictions. You didn't walk in to the hospital to have your baby like this, so you should expect treatment, try not to blame,name, ect any previous care, because it factually doesn't matter, you just need to be fixed so you can take care of your family. Don 't accept I don't know from the specialists.

RE:Sorry
 

You are absolutely right Mrs.D. It is 3 out of every 100. Just confusion on my part. I also should have prefaced my remarks with according to 1 study

Please forgive me,
RX Horatio:

Sarah, I am not sure where you are from so you may or my not have gone to neuro allready. If not good luck I will say a prayer for u. If you have please let us know how you made out.

Sarah, you will have defo been by now, how did you get on?
If they have tested your reflexes/used tuning fork etc you may be in a little more pain than usual, if so take it easy for the next few days. :hug:

Hi Sarah,
I wanted to let you know I am very eager to hear how you are doing. I have not been able to post this week, but I have been following you situation. I hope your appointment led to some results - let us know.
Warmest wishes, adelina

Hiya guys sorry not been on been poorly still went o neuro had a mri on my back 5 weeks ago had results yesterday I've got something called disc disease in lower back and they forgot to book my head mri I've had hassle with them so finally got head mri 7th april its now 7months I've been bad with still no answers so I'm no closer even a neurologist doesn't have any idea what's up he did my reflexes and strange tests like a pen scratched up my foot I had to push my legs out and arms felt embarrassed a bit lol that was fine just gotta sit tight now till april 7th seems I've waited so long to be told nothing at all I went to neuro in january and he said he booked mri for back and head so went for the mri to be told it was only lumbar lower back and not head they messed me around since january the most important test was mri head they lost my notes too I think its a bit disgusting how I've been treated by them as they was meant to help xxx will update again after 7th april and hopefully I will knows wrong with me xx

Hello
 

So sorry you are going through this with young ones home and needing you. I want to welcome you to Neuro Talk. I know very little about these epidurals, but sometimes they do cause some problems. I would question the pain specialist that administered the epidural in the hospital. No doctor likes it when something they did, could cause a problem, but that is a good place to start. You can find out who did it though your records. Don't take no for an answer, and It is good that you are going to a Neurologist. This does sound like you are having some kind of very adverse reactions to this epidural since you had no symptoms before it. I wish you all the best. Reach out for that help within your family. ginnie

Thankyou ever so much I'm going to be getting in contact with my local hospital on monday and demanding to know who did my epidural as my pregnancy was fine I have 3 children my eldest two I never had a epidural with and my baby wich I did have a epidural and since having the epidural weird crazy thing have been happening I had a great pregnancy but birth was very quick as I had a drip as I stopped labouring at 3cm I need to know what's gone wrong as I have a 5 year old and a 4 year old and a 7month old at home to look after my partners been amazing all this time my family haven't been to fussed about any of this they keep telling me its nothing when obviously its something to have all this happen since I had my baby and epidural is the only thing I did different I never had one with my eldest 2 children thank you for the support I will most definatly be asking for the anethetists name as he shouldn't of gave me a epidural as I was 8cm and as soon as the needle was inserted I pushed twice and my baby was out the epidural didn't even work didn't have time to work just wish I never had one if the midwife examined me I told her atleast 3 times I could feel her drop and she was coming cause I pushed but she argued I was 5cm when I wasn't as there's no way I could of pushed at 5 cm I hope I get some answers soon I want to be normal again and enjoy my beautiful kids and my life xxx thankyou once again its appreciated loads will keep you on update and take care xx

Hi Sarah,
I, too, am relatively new in this community. There are so many information you can get from here that you can never get from your doctors (whether Primary Care Physicians or Specialists). There are people in this forum who are sincerely helping and reaching out for others who are suffering like us.

Continue to pursue your medical appointments and make sure to get copies of your medical results. In my case, before my appointment with the doctor/s, depending on what I expect from the visit, I read lot of posts here so I can have some points of discussion with the doctor.

You can ask specific questions in this forum and people will respond to you. People here are generous in sharing knowledge on their specific areas. I trust their advices.

I find this community very very helpful and informative. You will be amazed that when you read some posts here, it would seem that you are reading your own symptoms and tribulations.

Hang on.....

Idiopathic PN