spinal block side effects??

[chuck]

I'm going in to have some kidney and bladder stones removed, and instead of knocking me out they're just gonna give me a spinal block and probably some IV valium or something. I have had the block done twice before and it went fine, but I guess I wanted some reassurance that theres not a high rate of screwups or any weird side effects I should be worried about. I am a c5 with really good sensation and I know it wouldn't matter that much since i'm paralyzed already but it would really suck to loose what sensation and movement I do have. Also one thing thats kinda weird I noticed is that with the spinal block I still have all the phantom pains in my legs and toes, it just kinda proved to me nothing was really hurting and there wasnt someone cutting my toes off and setting them on fire constantly.

[SCI-Nurse]

A spinal anesthetic is often used for this procedure, even in people with full sensation. An additional advantage for you is that the spinal should block any AD from occuring during the procedure.

Although relatively rare, the potential complications of any spinal anesthesia include the following:

Infection (bacterial meningitis)
CSF leak (sometimes requiring a blood patch to repair)
Anesthesia going too high and effecting the breathing muscles (be sure the anesthesiologist stays to monitor you as you would be considered a high risk patient regardless)
Bleeding into or around the cord, causing neurologic impairment

I would suggest that you plan to meet ahead of time with the anesthesiologist to discuss your concerns. This is commonly done, and you are paying him/her, so are entitled to this even if it means delaying the surgery a day or two.

(KLD)