About this website
Ever since I experienced PDPH after the birth of my son I have felt that patients need to be aware of this possible side effect of epidural. When the epidural was administered, the anaesthetist did inform me that there was a risk of this happening, and I gave written consent for the procedure to be carried out. However, once the symptoms manifested themselves it took the hospital's staff nearly 36 hours to diagnose this condition, during which time I was in severe pain. I was told that if the diagnosis had taken any longer, it would have been too late for the epidural blood patch procedure and I would have had to simply wait it out, meaning that my recovery would have taken considerably longer.
If given the choice again, I would still choose to have an epidural, as I was in a lot of pain with induced contractions and labour wasn't progressing. If you choose to have an epidural, be aware that the chances of getting PDPH is 1 in 200, and the consultant anaesthetist whom I saw said that in his experience the actual risk is somewhat lower.
If you have an epidural and you start to experience any pain in your neck and lower skull, do not be afraid to ask your doctor or anaesthetist to consider whether you may be experiencing PDPH.
I have created this site to raise awareness of the condition. I found very little information online regarding PDPH and needed some reassurance from other sufferers, not to mention the emotional effect this can have when you're meant to be enjoying your newborn's first days.
I have now made a full recovery and have been left with no lasting side effects, however I am now prone to stress-induced migraines which I didn't get before.
If given the choice again, I would still choose to have an epidural, as I was in a lot of pain with induced contractions and labour wasn't progressing. If you choose to have an epidural, be aware that the chances of getting PDPH is 1 in 200, and the consultant anaesthetist whom I saw said that in his experience the actual risk is somewhat lower.
If you have an epidural and you start to experience any pain in your neck and lower skull, do not be afraid to ask your doctor or anaesthetist to consider whether you may be experiencing PDPH.
I have created this site to raise awareness of the condition. I found very little information online regarding PDPH and needed some reassurance from other sufferers, not to mention the emotional effect this can have when you're meant to be enjoying your newborn's first days.
I have now made a full recovery and have been left with no lasting side effects, however I am now prone to stress-induced migraines which I didn't get before.