I was SOOO worried about the same thing with my second son, with my first, back in 89 I went "all natural" , not by choice mind you, so I demanded a spinal block with my 2nd. But I guess the chances are so remote, you really have nothing to worry about. I refused a spinal for my first because of the worry about being permanently paralyzed, then my doc decided I get nothing.
I would recommend a spinal for giving birth anyday.
Chellaine
Thanks for your response. It's not like I never had a baby. I did seven years ago AND had a spinal because of preeclampsia and he was six weeks early. But, I was just curious if it ever actually happened to anyone or anyone knew of anyone that it happened to.
I've had 2 epidurals (natural births) and 2 spinal blocks (c-sections). I wasn't paralyzed afterwards and several relatives of mine who have also had both (epidurals and spinal blocks) weren't paralyzed either. I did however have pain afterwards in the back with both, and I can still feel on my back where they put the spinal blocks and epidurals (almost feels like a pimple on my spine, but not noticeable or aggrivating.... just noticeable by me if I feel for it). After I had my spinal blocks with the c-sections, I was told to lay flat for 8 hours or there was a risk of being paralyzed. I also had a MAJOR headache after the spinal blocks witht the c-sections. I was told that it was a common side effect though. Hope this helps. Good luck.
I've never had a spinal, but I have had 2 epidurals out of 3 births.
My 1st birth I went natural..not by choice I assure you.
My 2nd birth I had a lovely epidural. The dr. came in and said arch your back a few times and the needle was in. Labor was great, I had no back pain afterwards.
My 3rd birth, I assume I got an incompetent dr. It took him 2 1/2 hours to place the needle. He hurt me very badly in the middle of it, and yelled at me when I screamed that he hurt me. The epidural never worked and I felt every ounce of pain like going natural. I had back spasms for 3 years afterwards.
If I ever decide to have another baby, I'm going natural. The pain of the last incident wasn't worth it. I'd rather deal with 9 hours of pain and get it over with than 3 years of pain.
Thanks ladies. I'm sure it's just a myth, but just thought I'd do some research and see if anyone had an actual truth to that theory. LOL. I had a spinal with my son 7 years ago and it really wasn't all that bad. The anthesiologist? who gave it to me was wonderful. I was so freakin paranoid. Through the whole c-secion, I kept asking him, how are my vitals?? LMAO! I think that's because I had an emergency c-section due to preeclampsia and was just very scared that I would seizure and die or the baby would. I laugh now, but scared as hell before!! I also hated the recovery room. I was shaking uncontrollably and thought I was going to seizure. I was assured that it was all natural reaction to the spinal, but I was scared to death!! Anyway, hubby and I are TTC baby#2 this FEbruary and I'm not looking forward to my planned c-section I will be having per my doctor. She does not do VBAC's nor believe in them. I can't measure what I'd rather have more the pain of a few hours or more of labor or recovery from a c-section, but it looks as if I'll have no choice I guess. Anyway, I'm 38 and this will be my second and last baby, so please with my luck with getting pregnant.
Spinals for delivery... 
, not by choice mind you, so I demanded a spinal block with my 2nd. But I guess the chances are so remote, you really have nothing to worry about. I refused a spinal for my first because of the worry about being permanently paralyzed, then my doc decided I get nothing. 
