I had my baby on April 9th, 07. I had epidural shot for the first time after giving birth for the 4th time. After being discharged I had severe headaches and severe backaches. 1 week after birth I went to ER and they said I need a blood patch asap. But I was afraid of the whole procedure so I waited hopeing my leaking back heals on its own. Now my baby is 1 month old and my headaches went away but I still get strong backaches. And where the epidural shot was given is still tender. I want to know if there is anyone that can give me an advice. Will the blood patch procedure heal my problem or should I wait awhile longer for the epidural leak to heal on its own? HELP!!!

Tenderness and aching is normal, but spinal leakage is another problem....Here is the major problem / risk... If you do not patch the leak it can let in bacteria, once bacteria is in the spinal cord it can right to your brain causing brain infection, brain damage or even death. If the leak last more than a week you NEED to get the patch done.

i wouldn't wait.i had an epidural too, but no complications at all , no pain or cramps like i never had anything done.so i'd say do something don't wait.by the way not all doctors are professional even though we know the're all board certified

I didn't have all of your problems but the shot site was still sore for a long time

wife had same problem epidural can cause permanent back troubles

my friend had this problem and it was because of leaking spinal fluid. This was two years after her baby. She had a blood patch and immediately felt better than she had in a couple of years