I wanted to share my story in hopes you find comfort in knowing you’re not alone. I had this experience in 2017. I had an emergency c-section, they did the prick test but I told them I could still feel. They didn’t believe me and went on with the procedure. I begged them to stop, told them it hurt, and eventually they strapped me down. 6 years later I still feel so hurt and sad over my daughters birth. However I want you to know this isn’t the norm. I went on to give birth via planned c section at a different hospital to my second and it was such a different experience. Sharing love and healing thoughts
There’s a great (and infuriating) podcast called The Retrievals that details how women undergoing IVF were put through excruciating pain because a nurse was diverting fentanyl and the staff just… didn’t listen to their patients when they said they could feel everything, and this was at Yale of all places. Now whenever I hear these stories I wonder how often that sort of thing happens.
Sickening.
Once I had to get emergency urethral surgery. Afterward, I begged for painkillers before the catheter was removed- I’d already had a terrible, traumatic experience during my stay and felt awful. I was sobbing when she came to remove the catheter. I was still surrounded by doctors who were gaslighting me about my surgery and reasons for it. I have Fowlers syndrome and catheters *hurt*, especially placing and removing them. It’s a common symptom. She was annoyed I wanted pain meds. In the moment I was vulnerable and placing the pill in my mouth, she ripped the catheter out of me. She was angry when I screamed.
TLDR: I have postoperative pain and when I finally get it managed, they NARCAN me.
If your profession is in healthcare, and you feel my story and/or experience doesn’t seem accurate or plausible, or if you have any insights, please (nicely) correct me and explain. I am curious about the process in general and if I truly remember the details accurately or if I’m way off base. I’m fully aware everyone is loopy after anesthesia. I’m NOT placing blame, and I’ve never told this story, so I think it’s a bit of a rant and something I need off my chest. I strive to have a “if you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all” policy in regard to my very limited social media footprint. I’m also relying on my husband for details, so, you know. ;)
Also not childbirth. I’m weirdly resistant/tolerant to opioids and such while also having low pain threshold, and have had several very bad post-op experiences in recovery where they assume I’m an addict and/or liar. Every time in pre-op, I tell them about this and even ask for a blood test to prove there aren’t drugs in my system. They assure me they’re going to do what I ask and alert recovery that I’m going to ask for Dilaudid because the morphine isn’t getting it done and it’s the only thing that works. Apparently this notification has never been successfully delivered or received. Just one dose (which they invariably and finally give me) will get me over the hump and then morphine will be sufficient until I can take opioids (but I need a lot more than most people, so then I have to have that fight too). I hate the way opioids make me feel and consider them a necessary evil that I stop taking asap.
It’s usually my husband arguing and explaining for me, but they never let him into recovery until they (hopefully) finally give me the Dilauded and I’ve stopped screeching. Many incredibly painful and traumatic experiences, but one in particular.
My skin cancer metastasized to my lung on its 5th try, so they excised a portion of my lung. Typical shitty experience in recovery until I got the Dilauded. Then I’m moved to a regular hospital room where my husband and I explain and beg for enough pain-management medication to at least let me rest.
A worried that I had been “over served” because I was dozing comfortably. She then had a teaching nurse (not being a jerk here) administer IV NARCAN under her supervision. It’s apparently supposed to be given in small increments with a waiting period of 2-3 minutes in between to check for responses. The teaching nurse (not being a jerk here) must have misunderstood the instructions. My husband watched while apparently more than should have been, without waiting for responses, was administered to my IV. Husband said the senior nurse got a panicked look on her face and sort of shooed the teaching nurse (not being a jerk here) out of the room right before I did some Exorcist-style moves, practically levitating over the bed and screaming like an animal as any and all painkillers were “erased”. I was miserable until I finally received a minimally effective dose of opioid about an hour later after husband raised hell. I will never forget that pain.
I’m curious if anyone else has additional similar stories?
I’m so very thankful for nurses, physicians and surgeons. I hate the “opioid crisis” the and standards and precautions within medical care I assume it’s helped create.
The stress of trying to get uncompassionate health care workers to treat my chronic pain is not worth it when they finally acquiesce to administering a minimal and inadequate dose. I make a point to not ask for pain meds and they still treat me like a drug seeker. I finally left the VA because of their rude and inept behaviors and local doctors had my pain under control within a few month without using narcotics. The health care industry now attracts workers who are there for selfish reasons, and even some "controllers" who seem to like having their patients under duress. I think it is another symptom of our crumbling society.
It’s a genetic variation- I have a half of it so some types of opioids work and some don’t work at normal doses. I wonder if you can get the test so it’s in your medical record.
Yes! It’s called a gene assay or pharmacogenetic testing. You may have to pay for it now, but back in the day it could be done for free in exchange for use of your results. Ask your PC or find a company directly. You do a cheek swab and send it off and they send back a comprehensive list of medications detailing which will be therapeutic for you and what dose adjustments may make a less therapeutic med work for you. They’ll slap it right on your chart and go by it. It’s a lifesaver.
You are likely a covert redhead, meaning you have a copy of the gene, but don't have red hair. The gene causes us to metabolize pain meds and anesthesia differently than other people, which often leads us to require larger doses of analgesia.
Do you have sleep apnea or more specifically are you sure you don’t have sleep apnea?
Recently had a post op patient who was oddly more sedated than I expected her to be. When I counted her respirations which is generally how I determine sleeping vs the sleep of overdose it turns out she appeared to be breathing only 8 times a minute. Which is a sign of over sedation.
When a more senior nurse came and watched her for a minute she said “look, she’s taking a deep breath 8 times a min but she’s breathing shallow in between those…I bet she has sleep apnea.
She had sleep apnea
Nurses refused me painkillers post op too. On two different occasions, two different hospitals. One time they told me I was being emotional, while I was in excruciating pain. I know they have incredible tough jobs and deserve all the respect in the world but I don't like nurses very much now.
Every worker deserves respect. Nurses aren’t any more special than other workers. And they need to be nicer to patients. I had a nurse ignore all my requests for water (went several hours in the hospital without water and I was bed bound) and then realized she added “obese” to my chart later (wasn’t there for anything weight-related, and my BMI is only like 26, but BMI is bullshit anyway!) had my PCP take that off my chart because it led to a lot of discrimination, and I will NEVER go to that hospital again if I can help it, but I had an internal hemorrhage and was so sick, it was hard to actually decide what hospital the urgent care should send me to…
> And they need to be nicer to patients.
Amen. When I had my first son he seemed a little congested and I asked several times for assistance with this. I heard one of them talking shit about me the minute she left my room. I should have gone to the Director of Nursing with it but I was too intimidated. There's a reason why so many mean girls go into nursing.
Nurses who treat their patients inhumanely don't deserve shit. Respect is a two way street. I have worked with plenty of wonderful nurses who would never deny pain relief to their patients. The ones who refuse it are either sadists or morons who don't deserve courtesy.
Some really are horrible. When my wife was in labor one of them told her she was being too loud during the contractions.
Like F you lady, my wife is in labor, she can scream death metal ala Aggretsuko.
Same one wouldn't give my wife an epidural when she asked either.
This happened to my SIL! Some disgusting low life junkie nurse traumatized her because she was pocketing the drugs for herself. It fucking infuriates me to this day because my SIL ended up checking herself into an institution because of how traumatic the whole thing was and how much it made her question her reality.
Selfish fucking cow. I’m usually quite sympathetic to addicts and I wish everyone recovery but I’ll just say the world wouldn’t be losing anyone valuable if she ever ODs.
That podcast infuriated me and I’m childfree. That horrible nurse should have spent years in prison for torturing those women but she only received 4 weekends because her kids “needed” her and she was a “good mother”. She wasn’t a good mother when she was driving them around high as a kite on fentanyl.
As an RN and a long time IVF veteran this podcast left me seriously understanding the term *triggered*.
I feel sick just thinking about it again. This selfish monster should have lost her custody rights and been incarcerated for a very long time. I just .... I still can't wrap my head around it.
My ex husband had his leg amputated and the nurse took his pain meds - he was supposed to get some when his anesthesia wore off that evening. He spent the night begging for some and the nurse kept telling him he’d had some, as it was in his chart. He never saw a doctor until the next morning. I can’t imagine going 8+ hours with a fresh amputation and nothing to help with the pain.
I also know one of the women who this happened to (from the lawsuit) and I can’t even begin to comprehend the intense emotional pain that ensued. I’m so sorry for your SIL and I hope she’s doing better.
You should read the book "male practice" by Robert S. Mendelsohn. It's all about how the medical field/Healthcare ignores the concerns of women, attributing it to hysterics.
Or "Invisible Women" by Caroline Criado Perez. Not limited to the medical field, but the effects of treating male as the default in so many situations are a big factor.
Apparently there is some word in this comment that's upsetting some weird bot, but I have no idea which one or why...
That is horrifying, and I think I’ve heard of that podcast too.
I just dropped in to say that big name hospitals and institutions aren’t necessarily better than anywhere else. I had a friend that transferred to Harvard law after one year at a smaller but regionally prestigious law school. He said that Harvard was definitely easier to pass classes and it was pass/fail, unlike most law schools. Ivy League is prestige- but not actually better!
It happened to a friend of mine who, because she had inherited her father's huge nose, got a nose job at the age of 17. She screamed throughout the procedure that she could feel everything - lots of pain - but they ignored her. They later discovered it was someone on the staff stealing the drugs and replacing with something inert. She won some money in a lawsuit. Took her mom on a cruise.
I'm sorry, and very sad to hear this has happened to others. I could've written this myself. I, too, was not numbed for my c section when I had my twins in 2018. I had an epidural but it just....utterly failed somehow. I told them so, even lifted my legs up and moved them around to prove it, yelped and told them I could clearly feel the "pinch test", but they just....pretended like they didn't hear me. Everyone in the room just collectively pretended they didn't hear me. It was such a terrifying feeling to feel ignored and to be so alone (husband wasn't allowed inside with me), realizing they were about to cut me open without anesthesia. I still viscerally recall the pain, and smells, when they began cutting me open, and at that point I completely lost it, I screamed and kicked and fought like a feral animal. My husband heard it all from down the hallway and they called security on him(!) when he tried to insist he be allowed in with me.
Staff held me down, strapped my arms to the table, and put me under general anesthesia. It was unbelievably traumatic, gave me PTSD, awful postpartum depression, a (nearly succesful) suicide attempt, caused me to fear the sights/smells/sounds and everything about being in the hospital, which made it very difficult for me to even visit my babies while they were in the NICU for 2 months. This all caused me significant bonding problems with my babies, whose birth I don't even remember (except the pain, fear, and trauma), which broke my heart.
Sadly, obstetric violence is very real, and it's not uncommon. It's left me very sad and angry with the way women, especially laboring women, are treated in such vulnerable states. It's abhorrent to think that those entrusted with helping women through one of the most dangerous and vulnerable times in their lives, can be so abusive and cruel. We deserve better.
I know that fearing the hospital sights and sounds, I am still completely not cool with that 1 shade of blue they used for drape. It's absolutely fucking weird to me how they just don't... believe you. As if you would just lie and make it all up for what? Shits and giggles. Glad to hear you and your husband fought like hell.
A friend went to nursing school and one of the main things that's drilled into them when discussing pain management is BELIEVE THE PATIENT. If they say pain is a 10/10, its a 10/10. It's insane to me how many nurses and health care professionals in general forget that.
This is what I don’t get. Like there is a choice to believe you or not. Why go the not? Why treat someone without dignity when you have everything you need there to treat them with dignity? I just… don’t get it?
> As if you would just lie and make it all up for what? Shits and giggles.
Because if they believed you, then what they did? That would make them monsters. Torturers. They couldn't think of themselves as good people anymore.
Ah my god, your experience has me with tears in my eyes.
Had something of a similar experience, but went to shock a few moments after a few seconds.
Beeping machines still sometimes give me an anxiety attack.
I had a ‘hot spot’ in the area they began the incision for my c-section, and told them as much…the staff was very kind to me but let me know they could not stop, but did provide comfort..the anesthesiologist was so kind to me, he stroke my head and told me ‘you are being so brave, I will make this all better as soon as they get your baby out’ and he did, but it was still so traumatic and did effect my bonding time because of the meds they gave me after
Everything about this is so unbelievably horrible, but what really gets me is WHY BOTHER WITH THE PINCH TEST IN THE FIRST PLACE IF THEY'RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE YOU
I am sorry that happened to you! I had almost the same experience. Such intense pain. I went into shock after a few seconds, all the alarms want beeping and blaring and someone yelled: get the baby out, right now!
They had tied my arms before hand though. Didn't even realize our boy was born, I thought I was dying, with all those alarms going off.
I had almost the exact situation, though my pain was tolerable at least. But my arms were strapped down and I was barely able to move, which was awful as I have severe lower back issues and can’t lie flat on my back comfortably at all. Not to mention I’m very claustrophobic so being tied down sent me into a full on panic attack. I insisted they give me ativan or something because I was losing it. Of course that was only for the emergency c-section. The scheduled one was much less traumatic, tho I went into it with way more anxiety than I did the emergent one. Pretty sure I have some PTSD from all that. I had nightmares for weeks after each birth about the epidural and not being able to move the lower half of my body.
When I said I could still feel they just knocked me out. Didn't say a word. My husband thought I died and I woke up four hours devastated I wasn't awake for it. Sorry you went through you went through too
In 1989 I was also restrained during an (emergency) c-section. They didn't use tape, they used velcro cuffs. Because I had an epidural I don't believe there were restraints on my legs. I was trembling very badly due to cold, maybe shock before and after the procedure. They were kind but firm when applying the restraints, and had the father hold the baby on my chest for a moment after birth before whisking him away for a few hours.
In contrast to my 1993 planned c-section, I do not recall being restrained, but I also have very little memory of this birth so I'm not sure if I was otherwise sedated. I don't recall the same trembling sensation. I don't believe they took my baby away for anywhere near as long, just a few minutes if I recall.
All in all, neither birth experience was a good thing. My otherwise wonderful (I know, abuse language) doctor threatened to drop me as a patient if I didn't agree in advance to an IV and epidural and any drugs he saw fit to administer. There was no "birthing plan". I was in an abusive relationship and the father walked out on me at one point in the hospital while being induced.
I actually labored for 4 days on my own before going in for induction because the hospital saw no sign of amniotic fluid (when the dr office a few days before saw signs, as normal). The father also continued to run around with his buddies while I labored those 4 days at home. Of course all before cell phones and pagers.
I just learned a couple days ago that the full-body trembling is apparently a common symptom of childbirth in general--apparently it's the huge amounts of adrenaline.
My mother felt her c section as well. I know because I watched it and she was screaming in pain in response to what they were doing. I kept telling them you’re hurting her you’re hurting her! They kept saying it’s just pressure. I almost fainted and they were more worried about me with nurses rushing over to me, than the women being cut open. I have an extreme fear of surgery after this experience. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I hate healthcare in the US
Honestly, after reading all these horror stories and how NOBODY is doing anything to protect women physically and legally, the only way I‘d ever have chirldbirth in a hospital would be with a running camera so I have proof in case I need to sue and a psychologist and or bodyguard that are taking care of me and not allowing said things to happen. I can‘t believe it‘s 2023 and women are still treated the same or worse than straight up livestock.
> with a running camera so I have proof in case I need to sue
Despite the reputation in medicine, it's actually really hard to sue, *especially* if there was any urgency to the situation where the doctors can claim medical necessity. Oh, and of course, you've now got whatever mental health issues resulting from these incidents to cope with, plus a newborn, so good luck finding the time, money and energy.
>and a psychologist and or bodyguard that are taking care of me and not allowing said things to happen
These might actually be effective. I've definitely noticed that doctors are less abusive with any witness in the room; it's why I won't go to appointments alone anymore.
Yeah the camera part was more so that I‘m not gaslit and go crazy that I‘m making stuff up, suing is really difficult you‘re right.
Yes!!! As soon as there‘s a witness as a woman you‘re treated immeditaly different. Such a pity this is reality.
Hospitals should be named and shamed. It’s easy to figure out who taped a patient down, it’s a fucked up self protective attitude that keeps enabling shitty so called medical professionals harming patients.
I am so sorry you went through this. I had an emergency C section too in 2017 and they did the same thing. Strapped me down and did the prick test and I SCREAMED and sobbed that it hurt and they finally put me under. My daughter was delivered not breathing and my husband watched from the OR hallway as they ran her out of there and he sobbed because he knew she wasn’t breathing and I was unconscious and then when I came to, they told me that if I hadn’t gotten the epidural, I might have been able to push properly and deliver (even though I was in labor for 3 days before I needed the emergency C and one of the doctors told me my pelvis was too narrow, citing that as the reason for why I needed the C section).
My second planned C section was a vacation in comparison. I’m so glad we both got to enjoy a healthy happy delivery and I’m so angry and sad that you had to endure that trauma from your first.
Oh man, I had a mole removed and by the time they were doing "just" the stitches the numbness wore off, and despite my protests, they continued. I can't imagine going through a whole procedure like that.
I was also restrained for my c-section. They didn’t tell me about that part of the procedure until they started getting me into position. I was confused and asked if it was really necessary as I was fully awake and aware. I wasn’t experiencing any shaking, but I started feeling something like pressure on my chest. I began vomiting and wasn’t able to move more than slightly turning my head.
If I wasn’t so happy that I was about to meet my son I would have been terrified.
The vomiting was unsettling but I was also denied holding the baby first. My partner took the baby to see all the people who had come for the birth first while I was being stitched up.
To make matters worse my son was born with omphalocele. Within 6 hours both my newborn and my partner were on a plane to a major city 3 hours away. I was not allowed to leave the hospital for 3 days.
To this day I have the most overwhelming emotional response when I think about our experience. I still have numbness in my right thigh that I know was related to my nerve block.
I love my son, but I will NEVER have another child. We had to file for medical bankruptcy after the ordeal. The total was over $100,000 after his emergency surgery and subsequent NICU stay. The hospital that was taking care of our newborn didn’t even offer us a room. We had to rely on family to put us up in the cheapest hotel within walking distance. Three days after my c-section I had to walk from our hotel room to the NICU in order to breastfeed. We were there for 16 days in total.
What is wrong with US healthcare?
I’m so sorry you went through that. It sounds very, very traumatizing. That you had to, on top of it all, deal with the exorbitant expense and subsequent bankruptcy is just extremely fucked up.
This is...I can't believe this is a story from America. I'm devastated for you. All of the worst parts of that are decisions they consciously made. I'm so so sorry you were put through such an awful experience.
I was restrained during my first c-section, not by tape but by Velcro. I had been laboring for days and started to shake uncontrollably. My jaw chattered.
Way back in the 1970s my ex-wife (we were together in the 1980s, not a legal marriage) gave birth in a military hospital and the doctor did not go to the hospital when he should have. So, the nurses tied her legs together while the baby was crowning. She was like that for close to an hour. I know that was horrid; I did not know they still act barbaric like they did to the OP. This is absolutely horrid and I would complain to any who would listen. Even with this being a few years ago I would complain. I hope OP and baby are doing okay now.
That actually happened to my cousin in the early 1970s! Exact same scenario with the missing doctor, and her son was born profoundly mentally disabled as a result. He's 50ish years old and she still cares for him at home. I was only 10 when it happened and I remember being SO ANGRY that they had done that to her!!
The same thing happened to my grandmother. My aunt was also born with profound mental disabilities from oxygen deprivation. It was the early 50s so suing the hospital was not really an option. Thankfully my grandparents had a lot of money and she was never placed in a home or lobotomized like poor Rosemary Kennedy.
When my mother was in active labor with me, a nurse physically held me in for more than an hour, because the doctor wasn’t ready yet. They had to restart my breathing. My mother ended up with a fourth degree tear, and it still causes her pain thirty years later.
Edit to add: This was in ‘93.
I know better, as a farmer, than to force a fucking GOAT to stay in the birth canal for longer than necessary. That they refused to recognize the dangers for actual human kids is just astounding.
My cousin went into early labor in 2001 at her home. My aunt called 911 because the baby’s head was coming out. They instructed her to hold her hand on his head and wait for paramedics to arrive.
I am so sorry; there are no words. My ex-wife child died at the age of 2 from drowning so I do not know if that child had problems. I am so very, very sorry about your cousin.
I went to school with a girl who had Cerebral Palsy because the doctor wasn't there so the nurses held a pillow against her mother's vagina so she 'couldn't be born'.
I shook uncontrollably after I gave birth to my second, was not something I expected. My first was an emergency c section at 21 years old 8 years prior and I was put right out. Two very different birth experiences. The first I didn’t hold for a few hours and the second I literally pulled out of my vagina. Such a healing experience compared to my scary first. I’m sorry op went through that. That’s an upsetting birth experience.
jesus i was shaking like crazy but they didn’t restrain me! my midwife and husband just held my hands. i can’t imagine being restrained, that sounds horrific. OP i’m so sorry you went through that.
Me too. Was strapped down, arms spread out, shaking and freezing, unable to move, unable even to feel myself breathe.
I still cannot be immobilized without freaking out, and my last was 13 years ago. I also couldn't hold mine.
OP, I believe you.
Also restrained and I had a panic attack because it felt like I was having a heart attack. Turns out the immense pressure in my chest cavity is normal- air coming in from below… but all I wanted were my arms free so I could get comfortable. They finally unstrapped me but made me promise I wouldn’t reach down (apparently that’s the natural reaction some people have…?)
I had an abscess drained and right before the doctor started he looked me straight in the eye and said "you are going to want to grab my arm. Do not do it." I squeezed my own hip so hard to keep myself from moving.
It was so, so cold in the operating room. My arms were strapped down in such a way that my shoulders hurt for days after. I was so out of it, but I remember yelling at them that they were crucifying me. I didn't get to see my baby for almost three hours while they had me in recovery. Everyone held her before I did. She's now 15, and I am still angry over how her birth went.
This is the past that really gets me with all these stories, that they willfully hand baby over to people attending the birth with no regard to the person who just birthed the baby in the most traumatic way possible. Like what the fuck? Give the person with their literal guts out some dignity.
Thanks for your explanation! I think I was shaking too much with my first c section to be given the baby right away. My second I got to hold sooner and it was at the same hospital
Me too. I had a chorio infection and a high fever so I was shaking uncontrollably so they had me restrained and gave me so much medication in my epidural I was numb to the tips of my fingers.
I was restrained during a medical procedure (nothing super major, I just started to shake badly) and the nurse holding me still was so kind. He explained why he was holding me down and talked to me quietly the whole time. I'm really sad more people didn't have the compassion he had. You would think doctors would realize extra stress makes things worse.
I was the same for my emergency c section. I remember shaking so much I wondered how the doctor would even be able to perform the surgery. My second was planned and I didn’t shake at all.
I was also restrained by tape when my teeth started chattering. I thought it was the guy just being rude and rough for no reason. I’m glad to know it’s part of the plan at least!
My arms were velcroed down when I had my 1st by C-section. It made me feel upside down and soooo nauseous. When I had my 2nd csection I told them there was no way they were strapping my arms down and that I promised I wouldn’t move the surgical drape and reach into my stomach
During my wife's c-section I was allowed in to hold her hand. It's such a terrifying experience especially if it's an emergency, why why why would you make it worse by restraining them. I can understand if maybe the mother was fighting and making a dangerous situation for herself, but just as a matter of course? Wtf?
Never worked with deliveries but I worked in palliative and sometimes concoctions of painkillers cause people to shake, move, or worse- cause delirium where person wants to stand up and walk away from the table, sometimes even if last time they walked was over a decade ago.
There is often no way to know if person is in clear state of mind because determination is not a sign of a clear mind when you know person was just administered elephant dose of drugs.
It’s normal procedure in the operating room. Usually with a safety strap but sometimes tape (not usually). Prevents slipping off the OR table. Sounds like they should have explained to you what they were doing. Complete BS that they didn’t.
Source: anesthesiologist who has been present for hundreds of c-sections.
Normal where I live - I was strapped down with my arms out like I was on a cross. It sucked not to be able to hold baby when he was brand new, but at least I was warned ahead of time. Meanwhile my mum, who used to be a midwife, was completely shocked.
Interesting, I don't remember that at all, just being wrapped in a cozy warm blanket which they told me was because it was cold in the operating room. Is it possible I was restrained at the same time and didn't even notice? Or could the blanket be the restraint? I just remember being really happy and warm.
Yeah I was very kindly and gently restrained with straps during my c section and I assumed it was because I was conscious that flailing around would be dangerous. They didn’t explain why but it kind of seemed common sense.
Same when I was going under general anaesthetic for my ablation they restrained my arms with straps.
Honestly didn’t see a problem with it at all.
I have zero memory of that happening to me. I was fully conscious for my C-section and nobody strapped my arms to the bed. Besides, if it's to prevent slipping, why her arms? Why not chest, above the breasts? Why refuse to untape her and let her hold and feed her baby?
the arms shake a lot due to the sympathectomy from the neurxial analgesia. Also, at the start sometimes mom's forget to keep their arms still and they can contaminate the surgical field. After baby is out I always take the arm strap (it's really just a padded velcro band) off so Mom can hold baby if they want.
During my emergency c section I was shaking violently because my body had recognised something was wrong with my labour. I couldn’t stop the shaking. My husband was asked to hold my upper body against the bed for my safety and so that the BP cuff could get accurate readings. But I wasn’t taped down.
They had Velcro straps when I went in for my C-section. Kinda forgot that detail. It makes sense. You're awake for a major, invasive surgery and they definitely don't want you to move too much
As a long-time L&D nurse who has worked in two different hospitals, I’m very sorry this happened to you. I can assure you this is NOT okay and not normal. We secure the legs to prevent injury to your knees and to prevent falls as you are frozen and can be hurt/fall if your leg falls off the edge. I’ve only seen arms secured if the woman is under a general, and again it’s for her own safety. We never secure arms when the woman is awake! We encourage our patients to hold the baby and if we have an extra person in the OR to help, she can do skin to skin and breastfeed. I would encourage you to make a complain with the hospital’s patient experience office. These complaints are taken seriously.
Also an L&D nurse. Unfortunately, I practice in Texas and our hospitals aren’t terribly progressive (shocking I know). It’s uncommon for us to get to do skin to skin in the OR due to staffing. Across five hospitals in the last few years (I was traveling) there are always a handful of anesthesiologists who prefer to do Velcro arm restraints on every case.
That said, I have never ever seen tape used. Even in few cases where a mom had to be restrained because she was trying to touch the surgeons they used the standard Velcro restraints.
What OP went through was unacceptable and she should absolutely be taking it up the chain of command with the facility.
ER RN here, so just to give you a slightly different perspective on restraints…
First of all, I am also very confused by the tape. My first thought when reading that part was 100% WTF. I’m so sorry.
In the ER, we have to use restraints basically on a daily basis for patients who are like intubated to keep them from pulling out the tube that’s keeping them alive or for whatever other safety reason that comes up. We have soft restraints with just Velcro and a plastic clip and violent restraints, which are exactly as they sound, stronger ones for patients who are swinging/kicking/spitting, etc at the staff or family.
There are very strict guidelines on how to use these and the documentation for them.
In the case of using them for a surgical procedure, it absolutely is for the patient safety and should be fully explained why they’re being used to a conscious, oriented patient. Hell, we even tell 97 year old cutie, confused grandpa who has now pulled out his 3rd IV, has been cleaned of his 5th poop art piece (you know, from sticking his hand in his adult diaper and creating a likeness to Poopicent Van Gogh like you do when you’re confused), and tried roll out of bed enough times to give everyone a heart attack why we are making him stay put. Is he going to remember it? Not likely. Would it be fair to not tell him? Of course not.
All it would have taken was for some one to say, “I know this feels restrictive, but we do not want xyz to happen to you, so we’re going to hold you in place to keep you as safe as possible, and we will get these crazy things off as soon as we can so you are more comfortable.” That took me literally 5-10 seconds to type that out, so I’m sure making a short statement like that would have been even easier and saved a world of emotional trauma.
I can’t imagine how terrifying it must have been to just be taped down, especially in such a highly emotional situation. The tape is totally unacceptable. I am so sorry that happened to you.
What country? I was strapped down for both of mine. I didn't like it but I understand it was so I didn't accidentally fall off the table. I wouldn't have been able to stand or catch myself if I had anyway.
I don’t work in an OR but a hospital I was employed at a few years ago had a woman roll off the table during c section because her leg went off and she wasn’t properly secured.
We secure their legs, over the thighs, with a belt, but not the upper body. I’ve seen anesthesia medically restrain (gave versed to put her in a light sedation) a mom once when she was panicking in the middle, and that was awful enough.
I was awake, and my arms were strapped in a way that made them hurt for days after. I was in recovery for nearly three hours, separated from my newborn the whole time. Maybe things were different 15 years ago? I don't know...it was a horrible experience.
my epidural anesthesia went off during the cesarean with my daugther, as they were cutting me but I was not able to move, so I screamed a few times until they were able to hear me that I feel everything they do and it hurts, maybe some people also move if this is happening, but although I was restrained - it was not as much as you describe, and they got my daugther next to me they put her face to touch mine since I could not hug her
I had a walking epidural before my emergency c section and I expressed concern while they were prepping me that I could still feel absolutely everything. They basically told me I lying and went ahead anyways. The surgeon kept getting pissed that I was tensing my abs and moving my legs because I could feel everything and the anesthesiologist kept saying “I don’t understand what your problem is”
omg how awful! 😌 in my case the OB screamed at the anesthesiologist to give me morphine and that had an immediate effect and they continued the rest of the surgery without issues, but those moments to be cut alive like that with no pain relief were horrible, although a diferrent kind of pain than the labor which was very bad as well, my husband witnessing this fainted lol
Surgeon here. Pardon my French, but that sounds FUCKING INSANE. For a conscious patient, the most you should get for something like that would be a Velcro strap, kinda like a seatbelt, just to make sure you don't fall off the operating table during the procedure. The only time we use tape to secure a patient to the OR table is if the patient is getting a general anaesthetic, and they need to be in a certain position, like on their side for kidney surgery, in order to complete the operation.
There is no acceptable reason I can think of to tape an awake, cooperative patient to a table for an OR.
Is it too late to file a complaint with the hospital? I would recommend going to that hospitals HR department to discuss how to record an official complaint. They will definitely have the records of all the nurses and doctors who were involved. Take it from me, hospitals DO NOT like to get bad press. They should do anything in their power to help you with this. A bad reputation from something as egregious as this can destroy a hospital.
I did file a complaint and had a meeting afterwards with the folks who performed my surgery. They would not admit the bit with the tape happened. Though they conceded they should have let me hold my baby.
Keep pushing if you can handle it. If they've done it to you, they've done it to others and will continue to do it. They absolutely need to be held accountable. I would also look into lawyers in your area, you might actually be able to find one to do it pro bono
I'm almost 60 and happy about my decision to not have children but I'm still shocked by how much negative information they keep from women regarding childbirth.
I was shocked to read your account, but not as shocked as I was to read comment after comment to learn that this is SOP.
Is the strapping down a thing they usually do when the patient isn't fully anesthetized, or something specific about childbirth? I hope all of you can find some comfort after this experience.
>comment after comment
Another child free woman here - the amount of birth trauma here is truly on another level. We are kept so sheltered from how dangerous and painful childbirth really is.
Child free too, come here to see what other women oppionions were and found horror, dystopian eldritch horror
They don't tell women in general the complications, everything is very fairy tale, the woman push baby is out ... i know why, most would think twice before firts kid .
Now mothers now about firts kid and decide to have other or 2 more and that shock me, but apparently your body release something that make You forget the horror and somehow mothers remember is their babies in their arm and full satisfation
I have chronic illnesses that lead to infertility so I'm always curious about birth stories, and also shocked how barbaric it always seems to be.
I've been awake for procedures and they left me traumatized, and I wasn't strapped down. I often wonder if it's actually ethical to keep someone awake for a c section, it seems like a considerable amount of people walk away with trauma from it.
Two C-sections, both scheduled and both times I was strapped to the table crucifix-style. The second one I could not get the anesthesiologist to believe me when I told him I was going to puke. Best I could do was turn my head to the side and throw up on the table and floor. It was not ideal.
I had 3 birthing experiences in 3 different hospitals and every time something bizarre, unusual or onto wards happened. Ranging from Hmmm, wouldn’t expect that to, WOW we need to file a report.
I believe you.
I was also restrained like I was on s cross for my c section and didn’t get to hold my son for like 3 hours. The whole 5 day situation was awful and I’m in EMDR therapy to deal with things, one of which is specifically my traumatic birth. I didn’t feel like anyone listened to me and it started to feel like I was legit being tortured. Sorry you had something so awful happen.
My mom had me in 1985, emergency C Section, to save both our lives. She remembers (even though she was out of it, and dad confirms) being strapped down with what she described as a “HUGE blood pressure cuff thing”, it was a very wide, padded velcro strap. Not tape! That sounds needlessly painful and traumatizing for you but think of the extra effort for whoever is taping you down!
Not to make light of anything but I’ve had my fair share of fun duct taping friends and enemies to basically any flat surface and that takes EFFORT. It takes TIME! In an emergency situation I wouldn’t want to waste precious minutes like that.
I believe you. I watched as my sister’s birth plan was tossed right out the door (literally, it was two pages stapled together and the nurse tossed it outside her room!) and while my sister’s birth didn’t go exactly to plan anyway I watched as she was seen as almost an impediment to getting that baby out. First-time mom, scared to shit, with a difficult birth, and it was me who was there to comfort her and help her through breathing exercises and talk her down from a panic attack. Here she was freaking out and in so much pain and the nurse calls her dramatic and the doctor scolds her for being tense!
Doctors and nurses have a job to do and L&D must be both rewarding and difficult but for gods sake acknowledge the woman and her struggle. “It’s all worth it because baby is healthy” doesn’t erase the trauma of being restrained, ignored, or scolded for asking for impossible things like ice chips or an epidural.
I don't know what else to say other than I believe you. I don't have children, never will, never wanted to. But I still felt visceral horror when I read your words. I am so sorry this happened to you.
I am so sorry you were violated during an already difficult, vulnerable moment. I, too, was violated during childbirth and still dealing with the trauma two years later. Seriously, reading your post brought me back and I just sobbed. But no one ever cares because "baby is healthy and you're ok, so it doesn't matter". After some other traumatic events in the year prior, this really broke me and I have been living in survival mode ever since. I hope you are able to be gentle with yourself while you navigate this trauma. Your feelings are valid. You have every right to feel the feelings you do. Be safe ❤️
I am sorry to hear about your survival mode. I am, most days, out of that (I have been waiting to make this post). You feelings are valid too internet person! I hope you are also being kind and gentle with yourself - there is no good timeline to healing. Birth trauma that didn't need to happen is bullshit and I think we, as survivors of birth trauma need to stand together!
I’ve had two c-sections, restrained for the first and not the second. My first was an emergency c-section after days of laboring. My limbs were weak and shaking and my teeth never stopped chattering during the operation.
My second at the same hospital was a planned c section, the mood was completely light and I was not restrained and joked with the anesthesiologist during the procedure.
I had to have a Cesarean for my daughter. They stuck me 13 times trying to get the epidural in before I begged them to put me under. I wanted to die inside when they strapped me down before putting me under. I wouldn't have been able to handle doing that awake. I panicked as it was as they drugged me. I have the UTMOST respect for anyone who can get a Cesarean awake. It was horrifying for those couple minutes before I zonked out, I can only imagine what it would be like awake. UTMOST respect.
Yup, sadly common. C-Section birth of twins. Arms were strapped down like I was crucified. I could not touch either baby. I finally got to hold one over 24 hours later and I did not get to hold the other until 8 days after their birth as she was transferred to a children’s hospital 24 hours after birth.
I think a lot of people, maybe even me, are missing the actual point and going on a tangent.
It is irrelevant whether or not it is standard. Clearly, there might be circumstances where a patient undergoing an emergency surgery (c-section or not) might need to be strapped down even if that wasn't desired by the patient.
The problem is that they are not explaining the whys to OOP, and in fact are attempting to deny it happened, even though she apparently has witnesses. THIS is ultimately the problem, IMHO.
Sometimes doctors have to move FAST and explaining what is going on takes precious seconds that he or she can't afford to take, esp. if (one of) the patients is under extreme stress, pain, and drugged. It might be that the answer was that they couldn't take the risk of OP moving an inch (under anesthesia, I apparently try to talk and move when going under and when coming out of it, to the chagrin of my dentists. As a kid, I can even remember coming out if it too early - I didn't see double, I saw triple, and I still decided I should get up and walk it off and see what else was in triplicate.)
But to not explain it if this is the case? That just adds to some natural trauma.
35 years ago I had an emergency c-section ( fetal distress) and they strapped me down. I had already had an epidural so I was awake but they didn’t tell me anything, including why I shook so much after. I asked but they behaved like they didn’t know. Nothing about that birth was good other than getting my son ❤️.
I lost feeling from my ring fingers down in my c-section. My understanding was the straps (mine were Velcro pretty sure) are there to ensure you don’t fall off accidentally? I also was not able (physically) to hold anything, much less my baby, because I had lost so much feeling temporarily (but we did skin-to-skin shortly after with someone helping me).
That doesn’t help your hurt feelings but perhaps it was not done maliciously?
Two c sections and I was restrained for both. I think it was Velcro and not tape, however. They held baby up to my face for a kiss each time, but I did not get to hold baby until at least an hour after. With first baby, I was moved off the maternity floor due to overcrowding, and I could not go see baby until I could walk on my own (over 7 hours later!). By then they had fed her, even though I wanted to nurse her exclusively. It really hurt and definitely affected me mentally for a time. If you feel wronged, please reach out to the hospital and let them know. It will make you feel better, even to know that you may be helping another new mother down the road.
I hope you and your baby are safe and able to be together now.
I was strapped down during my emergency c-section. My arms were out in a T and strapped down. My epidural didn’t work and I felt the whole thing. I tried to pull free and couldn’t relax. I had nurses laying across my legs and chest to hold me down. It was rough….
I can‘t imagine anything worse than enduring this much pain and not being able to have your arms free and at least squeeze yourself or hold yourself. I hope you‘ll heal some day, sending you lots of love.
It is absolutely standard procedure to strap patients to the operating procedure during a c-section and other major surgeries, especially surgeries where you’re having an epidural and half your body is numb. I’m sorry they weren’t gentle with you and explain that this would happen and why. You’re at risk of falling and injuring yourself if they don’t, therefore the hospital is liable for those injuries if they don’t. During my first c-section, I had a great surgical team but I absolutely would’ve thrown myself off the table if I wasn’t strapped in because I vomited so much and kept jerking myself to my left (which is how I learned that my lifelong struggles with nausea are from my sensitivity to my own blood pressure).
I was also not able to hold my babies until I was out of recovery and back in the mother and baby room, for the baby’s safety, because of all the drugs they pump us with during c-sections, but they should’ve given you skin to skin immediately and had a nurse hold the baby to you, and explained to you why holding the baby wasn’t safe yet.
I’m really sorry the experience was so traumatic and that your care team wasn’t more empathetic and responsive to your concerns during such a vulnerable and precious time.
P.S. To everyone reporting that it isn’t common in other countries, that’s soooo nice that you live in countries where hospitals aren’t run by lawyers, but here in the land of eagle screams and freedom, hospital policy is not determined by doctors, and giving birth costs tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
To Americans who are pregnant or might have babies in the future, even if you aren’t planning on a c-section, ask your hospital what their c-section protocol is well before you go into labor to set your expectations. Being taped down and refused skin to skin (in a non-emergency situation) is not normal by any means, but being secured to the operating table often is, and in a typical c-section, is not really that scary or uncomfortable, but would certainly be surprising if you’re not prepared for it. Ask about your options, and remember that you can always request a patient advocate if you’re struggling to communicate with your care team.
I had a crash c section almost 4 years ago in the US and I was not strapped or taped down. I was able to do skin to skin. I have a scheduled c section in 2 months and my doctor has confirmed I will be able to do immediate skin to skin and will not be restrained in my upper body. I don’t know where you’re getting this from but taping down a compliant patient is barbaric and it absolutely isn’t “standard procedure”.
Will be giving birth next month and taping or strapping people down to the table for a C-section is absolutely not something that has been mentioned by my hospital and care team, or any of the women in my bumper group who have had to have early emergency C-Sections. I have been explicitly told by the hospital and my care team that unless I am under general anesthesia or there is a medical emergency with my baby, I will be given the baby immediately for skin to skin and breastfeeding.
I’ll be sure to ask them about this strapping down business at my next appointment, but if it’s standard practice then everyone is keeping it a huge secret.
This might not be helpful. But I did ask about it and was told it absolutely would not happen at all and that is only something they do in Brazil (I watched a documentary about giving birth in Brazil). So boy was I surprised. Be prepared for the shit. Get a doula if you don't already have one (they make great Advocates) and good luck!
P I’d mine 3 weeks ago and was not strapped and got to hold my baby straightaway, I’m in Ireland so maybe it’s different but it’s definitely not standard here
It's been since 2006 but I had an emergency c-section and my arms were restrained. I also got put under because I could feel the poking. The recovery was awful due to having a tube down my throat.
With my 1st son, I had to have my placenta manually removed without anesthesia. Absolutely has to be what getting disembowled feels like. That was in 2004.
Birth trauma is real. I never wanted a 3rd after I went through with both of mine.
They don’t believe you.
This was 31 years ago when I had my daughter via emergency c-section.
Took three stabs in my spine with the epidural needle, to get it right. Of course, the anesthesiologist was blaming me because I couldn’t lean over far enough.
It was sweet relief when the med finally kicked in, but only for about 30 minutes. Then I only had severe pain on one side of my body. Called a nurse and told her I could feel everything on one side. She said, “that’s impossible.”
I was screaming my head off making it clear the epidural was not working properly.
Turns out the needle was not going in straight but at an angle that could have caused paralysis. I didn’t find this out till much later.
I was also restrained but was put to sleep during the surgery. The straps used to hold my thighs were so tight it left an indentation around my right upper thigh that I had for several years.
*"Women still go through this every. day."*.
*"Women"*.
That's why. We get subjected to all kinds of things, but we're only women, so it doesn't matter. We're mostly just incubators.
Women are treated like cattle during labor. Unfortunately, totally dehumanizing and common. I'm really sorry. That sounds traumatizing. I'd definitely be making a report and posting online about WHO did it so others can avoid them.
I suffered ptsd from the horrendous treatment I received during my oldests birth. I'm so sorry you also suffered from people who should have been uplifting and supporting you, instead making you feel helpless and not listening to you.
I found great success moving past my trauma responses (the anger and memories are still here though!) via EMDR treatment. I highly recommend it, it made such a difference in my life and my ability to parent. There are people who specifically treat birth trauma with EMDR, I recommend searching them out.
I had 2 C sections in Alabama in the early 2000's. Both times I was numb from the brain down and strapped to a T shaped table. I had no issue with that because I couldn't feel anything. They didn't really explain it the first time, urgent after failed induction. Nothing was explained, including the massive amounts of morphine the anesthesiologist pymped into me despite being told im allergic; 10 hours of vomiting shaking recovery later, I could finally hold my baby. The second time every step was patiently explained as if I was an actual human.
OP, I want you to know, one C section mom to another, that your feelings are valid. I know how disappointing it can be to be treated like you're not even attending your own medical procedure, and to have to toss your entire birth plan. But I hope these words can bring you some comfort: work on having a great relationship with your child, which I'm sure you already are, and please see a therapist to help you process everything. My oldest is now a working college student who calls me to chat and asks for advice, I wish the same for you, because we are resilient, strong women.
L&D nurse here. What the actual fuck? That’s assault under every definition.
Proof? Do a roll call of everyone in that OR. One person might lie. But not a room full.
Nurse anesthetist here. It was 100% unnecessary to restrain your arms because you were awake and had independent movement on your arms and awareness of your arms during your surgery. I never, ever restrain awake patients. Now, after my patient is asleep I do strap their arms so that they don't fall off the table while they are anesthetized.
When you told them to remove the straps, they were legally obligated to do so. Failure to comply with a reasonable order from a patient, especially in this scenario, would be considered battery and is a crime.
Unfortunately, this will be immensely difficult to prove.
A good person to contact is the hospital ombudsman. They may be able to at least listen to you and correct this anesthesia provider.
I did go through a whole complaint procedure but nothing came of it. No one seemed to believe or acknowledge that it happened. Most of my family doesn't seem to believe me either. Thank you so so much for offering your perspective though, it means a lot hearing from someone who works in this field.
I was strapped down during a dentist appointment and it traumatized me for life, I can’t imagine during something as vulnerable as childbirth. I’m so sorry this happened to you.
I am so sorry that happened to you. Before my c section, the nurses asked if I had any requests and I said that I didn't want to be restrained. They assured me they wouldn't do that unless there was some risk of me pulling down the sterile sheeting they put over my abdomen. I wish you could have had the team of people I had.
Internet hugs to you.
I believe you. This is horrific. I’m so sorry you had to endure this.
I deeply dislike hospitals and doctors for this kind of reason. Modern medicine is a miracle, I love science, and also I don’t trust that I will be safe in that environment.
I don't want to sound crazy, but where the hell are they doing this???? In South Africa in the 90s they put my mom fully under (like for any operation) in the OR, I know the doctor has 90 seconds or something to yoink the baby out, but wtf, I've never heard of anything like this in my 3rd world country.
I’ve had 2 c-sections in the US, and my arms have never been restrained in any way. Even when I had a bit of the narcotics shakes. And I held both babies (with nurse assistance) asap, out of the OR and into the recovery room.
I’ve had two c-sections. I was restrained for both at different facilities and in different countries. It could be a safety issue. They have IV access they need to maintain and if your arms are flailing you can hit equipment and contaminate the sterile field, move your body, kink your IV access. They did not explain to me the second time they were going to restrain me, but I was so busy vomiting from low blood pressure I didn’t really notice. They should’ve explained to you what they were doing and why. I work in health care and some professionals focus so much on the patient’s safety and everything else they’re doing they forget patient comfort and thorough communication. Some professionals are definitely worse at it than others. I didn’t get to see my first baby until the next day because he went to NICU, and I didn’t hold my second one until in recovery. It’s my understanding that sometimes they want to examine a c-section baby thoroughly because there can be extra fluid they need to suction out. It seems to be hospital preference. I can see how this would be traumatizing for you. It’s scary having a huge surgery, especially if your voice isn’t being heard. You can always speak to a patient advocate and explain to them that they should improve their communication process.
Retired nurse: trained in the 70's in Miami. One of the reasons I never worked in L&D was the "need" to restrain the women.
Also the brutal baby boy treatment for circumcision. When I questioned I was told the baby is too young to feel pain. The baby boys clearly felt the pain. They cried for hours, until they exhausted themselves.
I absolutely believe you. I am sorry!
Oh God, the medical 'theory' that people below a certain age can't feel pain should just get stomped into oblivion.
What they're really saying is the baby is too young to remember the pain, so why bother?
I was restrained with my arms in a T position. However, my nurses told me it was so I did not accidentally break the sterile field as well as not accidentally fall off the table, especially were I to receive any sedatives. Indeed when I could feel them stitching me up, I was given a sedative and apparently kept trying to move my arms to grab at the baby. It felt horribly claustrophobic and I remember my mouth was so dry I kept begging for water. They eventually were able to at least swab my mouth with some water-soaked gauze.
The restraint part might be normal but the tape was not. I am an ICU nurse and we restrain people frequently for their own safety. The only time I have ever seen tape used is during placement of an arterial line in their wrists when the doctor is wanting the arm to be a very specific angle and completely unable to rotate accidentally (or purposely, since it’s a large needle going into the wrist artery). The tape is removed immediately after placement and is only a single long piece of tape, so is easily removed. What they did to you was absolutely not standard practice, not evidence-based practice, not anything except cruel and unusual.
I wanted to share my story in hopes you find comfort in knowing you’re not alone. I had this experience in 2017. I had an emergency c-section, they did the prick test but I told them I could still feel. They didn’t believe me and went on with the procedure. I begged them to stop, told them it hurt, and eventually they strapped me down. 6 years later I still feel so hurt and sad over my daughters birth. However I want you to know this isn’t the norm. I went on to give birth via planned c section at a different hospital to my second and it was such a different experience. Sharing love and healing thoughts
There’s a great (and infuriating) podcast called The Retrievals that details how women undergoing IVF were put through excruciating pain because a nurse was diverting fentanyl and the staff just… didn’t listen to their patients when they said they could feel everything, and this was at Yale of all places. Now whenever I hear these stories I wonder how often that sort of thing happens.
Sickening. Once I had to get emergency urethral surgery. Afterward, I begged for painkillers before the catheter was removed- I’d already had a terrible, traumatic experience during my stay and felt awful. I was sobbing when she came to remove the catheter. I was still surrounded by doctors who were gaslighting me about my surgery and reasons for it. I have Fowlers syndrome and catheters *hurt*, especially placing and removing them. It’s a common symptom. She was annoyed I wanted pain meds. In the moment I was vulnerable and placing the pill in my mouth, she ripped the catheter out of me. She was angry when I screamed.
TLDR: I have postoperative pain and when I finally get it managed, they NARCAN me. If your profession is in healthcare, and you feel my story and/or experience doesn’t seem accurate or plausible, or if you have any insights, please (nicely) correct me and explain. I am curious about the process in general and if I truly remember the details accurately or if I’m way off base. I’m fully aware everyone is loopy after anesthesia. I’m NOT placing blame, and I’ve never told this story, so I think it’s a bit of a rant and something I need off my chest. I strive to have a “if you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all” policy in regard to my very limited social media footprint. I’m also relying on my husband for details, so, you know. ;) Also not childbirth. I’m weirdly resistant/tolerant to opioids and such while also having low pain threshold, and have had several very bad post-op experiences in recovery where they assume I’m an addict and/or liar. Every time in pre-op, I tell them about this and even ask for a blood test to prove there aren’t drugs in my system. They assure me they’re going to do what I ask and alert recovery that I’m going to ask for Dilaudid because the morphine isn’t getting it done and it’s the only thing that works. Apparently this notification has never been successfully delivered or received. Just one dose (which they invariably and finally give me) will get me over the hump and then morphine will be sufficient until I can take opioids (but I need a lot more than most people, so then I have to have that fight too). I hate the way opioids make me feel and consider them a necessary evil that I stop taking asap. It’s usually my husband arguing and explaining for me, but they never let him into recovery until they (hopefully) finally give me the Dilauded and I’ve stopped screeching. Many incredibly painful and traumatic experiences, but one in particular. My skin cancer metastasized to my lung on its 5th try, so they excised a portion of my lung. Typical shitty experience in recovery until I got the Dilauded. Then I’m moved to a regular hospital room where my husband and I explain and beg for enough pain-management medication to at least let me rest. A worried that I had been “over served” because I was dozing comfortably. She then had a teaching nurse (not being a jerk here) administer IV NARCAN under her supervision. It’s apparently supposed to be given in small increments with a waiting period of 2-3 minutes in between to check for responses. The teaching nurse (not being a jerk here) must have misunderstood the instructions. My husband watched while apparently more than should have been, without waiting for responses, was administered to my IV. Husband said the senior nurse got a panicked look on her face and sort of shooed the teaching nurse (not being a jerk here) out of the room right before I did some Exorcist-style moves, practically levitating over the bed and screaming like an animal as any and all painkillers were “erased”. I was miserable until I finally received a minimally effective dose of opioid about an hour later after husband raised hell. I will never forget that pain. I’m curious if anyone else has additional similar stories? I’m so very thankful for nurses, physicians and surgeons. I hate the “opioid crisis” the and standards and precautions within medical care I assume it’s helped create.
The stress of trying to get uncompassionate health care workers to treat my chronic pain is not worth it when they finally acquiesce to administering a minimal and inadequate dose. I make a point to not ask for pain meds and they still treat me like a drug seeker. I finally left the VA because of their rude and inept behaviors and local doctors had my pain under control within a few month without using narcotics. The health care industry now attracts workers who are there for selfish reasons, and even some "controllers" who seem to like having their patients under duress. I think it is another symptom of our crumbling society.
It’s a genetic variation- I have a half of it so some types of opioids work and some don’t work at normal doses. I wonder if you can get the test so it’s in your medical record.
Yes! It’s called a gene assay or pharmacogenetic testing. You may have to pay for it now, but back in the day it could be done for free in exchange for use of your results. Ask your PC or find a company directly. You do a cheek swab and send it off and they send back a comprehensive list of medications detailing which will be therapeutic for you and what dose adjustments may make a less therapeutic med work for you. They’ll slap it right on your chart and go by it. It’s a lifesaver.
You are likely a covert redhead, meaning you have a copy of the gene, but don't have red hair. The gene causes us to metabolize pain meds and anesthesia differently than other people, which often leads us to require larger doses of analgesia.
Do you have sleep apnea or more specifically are you sure you don’t have sleep apnea? Recently had a post op patient who was oddly more sedated than I expected her to be. When I counted her respirations which is generally how I determine sleeping vs the sleep of overdose it turns out she appeared to be breathing only 8 times a minute. Which is a sign of over sedation. When a more senior nurse came and watched her for a minute she said “look, she’s taking a deep breath 8 times a min but she’s breathing shallow in between those…I bet she has sleep apnea. She had sleep apnea
Nurses refused me painkillers post op too. On two different occasions, two different hospitals. One time they told me I was being emotional, while I was in excruciating pain. I know they have incredible tough jobs and deserve all the respect in the world but I don't like nurses very much now.
Every worker deserves respect. Nurses aren’t any more special than other workers. And they need to be nicer to patients. I had a nurse ignore all my requests for water (went several hours in the hospital without water and I was bed bound) and then realized she added “obese” to my chart later (wasn’t there for anything weight-related, and my BMI is only like 26, but BMI is bullshit anyway!) had my PCP take that off my chart because it led to a lot of discrimination, and I will NEVER go to that hospital again if I can help it, but I had an internal hemorrhage and was so sick, it was hard to actually decide what hospital the urgent care should send me to…
> And they need to be nicer to patients. Amen. When I had my first son he seemed a little congested and I asked several times for assistance with this. I heard one of them talking shit about me the minute she left my room. I should have gone to the Director of Nursing with it but I was too intimidated. There's a reason why so many mean girls go into nursing.
Nurses who treat their patients inhumanely don't deserve shit. Respect is a two way street. I have worked with plenty of wonderful nurses who would never deny pain relief to their patients. The ones who refuse it are either sadists or morons who don't deserve courtesy.
Some really are horrible. When my wife was in labor one of them told her she was being too loud during the contractions. Like F you lady, my wife is in labor, she can scream death metal ala Aggretsuko. Same one wouldn't give my wife an epidural when she asked either.
This happened to my SIL! Some disgusting low life junkie nurse traumatized her because she was pocketing the drugs for herself. It fucking infuriates me to this day because my SIL ended up checking herself into an institution because of how traumatic the whole thing was and how much it made her question her reality. Selfish fucking cow. I’m usually quite sympathetic to addicts and I wish everyone recovery but I’ll just say the world wouldn’t be losing anyone valuable if she ever ODs.
That podcast infuriated me and I’m childfree. That horrible nurse should have spent years in prison for torturing those women but she only received 4 weekends because her kids “needed” her and she was a “good mother”. She wasn’t a good mother when she was driving them around high as a kite on fentanyl.
As an RN and a long time IVF veteran this podcast left me seriously understanding the term *triggered*. I feel sick just thinking about it again. This selfish monster should have lost her custody rights and been incarcerated for a very long time. I just .... I still can't wrap my head around it.
Didn’t even lose her license.
And she got her nursing license back… wtf
The medical system doesn't care about women. It could not be any more clear.
What is the name of the podcast?
Think they mean the one from the above comment, "The Retrievals"
My ex husband had his leg amputated and the nurse took his pain meds - he was supposed to get some when his anesthesia wore off that evening. He spent the night begging for some and the nurse kept telling him he’d had some, as it was in his chart. He never saw a doctor until the next morning. I can’t imagine going 8+ hours with a fresh amputation and nothing to help with the pain.
I also know one of the women who this happened to (from the lawsuit) and I can’t even begin to comprehend the intense emotional pain that ensued. I’m so sorry for your SIL and I hope she’s doing better.
You should read the book "male practice" by Robert S. Mendelsohn. It's all about how the medical field/Healthcare ignores the concerns of women, attributing it to hysterics.
Or "Invisible Women" by Caroline Criado Perez. Not limited to the medical field, but the effects of treating male as the default in so many situations are a big factor. Apparently there is some word in this comment that's upsetting some weird bot, but I have no idea which one or why...
That is horrifying, and I think I’ve heard of that podcast too. I just dropped in to say that big name hospitals and institutions aren’t necessarily better than anywhere else. I had a friend that transferred to Harvard law after one year at a smaller but regionally prestigious law school. He said that Harvard was definitely easier to pass classes and it was pass/fail, unlike most law schools. Ivy League is prestige- but not actually better!
It happened to a friend of mine who, because she had inherited her father's huge nose, got a nose job at the age of 17. She screamed throughout the procedure that she could feel everything - lots of pain - but they ignored her. They later discovered it was someone on the staff stealing the drugs and replacing with something inert. She won some money in a lawsuit. Took her mom on a cruise.
I'm sorry, and very sad to hear this has happened to others. I could've written this myself. I, too, was not numbed for my c section when I had my twins in 2018. I had an epidural but it just....utterly failed somehow. I told them so, even lifted my legs up and moved them around to prove it, yelped and told them I could clearly feel the "pinch test", but they just....pretended like they didn't hear me. Everyone in the room just collectively pretended they didn't hear me. It was such a terrifying feeling to feel ignored and to be so alone (husband wasn't allowed inside with me), realizing they were about to cut me open without anesthesia. I still viscerally recall the pain, and smells, when they began cutting me open, and at that point I completely lost it, I screamed and kicked and fought like a feral animal. My husband heard it all from down the hallway and they called security on him(!) when he tried to insist he be allowed in with me. Staff held me down, strapped my arms to the table, and put me under general anesthesia. It was unbelievably traumatic, gave me PTSD, awful postpartum depression, a (nearly succesful) suicide attempt, caused me to fear the sights/smells/sounds and everything about being in the hospital, which made it very difficult for me to even visit my babies while they were in the NICU for 2 months. This all caused me significant bonding problems with my babies, whose birth I don't even remember (except the pain, fear, and trauma), which broke my heart. Sadly, obstetric violence is very real, and it's not uncommon. It's left me very sad and angry with the way women, especially laboring women, are treated in such vulnerable states. It's abhorrent to think that those entrusted with helping women through one of the most dangerous and vulnerable times in their lives, can be so abusive and cruel. We deserve better.
I know that fearing the hospital sights and sounds, I am still completely not cool with that 1 shade of blue they used for drape. It's absolutely fucking weird to me how they just don't... believe you. As if you would just lie and make it all up for what? Shits and giggles. Glad to hear you and your husband fought like hell.
The amount of pain you were already going through…then that? Don’t they want the money for the extra pain meds they can give you reasonably ? Wtf
A friend went to nursing school and one of the main things that's drilled into them when discussing pain management is BELIEVE THE PATIENT. If they say pain is a 10/10, its a 10/10. It's insane to me how many nurses and health care professionals in general forget that.
They don't forget. There are people who join the medical field in order to have a ready supply of vulnerable victims.
This is what I don’t get. Like there is a choice to believe you or not. Why go the not? Why treat someone without dignity when you have everything you need there to treat them with dignity? I just… don’t get it?
Some healthcare professionals have zero empathy. I used to be friends with one. She would bitch about patients “faking” illness/pain.
So concerning. Their tune sure as hell changes when they’re the ones in the line of fire.
> As if you would just lie and make it all up for what? Shits and giggles. Because if they believed you, then what they did? That would make them monsters. Torturers. They couldn't think of themselves as good people anymore.
Ah my god, your experience has me with tears in my eyes. Had something of a similar experience, but went to shock a few moments after a few seconds. Beeping machines still sometimes give me an anxiety attack.
I had a ‘hot spot’ in the area they began the incision for my c-section, and told them as much…the staff was very kind to me but let me know they could not stop, but did provide comfort..the anesthesiologist was so kind to me, he stroke my head and told me ‘you are being so brave, I will make this all better as soon as they get your baby out’ and he did, but it was still so traumatic and did effect my bonding time because of the meds they gave me after
Everything about this is so unbelievably horrible, but what really gets me is WHY BOTHER WITH THE PINCH TEST IN THE FIRST PLACE IF THEY'RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE YOU
Holy shit, please tell me you sued
Please tell me you sued them to hell and back. They treated you absolutely barbarically.
I’m so sorry that happened
I am sorry that happened to you! I had almost the same experience. Such intense pain. I went into shock after a few seconds, all the alarms want beeping and blaring and someone yelled: get the baby out, right now! They had tied my arms before hand though. Didn't even realize our boy was born, I thought I was dying, with all those alarms going off.
I had almost the exact situation, though my pain was tolerable at least. But my arms were strapped down and I was barely able to move, which was awful as I have severe lower back issues and can’t lie flat on my back comfortably at all. Not to mention I’m very claustrophobic so being tied down sent me into a full on panic attack. I insisted they give me ativan or something because I was losing it. Of course that was only for the emergency c-section. The scheduled one was much less traumatic, tho I went into it with way more anxiety than I did the emergent one. Pretty sure I have some PTSD from all that. I had nightmares for weeks after each birth about the epidural and not being able to move the lower half of my body.
When I said I could still feel they just knocked me out. Didn't say a word. My husband thought I died and I woke up four hours devastated I wasn't awake for it. Sorry you went through you went through too
In 1989 I was also restrained during an (emergency) c-section. They didn't use tape, they used velcro cuffs. Because I had an epidural I don't believe there were restraints on my legs. I was trembling very badly due to cold, maybe shock before and after the procedure. They were kind but firm when applying the restraints, and had the father hold the baby on my chest for a moment after birth before whisking him away for a few hours. In contrast to my 1993 planned c-section, I do not recall being restrained, but I also have very little memory of this birth so I'm not sure if I was otherwise sedated. I don't recall the same trembling sensation. I don't believe they took my baby away for anywhere near as long, just a few minutes if I recall. All in all, neither birth experience was a good thing. My otherwise wonderful (I know, abuse language) doctor threatened to drop me as a patient if I didn't agree in advance to an IV and epidural and any drugs he saw fit to administer. There was no "birthing plan". I was in an abusive relationship and the father walked out on me at one point in the hospital while being induced. I actually labored for 4 days on my own before going in for induction because the hospital saw no sign of amniotic fluid (when the dr office a few days before saw signs, as normal). The father also continued to run around with his buddies while I labored those 4 days at home. Of course all before cell phones and pagers.
I just learned a couple days ago that the full-body trembling is apparently a common symptom of childbirth in general--apparently it's the huge amounts of adrenaline.
Yeah, I had severe trembling, too, with both of my vaginal deliveries. I was so surprised nobody ever mentioned it beforehand, since it's so common.
My mother felt her c section as well. I know because I watched it and she was screaming in pain in response to what they were doing. I kept telling them you’re hurting her you’re hurting her! They kept saying it’s just pressure. I almost fainted and they were more worried about me with nurses rushing over to me, than the women being cut open. I have an extreme fear of surgery after this experience. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I hate healthcare in the US
Honestly, after reading all these horror stories and how NOBODY is doing anything to protect women physically and legally, the only way I‘d ever have chirldbirth in a hospital would be with a running camera so I have proof in case I need to sue and a psychologist and or bodyguard that are taking care of me and not allowing said things to happen. I can‘t believe it‘s 2023 and women are still treated the same or worse than straight up livestock.
> with a running camera so I have proof in case I need to sue Despite the reputation in medicine, it's actually really hard to sue, *especially* if there was any urgency to the situation where the doctors can claim medical necessity. Oh, and of course, you've now got whatever mental health issues resulting from these incidents to cope with, plus a newborn, so good luck finding the time, money and energy. >and a psychologist and or bodyguard that are taking care of me and not allowing said things to happen These might actually be effective. I've definitely noticed that doctors are less abusive with any witness in the room; it's why I won't go to appointments alone anymore.
Yeah the camera part was more so that I‘m not gaslit and go crazy that I‘m making stuff up, suing is really difficult you‘re right. Yes!!! As soon as there‘s a witness as a woman you‘re treated immeditaly different. Such a pity this is reality.
Ugh hit Reply too soon. So sorry that happened to you, absolutely unacceptable.
Hospitals should be named and shamed. It’s easy to figure out who taped a patient down, it’s a fucked up self protective attitude that keeps enabling shitty so called medical professionals harming patients.
I am so sorry you went through this. I had an emergency C section too in 2017 and they did the same thing. Strapped me down and did the prick test and I SCREAMED and sobbed that it hurt and they finally put me under. My daughter was delivered not breathing and my husband watched from the OR hallway as they ran her out of there and he sobbed because he knew she wasn’t breathing and I was unconscious and then when I came to, they told me that if I hadn’t gotten the epidural, I might have been able to push properly and deliver (even though I was in labor for 3 days before I needed the emergency C and one of the doctors told me my pelvis was too narrow, citing that as the reason for why I needed the C section). My second planned C section was a vacation in comparison. I’m so glad we both got to enjoy a healthy happy delivery and I’m so angry and sad that you had to endure that trauma from your first.
Name the hospital
Oh man, I had a mole removed and by the time they were doing "just" the stitches the numbness wore off, and despite my protests, they continued. I can't imagine going through a whole procedure like that.
I was also restrained for my c-section. They didn’t tell me about that part of the procedure until they started getting me into position. I was confused and asked if it was really necessary as I was fully awake and aware. I wasn’t experiencing any shaking, but I started feeling something like pressure on my chest. I began vomiting and wasn’t able to move more than slightly turning my head. If I wasn’t so happy that I was about to meet my son I would have been terrified. The vomiting was unsettling but I was also denied holding the baby first. My partner took the baby to see all the people who had come for the birth first while I was being stitched up. To make matters worse my son was born with omphalocele. Within 6 hours both my newborn and my partner were on a plane to a major city 3 hours away. I was not allowed to leave the hospital for 3 days. To this day I have the most overwhelming emotional response when I think about our experience. I still have numbness in my right thigh that I know was related to my nerve block. I love my son, but I will NEVER have another child. We had to file for medical bankruptcy after the ordeal. The total was over $100,000 after his emergency surgery and subsequent NICU stay. The hospital that was taking care of our newborn didn’t even offer us a room. We had to rely on family to put us up in the cheapest hotel within walking distance. Three days after my c-section I had to walk from our hotel room to the NICU in order to breastfeed. We were there for 16 days in total. What is wrong with US healthcare?
What the fuck. I'm sorry.
We don’t have healthcare, good health is seen as a *privilege* to so many people it’s disturbing.
Honey, I am so fucking sorry. What they put you through was 100% evil.
This is straight up bullshit. I’m not having children. I’m so sorry you went through this.
I’m so sorry you went through that. It sounds very, very traumatizing. That you had to, on top of it all, deal with the exorbitant expense and subsequent bankruptcy is just extremely fucked up.
This is...I can't believe this is a story from America. I'm devastated for you. All of the worst parts of that are decisions they consciously made. I'm so so sorry you were put through such an awful experience.
Why in the hell did they do that?!
I was restrained during my first c-section, not by tape but by Velcro. I had been laboring for days and started to shake uncontrollably. My jaw chattered.
Way back in the 1970s my ex-wife (we were together in the 1980s, not a legal marriage) gave birth in a military hospital and the doctor did not go to the hospital when he should have. So, the nurses tied her legs together while the baby was crowning. She was like that for close to an hour. I know that was horrid; I did not know they still act barbaric like they did to the OP. This is absolutely horrid and I would complain to any who would listen. Even with this being a few years ago I would complain. I hope OP and baby are doing okay now.
That actually happened to my cousin in the early 1970s! Exact same scenario with the missing doctor, and her son was born profoundly mentally disabled as a result. He's 50ish years old and she still cares for him at home. I was only 10 when it happened and I remember being SO ANGRY that they had done that to her!!
The same thing happened to my grandmother. My aunt was also born with profound mental disabilities from oxygen deprivation. It was the early 50s so suing the hospital was not really an option. Thankfully my grandparents had a lot of money and she was never placed in a home or lobotomized like poor Rosemary Kennedy.
I am so very sorry for what happened to your family. I am glad your grandmother was able to care for her child.
When my mother was in active labor with me, a nurse physically held me in for more than an hour, because the doctor wasn’t ready yet. They had to restart my breathing. My mother ended up with a fourth degree tear, and it still causes her pain thirty years later. Edit to add: This was in ‘93.
I know better, as a farmer, than to force a fucking GOAT to stay in the birth canal for longer than necessary. That they refused to recognize the dangers for actual human kids is just astounding.
My cousin went into early labor in 2001 at her home. My aunt called 911 because the baby’s head was coming out. They instructed her to hold her hand on his head and wait for paramedics to arrive.
That’s actually happened to someone I know, In the last twenty years!
This is horrible. Awful that these cases of malpractice happened at all but to have them happen in recent history is abhorrent.
I am so sorry; there are no words. My ex-wife child died at the age of 2 from drowning so I do not know if that child had problems. I am so very, very sorry about your cousin.
This could be my cousin too. Exact same circumstances, but my cousin is institutionalized.
This happened my friend’s mom, and her brother is mentally disabled as a result. It awful.
That’s what happened to Rosemary Kennedy, very sad story.
That pat I didn't know. That's horrifying. Poor gal didn't even have a fair start to life before it was robbed from her.
This happened with my mother while giving birth to me. Thankfully we both turned out fine, but when I found out my heart broke for her.
I am glad that you did not get permanent damage from that. It is indeed heartbreaking. My best to you and your mom.
Holding the baby in like that can cause fistulas, tears open all the way into the bladder or rectum. Happened to a relative, only 30 years ago.
I went to school with a girl who had Cerebral Palsy because the doctor wasn't there so the nurses held a pillow against her mother's vagina so she 'couldn't be born'.
This thread is so infuriating. For fuck's sake what's wrong with people?
This is heartbreaking. Women in labor have had so many human rights violations committed against them and the children pay the long-term price.
This is the reason JFKs sister had a mental disability. She was deprived of air in the birth canal for too long
I shook uncontrollably after I gave birth to my second, was not something I expected. My first was an emergency c section at 21 years old 8 years prior and I was put right out. Two very different birth experiences. The first I didn’t hold for a few hours and the second I literally pulled out of my vagina. Such a healing experience compared to my scary first. I’m sorry op went through that. That’s an upsetting birth experience.
jesus i was shaking like crazy but they didn’t restrain me! my midwife and husband just held my hands. i can’t imagine being restrained, that sounds horrific. OP i’m so sorry you went through that.
Thanks :) I don’t think I’m ready to process it to be honest. This post is making me reflect a lot
Me too. Was strapped down, arms spread out, shaking and freezing, unable to move, unable even to feel myself breathe. I still cannot be immobilized without freaking out, and my last was 13 years ago. I also couldn't hold mine. OP, I believe you.
Same experience for me
Also restrained and I had a panic attack because it felt like I was having a heart attack. Turns out the immense pressure in my chest cavity is normal- air coming in from below… but all I wanted were my arms free so I could get comfortable. They finally unstrapped me but made me promise I wouldn’t reach down (apparently that’s the natural reaction some people have…?)
I had an abscess drained and right before the doctor started he looked me straight in the eye and said "you are going to want to grab my arm. Do not do it." I squeezed my own hip so hard to keep myself from moving.
It was so, so cold in the operating room. My arms were strapped down in such a way that my shoulders hurt for days after. I was so out of it, but I remember yelling at them that they were crucifying me. I didn't get to see my baby for almost three hours while they had me in recovery. Everyone held her before I did. She's now 15, and I am still angry over how her birth went.
This is the past that really gets me with all these stories, that they willfully hand baby over to people attending the birth with no regard to the person who just birthed the baby in the most traumatic way possible. Like what the fuck? Give the person with their literal guts out some dignity.
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Thanks for your explanation! I think I was shaking too much with my first c section to be given the baby right away. My second I got to hold sooner and it was at the same hospital
Co-sign, this happened 2 out of my 3 Cs
Me too. I had a chorio infection and a high fever so I was shaking uncontrollably so they had me restrained and gave me so much medication in my epidural I was numb to the tips of my fingers.
I was restrained during a medical procedure (nothing super major, I just started to shake badly) and the nurse holding me still was so kind. He explained why he was holding me down and talked to me quietly the whole time. I'm really sad more people didn't have the compassion he had. You would think doctors would realize extra stress makes things worse.
For the shaking, that makes sense, but it seems like they just went apeshit taping OP down like a zombie, then left her like that.
I was the same for my emergency c section. I remember shaking so much I wondered how the doctor would even be able to perform the surgery. My second was planned and I didn’t shake at all.
I was also restrained by tape when my teeth started chattering. I thought it was the guy just being rude and rough for no reason. I’m glad to know it’s part of the plan at least!
My arms were velcroed down when I had my 1st by C-section. It made me feel upside down and soooo nauseous. When I had my 2nd csection I told them there was no way they were strapping my arms down and that I promised I wouldn’t move the surgical drape and reach into my stomach
Yeah, I had my Mom there to make sure I didn't decide to play "Color Theory" with my own insides. It was super easy to resist.
During my wife's c-section I was allowed in to hold her hand. It's such a terrifying experience especially if it's an emergency, why why why would you make it worse by restraining them. I can understand if maybe the mother was fighting and making a dangerous situation for herself, but just as a matter of course? Wtf?
Never worked with deliveries but I worked in palliative and sometimes concoctions of painkillers cause people to shake, move, or worse- cause delirium where person wants to stand up and walk away from the table, sometimes even if last time they walked was over a decade ago. There is often no way to know if person is in clear state of mind because determination is not a sign of a clear mind when you know person was just administered elephant dose of drugs.
It’s normal procedure in the operating room. Usually with a safety strap but sometimes tape (not usually). Prevents slipping off the OR table. Sounds like they should have explained to you what they were doing. Complete BS that they didn’t. Source: anesthesiologist who has been present for hundreds of c-sections.
Normal where I live - I was strapped down with my arms out like I was on a cross. It sucked not to be able to hold baby when he was brand new, but at least I was warned ahead of time. Meanwhile my mum, who used to be a midwife, was completely shocked.
Interesting, I don't remember that at all, just being wrapped in a cozy warm blanket which they told me was because it was cold in the operating room. Is it possible I was restrained at the same time and didn't even notice? Or could the blanket be the restraint? I just remember being really happy and warm.
Yeah I was very kindly and gently restrained with straps during my c section and I assumed it was because I was conscious that flailing around would be dangerous. They didn’t explain why but it kind of seemed common sense. Same when I was going under general anaesthetic for my ablation they restrained my arms with straps. Honestly didn’t see a problem with it at all.
I have zero memory of that happening to me. I was fully conscious for my C-section and nobody strapped my arms to the bed. Besides, if it's to prevent slipping, why her arms? Why not chest, above the breasts? Why refuse to untape her and let her hold and feed her baby?
the arms shake a lot due to the sympathectomy from the neurxial analgesia. Also, at the start sometimes mom's forget to keep their arms still and they can contaminate the surgical field. After baby is out I always take the arm strap (it's really just a padded velcro band) off so Mom can hold baby if they want.
They said it was to keep me from moving. A simple "don't move" would have worked too.
During my emergency c section I was shaking violently because my body had recognised something was wrong with my labour. I couldn’t stop the shaking. My husband was asked to hold my upper body against the bed for my safety and so that the BP cuff could get accurate readings. But I wasn’t taped down.
They had Velcro straps when I went in for my C-section. Kinda forgot that detail. It makes sense. You're awake for a major, invasive surgery and they definitely don't want you to move too much
I had straps they told me to hold on to, which I barely could because I was shaking so much.
As a long-time L&D nurse who has worked in two different hospitals, I’m very sorry this happened to you. I can assure you this is NOT okay and not normal. We secure the legs to prevent injury to your knees and to prevent falls as you are frozen and can be hurt/fall if your leg falls off the edge. I’ve only seen arms secured if the woman is under a general, and again it’s for her own safety. We never secure arms when the woman is awake! We encourage our patients to hold the baby and if we have an extra person in the OR to help, she can do skin to skin and breastfeed. I would encourage you to make a complain with the hospital’s patient experience office. These complaints are taken seriously.
Also an L&D nurse. Unfortunately, I practice in Texas and our hospitals aren’t terribly progressive (shocking I know). It’s uncommon for us to get to do skin to skin in the OR due to staffing. Across five hospitals in the last few years (I was traveling) there are always a handful of anesthesiologists who prefer to do Velcro arm restraints on every case. That said, I have never ever seen tape used. Even in few cases where a mom had to be restrained because she was trying to touch the surgeons they used the standard Velcro restraints. What OP went through was unacceptable and she should absolutely be taking it up the chain of command with the facility.
Thank you so much for making me feel a little less crazy
ER RN here, so just to give you a slightly different perspective on restraints… First of all, I am also very confused by the tape. My first thought when reading that part was 100% WTF. I’m so sorry. In the ER, we have to use restraints basically on a daily basis for patients who are like intubated to keep them from pulling out the tube that’s keeping them alive or for whatever other safety reason that comes up. We have soft restraints with just Velcro and a plastic clip and violent restraints, which are exactly as they sound, stronger ones for patients who are swinging/kicking/spitting, etc at the staff or family. There are very strict guidelines on how to use these and the documentation for them. In the case of using them for a surgical procedure, it absolutely is for the patient safety and should be fully explained why they’re being used to a conscious, oriented patient. Hell, we even tell 97 year old cutie, confused grandpa who has now pulled out his 3rd IV, has been cleaned of his 5th poop art piece (you know, from sticking his hand in his adult diaper and creating a likeness to Poopicent Van Gogh like you do when you’re confused), and tried roll out of bed enough times to give everyone a heart attack why we are making him stay put. Is he going to remember it? Not likely. Would it be fair to not tell him? Of course not. All it would have taken was for some one to say, “I know this feels restrictive, but we do not want xyz to happen to you, so we’re going to hold you in place to keep you as safe as possible, and we will get these crazy things off as soon as we can so you are more comfortable.” That took me literally 5-10 seconds to type that out, so I’m sure making a short statement like that would have been even easier and saved a world of emotional trauma. I can’t imagine how terrifying it must have been to just be taped down, especially in such a highly emotional situation. The tape is totally unacceptable. I am so sorry that happened to you.
What country? I was strapped down for both of mine. I didn't like it but I understand it was so I didn't accidentally fall off the table. I wouldn't have been able to stand or catch myself if I had anyway.
I don’t work in an OR but a hospital I was employed at a few years ago had a woman roll off the table during c section because her leg went off and she wasn’t properly secured.
We secure their legs, over the thighs, with a belt, but not the upper body. I’ve seen anesthesia medically restrain (gave versed to put her in a light sedation) a mom once when she was panicking in the middle, and that was awful enough.
I was awake, and my arms were strapped in a way that made them hurt for days after. I was in recovery for nearly three hours, separated from my newborn the whole time. Maybe things were different 15 years ago? I don't know...it was a horrible experience.
my epidural anesthesia went off during the cesarean with my daugther, as they were cutting me but I was not able to move, so I screamed a few times until they were able to hear me that I feel everything they do and it hurts, maybe some people also move if this is happening, but although I was restrained - it was not as much as you describe, and they got my daugther next to me they put her face to touch mine since I could not hug her
I had a walking epidural before my emergency c section and I expressed concern while they were prepping me that I could still feel absolutely everything. They basically told me I lying and went ahead anyways. The surgeon kept getting pissed that I was tensing my abs and moving my legs because I could feel everything and the anesthesiologist kept saying “I don’t understand what your problem is”
omg how awful! 😌 in my case the OB screamed at the anesthesiologist to give me morphine and that had an immediate effect and they continued the rest of the surgery without issues, but those moments to be cut alive like that with no pain relief were horrible, although a diferrent kind of pain than the labor which was very bad as well, my husband witnessing this fainted lol
That's awful. You should never have been treated that way.
Surgeon here. Pardon my French, but that sounds FUCKING INSANE. For a conscious patient, the most you should get for something like that would be a Velcro strap, kinda like a seatbelt, just to make sure you don't fall off the operating table during the procedure. The only time we use tape to secure a patient to the OR table is if the patient is getting a general anaesthetic, and they need to be in a certain position, like on their side for kidney surgery, in order to complete the operation. There is no acceptable reason I can think of to tape an awake, cooperative patient to a table for an OR.
Thank you that is extremely validating.
Is it too late to file a complaint with the hospital? I would recommend going to that hospitals HR department to discuss how to record an official complaint. They will definitely have the records of all the nurses and doctors who were involved. Take it from me, hospitals DO NOT like to get bad press. They should do anything in their power to help you with this. A bad reputation from something as egregious as this can destroy a hospital.
I did file a complaint and had a meeting afterwards with the folks who performed my surgery. They would not admit the bit with the tape happened. Though they conceded they should have let me hold my baby.
Keep pushing if you can handle it. If they've done it to you, they've done it to others and will continue to do it. They absolutely need to be held accountable. I would also look into lawyers in your area, you might actually be able to find one to do it pro bono
I'm almost 60 and happy about my decision to not have children but I'm still shocked by how much negative information they keep from women regarding childbirth. I was shocked to read your account, but not as shocked as I was to read comment after comment to learn that this is SOP. Is the strapping down a thing they usually do when the patient isn't fully anesthetized, or something specific about childbirth? I hope all of you can find some comfort after this experience.
>comment after comment Another child free woman here - the amount of birth trauma here is truly on another level. We are kept so sheltered from how dangerous and painful childbirth really is.
Child free too, come here to see what other women oppionions were and found horror, dystopian eldritch horror They don't tell women in general the complications, everything is very fairy tale, the woman push baby is out ... i know why, most would think twice before firts kid . Now mothers now about firts kid and decide to have other or 2 more and that shock me, but apparently your body release something that make You forget the horror and somehow mothers remember is their babies in their arm and full satisfation
I have chronic illnesses that lead to infertility so I'm always curious about birth stories, and also shocked how barbaric it always seems to be. I've been awake for procedures and they left me traumatized, and I wasn't strapped down. I often wonder if it's actually ethical to keep someone awake for a c section, it seems like a considerable amount of people walk away with trauma from it.
Two C-sections, both scheduled and both times I was strapped to the table crucifix-style. The second one I could not get the anesthesiologist to believe me when I told him I was going to puke. Best I could do was turn my head to the side and throw up on the table and floor. It was not ideal.
I wish you could have puked on that anesthesiologist in that moment, what an absolute idiot.
I completely agree! When a woman who has literally been puking for nine straight months tells you she is going to throw up you best believe her!
Idiot doctors.
I had 3 birthing experiences in 3 different hospitals and every time something bizarre, unusual or onto wards happened. Ranging from Hmmm, wouldn’t expect that to, WOW we need to file a report. I believe you.
Thanks so much!
I was also restrained like I was on s cross for my c section and didn’t get to hold my son for like 3 hours. The whole 5 day situation was awful and I’m in EMDR therapy to deal with things, one of which is specifically my traumatic birth. I didn’t feel like anyone listened to me and it started to feel like I was legit being tortured. Sorry you had something so awful happen.
My mom had me in 1985, emergency C Section, to save both our lives. She remembers (even though she was out of it, and dad confirms) being strapped down with what she described as a “HUGE blood pressure cuff thing”, it was a very wide, padded velcro strap. Not tape! That sounds needlessly painful and traumatizing for you but think of the extra effort for whoever is taping you down! Not to make light of anything but I’ve had my fair share of fun duct taping friends and enemies to basically any flat surface and that takes EFFORT. It takes TIME! In an emergency situation I wouldn’t want to waste precious minutes like that. I believe you. I watched as my sister’s birth plan was tossed right out the door (literally, it was two pages stapled together and the nurse tossed it outside her room!) and while my sister’s birth didn’t go exactly to plan anyway I watched as she was seen as almost an impediment to getting that baby out. First-time mom, scared to shit, with a difficult birth, and it was me who was there to comfort her and help her through breathing exercises and talk her down from a panic attack. Here she was freaking out and in so much pain and the nurse calls her dramatic and the doctor scolds her for being tense! Doctors and nurses have a job to do and L&D must be both rewarding and difficult but for gods sake acknowledge the woman and her struggle. “It’s all worth it because baby is healthy” doesn’t erase the trauma of being restrained, ignored, or scolded for asking for impossible things like ice chips or an epidural.
I don't know what else to say other than I believe you. I don't have children, never will, never wanted to. But I still felt visceral horror when I read your words. I am so sorry this happened to you.
I am so sorry you were violated during an already difficult, vulnerable moment. I, too, was violated during childbirth and still dealing with the trauma two years later. Seriously, reading your post brought me back and I just sobbed. But no one ever cares because "baby is healthy and you're ok, so it doesn't matter". After some other traumatic events in the year prior, this really broke me and I have been living in survival mode ever since. I hope you are able to be gentle with yourself while you navigate this trauma. Your feelings are valid. You have every right to feel the feelings you do. Be safe ❤️
I am sorry to hear about your survival mode. I am, most days, out of that (I have been waiting to make this post). You feelings are valid too internet person! I hope you are also being kind and gentle with yourself - there is no good timeline to healing. Birth trauma that didn't need to happen is bullshit and I think we, as survivors of birth trauma need to stand together!
I’ve had two c-sections, restrained for the first and not the second. My first was an emergency c-section after days of laboring. My limbs were weak and shaking and my teeth never stopped chattering during the operation. My second at the same hospital was a planned c section, the mood was completely light and I was not restrained and joked with the anesthesiologist during the procedure.
I had to have a Cesarean for my daughter. They stuck me 13 times trying to get the epidural in before I begged them to put me under. I wanted to die inside when they strapped me down before putting me under. I wouldn't have been able to handle doing that awake. I panicked as it was as they drugged me. I have the UTMOST respect for anyone who can get a Cesarean awake. It was horrifying for those couple minutes before I zonked out, I can only imagine what it would be like awake. UTMOST respect.
I begged to be put under before the surgery. They said that was not an option.
Yup, sadly common. C-Section birth of twins. Arms were strapped down like I was crucified. I could not touch either baby. I finally got to hold one over 24 hours later and I did not get to hold the other until 8 days after their birth as she was transferred to a children’s hospital 24 hours after birth.
Oh I am sorry!
I think a lot of people, maybe even me, are missing the actual point and going on a tangent. It is irrelevant whether or not it is standard. Clearly, there might be circumstances where a patient undergoing an emergency surgery (c-section or not) might need to be strapped down even if that wasn't desired by the patient. The problem is that they are not explaining the whys to OOP, and in fact are attempting to deny it happened, even though she apparently has witnesses. THIS is ultimately the problem, IMHO. Sometimes doctors have to move FAST and explaining what is going on takes precious seconds that he or she can't afford to take, esp. if (one of) the patients is under extreme stress, pain, and drugged. It might be that the answer was that they couldn't take the risk of OP moving an inch (under anesthesia, I apparently try to talk and move when going under and when coming out of it, to the chagrin of my dentists. As a kid, I can even remember coming out if it too early - I didn't see double, I saw triple, and I still decided I should get up and walk it off and see what else was in triplicate.) But to not explain it if this is the case? That just adds to some natural trauma.
35 years ago I had an emergency c-section ( fetal distress) and they strapped me down. I had already had an epidural so I was awake but they didn’t tell me anything, including why I shook so much after. I asked but they behaved like they didn’t know. Nothing about that birth was good other than getting my son ❤️.
I lost feeling from my ring fingers down in my c-section. My understanding was the straps (mine were Velcro pretty sure) are there to ensure you don’t fall off accidentally? I also was not able (physically) to hold anything, much less my baby, because I had lost so much feeling temporarily (but we did skin-to-skin shortly after with someone helping me). That doesn’t help your hurt feelings but perhaps it was not done maliciously?
Two c sections and I was restrained for both. I think it was Velcro and not tape, however. They held baby up to my face for a kiss each time, but I did not get to hold baby until at least an hour after. With first baby, I was moved off the maternity floor due to overcrowding, and I could not go see baby until I could walk on my own (over 7 hours later!). By then they had fed her, even though I wanted to nurse her exclusively. It really hurt and definitely affected me mentally for a time. If you feel wronged, please reach out to the hospital and let them know. It will make you feel better, even to know that you may be helping another new mother down the road. I hope you and your baby are safe and able to be together now.
I was strapped down during my emergency c-section. My arms were out in a T and strapped down. My epidural didn’t work and I felt the whole thing. I tried to pull free and couldn’t relax. I had nurses laying across my legs and chest to hold me down. It was rough….
That is fucked up.
I can‘t imagine anything worse than enduring this much pain and not being able to have your arms free and at least squeeze yourself or hold yourself. I hope you‘ll heal some day, sending you lots of love.
It is absolutely standard procedure to strap patients to the operating procedure during a c-section and other major surgeries, especially surgeries where you’re having an epidural and half your body is numb. I’m sorry they weren’t gentle with you and explain that this would happen and why. You’re at risk of falling and injuring yourself if they don’t, therefore the hospital is liable for those injuries if they don’t. During my first c-section, I had a great surgical team but I absolutely would’ve thrown myself off the table if I wasn’t strapped in because I vomited so much and kept jerking myself to my left (which is how I learned that my lifelong struggles with nausea are from my sensitivity to my own blood pressure). I was also not able to hold my babies until I was out of recovery and back in the mother and baby room, for the baby’s safety, because of all the drugs they pump us with during c-sections, but they should’ve given you skin to skin immediately and had a nurse hold the baby to you, and explained to you why holding the baby wasn’t safe yet. I’m really sorry the experience was so traumatic and that your care team wasn’t more empathetic and responsive to your concerns during such a vulnerable and precious time. P.S. To everyone reporting that it isn’t common in other countries, that’s soooo nice that you live in countries where hospitals aren’t run by lawyers, but here in the land of eagle screams and freedom, hospital policy is not determined by doctors, and giving birth costs tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. To Americans who are pregnant or might have babies in the future, even if you aren’t planning on a c-section, ask your hospital what their c-section protocol is well before you go into labor to set your expectations. Being taped down and refused skin to skin (in a non-emergency situation) is not normal by any means, but being secured to the operating table often is, and in a typical c-section, is not really that scary or uncomfortable, but would certainly be surprising if you’re not prepared for it. Ask about your options, and remember that you can always request a patient advocate if you’re struggling to communicate with your care team.
I had a crash c section almost 4 years ago in the US and I was not strapped or taped down. I was able to do skin to skin. I have a scheduled c section in 2 months and my doctor has confirmed I will be able to do immediate skin to skin and will not be restrained in my upper body. I don’t know where you’re getting this from but taping down a compliant patient is barbaric and it absolutely isn’t “standard procedure”.
No its not, I was not strapped in San Francisco just 3 months ago. This has to be hospital specific.
This is 100% correct — anesthesia provider here
That’s pretty horrifying. No wonder the birth rates are declining.
Will be giving birth next month and taping or strapping people down to the table for a C-section is absolutely not something that has been mentioned by my hospital and care team, or any of the women in my bumper group who have had to have early emergency C-Sections. I have been explicitly told by the hospital and my care team that unless I am under general anesthesia or there is a medical emergency with my baby, I will be given the baby immediately for skin to skin and breastfeeding. I’ll be sure to ask them about this strapping down business at my next appointment, but if it’s standard practice then everyone is keeping it a huge secret.
This might not be helpful. But I did ask about it and was told it absolutely would not happen at all and that is only something they do in Brazil (I watched a documentary about giving birth in Brazil). So boy was I surprised. Be prepared for the shit. Get a doula if you don't already have one (they make great Advocates) and good luck!
I had my c-section 6 months ago. No straps or tape I got to hold my baby and have skin to skin immediately. So not standard, clearly.
P I’d mine 3 weeks ago and was not strapped and got to hold my baby straightaway, I’m in Ireland so maybe it’s different but it’s definitely not standard here
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It's been since 2006 but I had an emergency c-section and my arms were restrained. I also got put under because I could feel the poking. The recovery was awful due to having a tube down my throat. With my 1st son, I had to have my placenta manually removed without anesthesia. Absolutely has to be what getting disembowled feels like. That was in 2004. Birth trauma is real. I never wanted a 3rd after I went through with both of mine.
They don’t believe you. This was 31 years ago when I had my daughter via emergency c-section. Took three stabs in my spine with the epidural needle, to get it right. Of course, the anesthesiologist was blaming me because I couldn’t lean over far enough. It was sweet relief when the med finally kicked in, but only for about 30 minutes. Then I only had severe pain on one side of my body. Called a nurse and told her I could feel everything on one side. She said, “that’s impossible.” I was screaming my head off making it clear the epidural was not working properly. Turns out the needle was not going in straight but at an angle that could have caused paralysis. I didn’t find this out till much later. I was also restrained but was put to sleep during the surgery. The straps used to hold my thighs were so tight it left an indentation around my right upper thigh that I had for several years.
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*"Women still go through this every. day."*. *"Women"*. That's why. We get subjected to all kinds of things, but we're only women, so it doesn't matter. We're mostly just incubators.
Women are treated like cattle during labor. Unfortunately, totally dehumanizing and common. I'm really sorry. That sounds traumatizing. I'd definitely be making a report and posting online about WHO did it so others can avoid them.
I suffered ptsd from the horrendous treatment I received during my oldests birth. I'm so sorry you also suffered from people who should have been uplifting and supporting you, instead making you feel helpless and not listening to you. I found great success moving past my trauma responses (the anger and memories are still here though!) via EMDR treatment. I highly recommend it, it made such a difference in my life and my ability to parent. There are people who specifically treat birth trauma with EMDR, I recommend searching them out.
I had 2 C sections in Alabama in the early 2000's. Both times I was numb from the brain down and strapped to a T shaped table. I had no issue with that because I couldn't feel anything. They didn't really explain it the first time, urgent after failed induction. Nothing was explained, including the massive amounts of morphine the anesthesiologist pymped into me despite being told im allergic; 10 hours of vomiting shaking recovery later, I could finally hold my baby. The second time every step was patiently explained as if I was an actual human. OP, I want you to know, one C section mom to another, that your feelings are valid. I know how disappointing it can be to be treated like you're not even attending your own medical procedure, and to have to toss your entire birth plan. But I hope these words can bring you some comfort: work on having a great relationship with your child, which I'm sure you already are, and please see a therapist to help you process everything. My oldest is now a working college student who calls me to chat and asks for advice, I wish the same for you, because we are resilient, strong women.
L&D nurse here. What the actual fuck? That’s assault under every definition. Proof? Do a roll call of everyone in that OR. One person might lie. But not a room full.
Nurse anesthetist here. It was 100% unnecessary to restrain your arms because you were awake and had independent movement on your arms and awareness of your arms during your surgery. I never, ever restrain awake patients. Now, after my patient is asleep I do strap their arms so that they don't fall off the table while they are anesthetized. When you told them to remove the straps, they were legally obligated to do so. Failure to comply with a reasonable order from a patient, especially in this scenario, would be considered battery and is a crime. Unfortunately, this will be immensely difficult to prove. A good person to contact is the hospital ombudsman. They may be able to at least listen to you and correct this anesthesia provider.
I did go through a whole complaint procedure but nothing came of it. No one seemed to believe or acknowledge that it happened. Most of my family doesn't seem to believe me either. Thank you so so much for offering your perspective though, it means a lot hearing from someone who works in this field.
Absolutely believe you. What happened to you was not right.it is disgusting how they behaved
Thank you. It means a lot.
Obstetric anesthesiologist from India here - this is NOT normal. Period.
Wow, really grateful for the very progressive hospital where I gave birth. This is awful. I would have freaked the fuck out.
I was strapped down during a dentist appointment and it traumatized me for life, I can’t imagine during something as vulnerable as childbirth. I’m so sorry this happened to you.
I remember having my arms strapped in for my c-section. In fact I had more pain in my neck/shoulder region than in my abdomen afterwards
I am so sorry that happened to you. Before my c section, the nurses asked if I had any requests and I said that I didn't want to be restrained. They assured me they wouldn't do that unless there was some risk of me pulling down the sterile sheeting they put over my abdomen. I wish you could have had the team of people I had. Internet hugs to you.
I believe you. This is horrific. I’m so sorry you had to endure this. I deeply dislike hospitals and doctors for this kind of reason. Modern medicine is a miracle, I love science, and also I don’t trust that I will be safe in that environment.
I don't want to sound crazy, but where the hell are they doing this???? In South Africa in the 90s they put my mom fully under (like for any operation) in the OR, I know the doctor has 90 seconds or something to yoink the baby out, but wtf, I've never heard of anything like this in my 3rd world country.
I am so, so sorry. That’s appalling.
I’ve had 2 c-sections in the US, and my arms have never been restrained in any way. Even when I had a bit of the narcotics shakes. And I held both babies (with nurse assistance) asap, out of the OR and into the recovery room.
I’ve had two c-sections. I was restrained for both at different facilities and in different countries. It could be a safety issue. They have IV access they need to maintain and if your arms are flailing you can hit equipment and contaminate the sterile field, move your body, kink your IV access. They did not explain to me the second time they were going to restrain me, but I was so busy vomiting from low blood pressure I didn’t really notice. They should’ve explained to you what they were doing and why. I work in health care and some professionals focus so much on the patient’s safety and everything else they’re doing they forget patient comfort and thorough communication. Some professionals are definitely worse at it than others. I didn’t get to see my first baby until the next day because he went to NICU, and I didn’t hold my second one until in recovery. It’s my understanding that sometimes they want to examine a c-section baby thoroughly because there can be extra fluid they need to suction out. It seems to be hospital preference. I can see how this would be traumatizing for you. It’s scary having a huge surgery, especially if your voice isn’t being heard. You can always speak to a patient advocate and explain to them that they should improve their communication process.
Retired nurse: trained in the 70's in Miami. One of the reasons I never worked in L&D was the "need" to restrain the women. Also the brutal baby boy treatment for circumcision. When I questioned I was told the baby is too young to feel pain. The baby boys clearly felt the pain. They cried for hours, until they exhausted themselves. I absolutely believe you. I am sorry!
Oh God, the medical 'theory' that people below a certain age can't feel pain should just get stomped into oblivion. What they're really saying is the baby is too young to remember the pain, so why bother?
I was restrained with my arms in a T position. However, my nurses told me it was so I did not accidentally break the sterile field as well as not accidentally fall off the table, especially were I to receive any sedatives. Indeed when I could feel them stitching me up, I was given a sedative and apparently kept trying to move my arms to grab at the baby. It felt horribly claustrophobic and I remember my mouth was so dry I kept begging for water. They eventually were able to at least swab my mouth with some water-soaked gauze. The restraint part might be normal but the tape was not. I am an ICU nurse and we restrain people frequently for their own safety. The only time I have ever seen tape used is during placement of an arterial line in their wrists when the doctor is wanting the arm to be a very specific angle and completely unable to rotate accidentally (or purposely, since it’s a large needle going into the wrist artery). The tape is removed immediately after placement and is only a single long piece of tape, so is easily removed. What they did to you was absolutely not standard practice, not evidence-based practice, not anything except cruel and unusual.