In a troubling incident from New Zealand, a woman endured severe pain during her C-section, only to be told by the anesthetist that what she was feeling was “pressure, not pain.” Despite her pleas for additional pain relief, the anesthetist claimed that administering more medication could “harm the baby.” This harrowing account was shared during a Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal hearing, where the woman testified about her experience from 2013.
The patient, alongside another doctor, a midwife, and a nurse, expressed their concerns about her pain, which went largely unheeded. There were clear signs that the anesthesia was ineffective, including her ability to feel pinching sensations and even involuntarily kicking her leg. The prosecuting attorney highlighted that the anesthetist remained “disinterested,” insisting that the woman’s sensations were merely pressure and that a natural birth would be more painful.
It’s difficult to fathom how someone responsible for managing pain could dismiss a patient’s experience in such a manner. Anyone who has had a C-section knows that the preparation and anesthesia process can be incredibly stressful. To be on the operating table and have the anesthetist contest your pain is simply unacceptable.
The anesthetist faces three serious charges: failing to provide adequate pain relief before the procedure, neglecting to communicate effectively with the patient to assess her condition, and not addressing her pain adequately post-surgery. The woman’s doctors have informed her that natural conception is no longer an option, and the mere thought of undergoing another C-section fills her with dread.
In a previous ruling from the Health and Disability Commissioner, a nurse involved was highlighted for exhibiting a “striking lack of empathy,” which is not what anyone would want to hear when in need of compassionate care during surgery. The woman summed it up powerfully: “My pain was very real and of a totally unacceptable level during abdominal surgery. To have my complaints downplayed as ‘pressure’ is unacceptable.”
If this anesthetist were a character in a horror film, they would certainly be a chilling villain. But in real life, their role in an operating room should prioritize patient well-being and pain management.
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In summary, the case of the anesthetist’s negligence has raised serious concerns about patient care standards during C-sections. The experience of the woman involved is a stark reminder of the importance of listening to patients and addressing their pain effectively.
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