"My experience after an epidural birth."

I recently gave birth in Ipswich Hospital. After having an epidural during birth, I almost immediately started suffering from a horrible migraine that would only let up slightly if I was laying down. I believe I was suffering from a post dural lumbar puncture, as a result of the epidural. I understand this is not common, and although I am disappointed with my anaesthetist, I am more disappointed with many of the midwives taking care of me the days after. It seemed that many of them were not aware of what a post dural puncture is, nor were they aware of treating it. For almost two weeks I was unable to care for my baby, I had to call a nurse to change my baby's nappy, wrap them up, pass them to me. Daily I was being asked to get up and walk around, go take a shower, etc. Every time I tried to walk about, I felt it was only making the problem worse. I appreciate the many helping hands with my newborn, however I believe the lack of knowledge regarding the puncture left me with a haemorrhage on both sides of my brain. Instead of being encouraged to walk around I should have been laying flat for as long as possible. Although rare, I feel as if staff should be better trained in this complication. I am now left with only horrible memories of my birth, and a sense of failure for not being able to adequately care for my newborn for so long after birth. Days - weeks I will never get back.