Epidural anyone? - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

Gina in NY · 05-25-2006, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duckie

What happens when you are on narcotics?

I don't really know why, but on anything stronger than tylenol, I get sort of delusional and have what I can only describe as a "bad trip". You know, depression, anxiety, paranoya etc. It really sucks. I also had really bad post-partum depression, don't know if that is related, but I've never had depression any other time. So, I want to avoid the heavy duty stuff if I can.

VanessaSFL · 05-25-2006, 05:30 AM

How will that work with walking after suregry?Have you ever had Demirol(sp?)
It's my best friend...Morphine made me very sick.

I would be worried about the walking or lack of with an epidural.

Good Luck,

V

BTW~I had an epidural with Nick and I was so scared ..I swear when I tell you I felt nothing and I am a WHIMP...the cold cleaner they rubbed on my back was all I felt.

Duckie · 05-25-2006, 05:37 AM

SOunds like you and narcotics don't get along very well. As long as they do the epidural correctly you should have no problems. I've often seen patients where they don't have pain relief where they need it (it's in the wrong spot). Good luck. I personally don't like them but it sounds like the best option for you.

Zenomia · 05-25-2006, 08:14 AM

Gina ~ I did Natural child birth with Child one...after 26 hrs and 4 hrs of pushing...I realized that I would brave the epidural for the next two kids!! OMG...it was a major difference!! The pain was eliminated 100% and all I 'felt' was pressure!

#1. They don't leave a Needle in your spine...a plastic sleeve is left to allow the meds to enter. The meds are on a timed drip release.

If that is what your Dr. feels is the best option for you post-op...then listen to him. I would ask questions though, since I remember being told that we couldn't get up and walk around with the Epi when I had the last two kids.

IF an EPI it is...just have them give you some VERSAID (SP?). It's a short term memory blocker. You would be conscience and functional, but have no memory of getting the Epi. put in. Wonderful drug that!! With Open being done I would opt for the Epi. and insist on Versaid when they insert it. (It's a pain med too, but you would only need it to get the Epi...in..without you freaking out on them. It's extremely important that you are STILL when they insert the Epi.) They most likely would insert it while you are in the OR...so odds are you will have it in when you wake up.

If you have a good Anestesiologist...this won't be a big deal!! Talk to the nurses that are at your hospital and find out who the best is...then request that Dr.! (This is what I did...I checked with patients and the nurses at my hospital to find out who kept their patients pain free during the stay and found my Anestesioligist was a Pro...hands down!! You can request to have whom ever you want!!)

MiladyB · 05-25-2006, 08:49 AM

I can't swear it will be the same at your hospital but the patients that I've taken care of who come back post-op with an epidural have it put in during surgery. They are asleep when they get it. Just ask some questions. You may be worrying for nothing.

LisaBoston · 05-25-2006, 09:15 AM

Gina. I had open procedure and didn't feel like I even needed pain management after. I did take some on advice of the nurses - tylenol #3 for me were fine. I didn't have the option of a morphine pump. I had one baby with no drugs prior to, during or after. I think everyone's pain management is different...for me I know I wouldn't need an epidural after. You are having open too I see. I liked being able to get up later that day and walk a little. Find out if you have other options for pain management if you need it.

brookscn · 05-25-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina in NY

I don't really know why, but on anything stronger than tylenol, I get sort of delusional and have what I can only describe as a "bad trip". You know, depression, anxiety, paranoya etc. It really sucks. I also had really bad post-partum depression, don't know if that is related, but I've never had depression any other time. So, I want to avoid the heavy duty stuff if I can.

whewwwwwwwwwwwww - I was just thinking "OMG - I wouldn't want to be awake and alert during GBS"!

Zenomia · 05-25-2006, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brookscn

whewwwwwwwwwwwww - I was just thinking "OMG - I wouldn't want to be awake and alert during GBS"!

Personally, I think it would be quite facinating!!

Watching them work on you while you can't feel a thing!!! Of course, I am weird...but there ya go...guess that is why I want to be a Surgical nurse when I grow up!! LOL!!

looking ahead · 05-25-2006, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina in NY

I had two natural child-births. Many think this was very brave, but the truth is, I understand pain and I can deal with it, but I fear sharp metal object being inserted into my spine so much, I didn't care how much it hurt to have the babies. (who were 8 lbs 6 oz and 9 lbs, 9 oz) I didn't even consider an epidural with my kids - I could faint thinking about it.

So now - Dr. Darling suggests that they can do this groovey high epidural that will numb the whole "tummy area" but leave me good for walking and using my arms as I wish. The benefits - I'll be much more comfortable, I'll walk easier helping my recovery and I'll avoid the narcotics. (I don't do well with narcotics)

The problem - ABJECT TERROR!

I really get nauseaus just thinking about this needle in my spine - I mean sure, they numb you up, but I think about them asking me to curl up, and I want to scream or vomit - not sure which.

I really need to work on this between now and then. So I need your experiences - good and bad! And remember - I'm having this done open...

I actually had lap and open GBS. I can honestly tell you I was not in much pain at all after my surgery. Walking around was no problem whatsoever. In fact, when I came home I didn't even need pain meds. I know this sounds crazy but it's true. I wish you the best with your surgery.

Ryn · 05-25-2006, 03:13 PM

I had the epidural during GBS (and with my c-section-almost 10 yrs ago). The way it worked with me was that when they were prepping me for surgery they gave me something to help me relax then they had me sit up and they put it in. I thought the IV was more traumatic. They left it in 3 days I think. If I am not mistaken it was morphine in that pump. I was ASLEEP during the surgery. I had some numbness in my chest area that they were slightly concerned about, but I think it was because it was slightly too high. I would do it again if need be. Let me know if you have any questions.