Epidural anyone? - ThinnerTimes

Gina in NY · 05-24-2006, 08:07 PM

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...

Duckie · 05-24-2006, 08:11 PM

What happens when you are on narcotics?

VanessaSFL · 05-24-2006, 08:29 PM

I would be put under a little bit everyday if I could.

Has anyone else had it done that way?Does your Dr prefer doing it like that?

Gina,Congrats on your date!!!!

V

laura · 05-24-2006, 08:58 PM

Gina, I had an epidural with my first child, natural with my second (only because I had to - no one available to do the epidural) The epidural is not that bad. It is a little bit uncomfortable when they first put the needle in but its just like getting a shot and once its in you dont feel it at all. It was harder on my husband who was watching than it was on me. I would prefer an epidural over general any day of the week. It is so much safer than being put under. You can talk to the surgeon during the process and if (which is almost totally unlikely) you are feeling any discomfort they can adjust the epidural. I have heard and read about horror stories where you are put under general anest. and you are totally paralized but you still feel the pain. You cannot say anything or move at all to alert anyone but you still feel it. That alone would make me choose epidural over general... It is scarry when you think about a needle in your spine but just make sure you choose someone with alot of experience and I'm sure you'll have no problems at all. If you can go into the surgery with all of the bad things they tell you might happen, I know you can find the strength to get past the epidural. I wish you the best.

Laura

ers2433 · 05-24-2006, 10:14 PM

Hi, I have never had an epidural but they are planning on doing that to me also. But I have had 5 spinal tapes to drain fluid from my brain and it really isn't that bad. I think it was harder for my daughter who was there holding my hand then it was for me.

My daughter had one during labor and was so thankful for it.

I agree with Laura, the needle in the spine is uncomfortable for the first minute but bearable after that..... Try not to worry to much (I know it's easier said then done)

Just remember it's one small step in the final stage to the "losing side" of life !!

exit88 · 05-24-2006, 11:50 PM

I would think that full anesthesia is the way to go, I can't imagine being awake during surgery.

I have had three epidural steroid injections, two in my back and one in my neck. The placing of the giant needle in the spine is no big deal, though I will concede I didn't look at the giant needle.

sandyg · 05-25-2006, 04:21 AM

Wow, I did not even know they could do the gastric bypass under an epaderal. I have had an epaderal when I had my c- section with my son, it was not bad at all however I would rather be put under then awake during this. Best wishes on your journey.

sandyg · 05-25-2006, 04:21 AM

Wow, I did not even know they could do the gastric bypass under an epaderal. I have had an epaderal when I had my c- section with my son, it was not bad at all however I would rather be put under then awake during this. Best wishes on your journey.

IpsieDixie · 05-25-2006, 05:15 AM

Hi Gina,

I had an epidural when I had my c-section. There was no discomfort when the epidural needle went in because the anesthesiologist first numbed the skin on my spine by rubbing in a topical anesthetic.

I was awake during the c-section. The nurse set up a screen over my breastbone to block my view of the incision but I could still see the surgical team standing around me and listen to what they were saying. It was interesting to hear the surgeon asking the scrub nurse for instruments, and watching her place them in the surgeon's outstetched palm, just like in the movies.

The anesthesiologist stood behind me. I felt perfectly calm and even chatted with him about the video camera that my husband, who was in another corner of the room, was using. All in all, it was an interesting experience, not a scary one, and if I'd been given the option to have my WLS awake with a spinal, I'd have taken it.

Best of luck to you, Gina, and keep us posted on your progress.

Gina in NY · 05-25-2006, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandyg

Wow, I did not even know they could do the gastric bypass under an epaderal. I have had an epaderal when I had my c- section with my son, it was not bad at all however I would rather be put under then awake during this. Best wishes on your journey.

NO NO NO NO! They are not doing a bypass with me AWAKE! Heavens to Betsy! This is for pain relief AFTER the surgery. Rather than just having the morphine pump thing, this can really reduce the amount of heavy duty pain reliever you need which gets you feeling better and walking more. Faster recovery basically.