Types of anesthesia...

Wow! I never gave what kind of anesthesia I will have for my TAH a second thought until a post just mentioned epidural! The surgeon never mentioned it, and I assumed that I would be put under using some kind of gas or something. I don't take well to Epidurals and the thought scares the daylights out of me! What is the norm for these procedures, or does it vary by patient, by doctor?

Ask your doctor what he/she plans for you. If you don't like the idea of an epidural, let him/her know. If anesthesia scares you, at your pre op appointment ask to talk with the anesthesiologist before your surgery; you should be able to at least chat a few minutes either the night before surgery or the morning of.

I have issues which make anesthesia potentially dangerous for me. I always make sure to talk with the anesthesiologist ahead of time and they are great about it, reassuring me that they'll only use agents that are safe for me (they have many choices) and have remedies handy in case of a problem.

Some women love the idea of an epidural during their surgery. Having had one once before, I'm not a big fan. I prefer to be out cold. However, I cannot have inhaled agents. Usually I get a shot of Versed before going into the OR, so I am completely relaxed and don't remember it later; followed by IV propofol during surgery. That combination works perfectly for me every time.

I hope this helps!

s,
-Linda

For my TAH I had a consult with the anesthesia dept. prior to the last appointment with my doctor; general anesthesia would be used although he gave me the option of an epidural. I would NEVER voluntarily choose an epidural: 1) the thought of a needle in my back freaks me out and 2) I would not want to hear what's going on.

Good Luck!

You should also have a consult with the anestesiologist beforehand. I know with my asthma, we discuss it beforehand. For my D&Cs I have had epidurals and been put out, just depending on my mood.