spinal/epidural anesthesia?

I had my hysterectomy scheduled 1.9.06 and it was cancelled it due to anemia from putting off my surgery for so long. The docs and anesthesiologist here are just not all all keen on the idea of a spinal/epidural for hysterectomies. I live in Tenn and don't know if they are just not "up" to that or not, or if I just haven't found the right doc yet (believe me I have researched our area). I really need my hysterectomy!!! Would you please write me back and tell me about your experience, doctors name, and anything else that might help me. I am willing to travel to see a good doctor who is willing to perform hysterectomies this way. Thank you so much!!

Hi (((Janet))) -

I’m sorry things didn’t work out with your surgery. I hope you can find a physician you are comfortable with who is willing to work with your requests. Keep in mind, though, that there are usually good reasons for the recommendations they make. Our desires might not be the best or the safest.

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One of my best friends is an RN in surgery. She often gets calls from desperate patients asking for the surgical nurses to recommends a surgeon. They aren’t allowed to give recommendations, of course, but some have clever ways of asking their questions, and it tells them what they need to know. “What 2 GYN's do most of the nurses use for?” “What surgeon does the most cases, or the most cases for staff?” etc. - No guarantees you’ll get any information, but it might be worth a try.

What advice did your current GYN have as far as getting your blood counts back up, or rescheduling? I hope you feel better soon. I can imagine your frustration.

Sending gentle s,
Beth

Hi Janet,
It's been a bit over a year for me since surgery and I'm forgeting more than I learned. I do hope you get your surgery soon so you can enjoy life once again too.
I also wanted only a spinal and my surgeon here in Californai agreed. Seems my breathing was too shallow and I ended up tubed with a general also. Remember, all things are subject to change once on the table if your physicians feel the need.
I had a spinal 29 years prior and it was not good. Headaches, terrible noise in the ears, had to have fluid replaced in the spine, etc. But now, the needles are tiny with good results. I was sedated this time, and I don't remember the spinal being given at all. For me this time, the spinal wore off right away and I was placed on morphine within minutes of reaching my room. If a narcotic is added to the spinal you can have 12 to 24 hours of pain relief. (remember you can't use your legs) In my case, my doctor wanted me out of the bed right away because I have a family history of blood clots.
I did have a slight sore throat, half of a numb tongue and a weird voice for a few days from the tube. But all and all...it was not a big deal. Just a little nauseated but no tossing the cookies!
There are reasons why doctors don't want to do a spinal or epidural; allergic to local anesthetics, disease of the nervous system, bleeding or coaagulation problems with the blood, obesity, etc.
I read about many who had the epidural on the pre op site and were very pleased.Can get up to 1 to 4 days pain relief with this method but it's a risk to remain still that long. You could do a SEARCH for the word "epidural" on this site, and perhaps find conversation pro and con for it. There is reason for each method...something about the level at the spine where it's administered and complete block of pain for a total hysterectomy. Perhaps your doctor wants better coverage for you during surgery and wants you on your feet as soon as possible....please ask him to explain.
Good luck to you. I'm 100% happy with my surgery and should have done it 10 years ago. I hope you will be as pleased.
Maralyn

Maralyn,

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. I have an appointment with my dr. in 2 weeks. I am going to ask him to explain to me why he feels like I need the general for my surgery. When it was scheduled last month it just seemed as if I was in a "whirlwind" of knowing nothing and it not being explained to me. I work in a hospital and see people put under general anesthesia everyday (safely also)....they seem to prefer it. I don't know why I have such anxiety over this being put to sleep. Anywho I am working on my anxiety (really hard too) and hopefully will get my questions answered that will help me to be able to get the surgery that is getting to be not such an option anymore. Thanks and I will keep you posted.

Janet