? on post-op pain management

I am going to the castle the 19th at 6am, surgery is at 7am. When I did the pre-op at the hospital last thursday, they said I had a choice of either a epidural (sp?) or a pump with pain medication, they said that the epidural would be in 24-48 hours and they would start weening me off of it and working in other pain medication such as demeral or moriphine as needed. I am not sure which way to go, they said that the epidural would block the worst of the pain that first 24-48 hours. So not sure what to think, knew yall would be able to give me a little more insight into it. Thanks the very nervous -Lori

I was given the same choice by the anesthegiologist and he said I could decide the morning of surgery. I asked my surgeon and she didn't really have a strong opinion one way or the other. The anesth guy seemd to really be pushing the epidural. I chose the pump option, which was also in about 36 hours and then I started oral pain meds. They worked great too. I just didn't chose the epidural for a whimpy reason, which is I had one with my oldest daughter (35 years ago) and didn't care for it and couldn't face someone sticking something in my back again. I have a very good memory on this I am sure it is a great way for pain relief and anesthesia too but I chose the other option.

Hang in there! Almost on the other side.

See you soon!!

i have my surgery sept 12th. I am going to choose the pump. I had last year cosmetic surgery, tummy tuck, lipo & breast lift with implants and now i wish i took the pump. Have had in the pas two children with bot c-sections and i did epidurmal on both. Times a changing and the pum is good choice instead of the needle in the back.