anyone try epidural rather than general?

I am considering TVH scheduled in two weeks and want to have epidural plus light conscious sedation. Works for Csection, why not this? Can I count on being functional at 48 hours postop, when I likely will be on my own? No, I'm not crazy, I'm a nurse. On second thought, that might mean I am crazy. Anyway, opinions? By the way, I am scheduled to return to work 3 weeks postop, no lifting but lots of fast little patients. Think I can do it?

Hi, juicel

I can't necessarily speak to some of your recovery concerns- because I have historically had great recoveries from previous ab surgeries and I don't want to encourage you ambitious plans!!!

However, I had a spinal for my Csection and also for my last ab surg to remove an ovary (for which my appendix came out instead). My first surg, a myomectomy, was only general anesth.

I can only say, WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I felt remarkably better in recovery compared to the first surgery. Honestly, it felt EASIER!

ok, just my own experience, but you asked! :-)
I recommend it!

Good luck to you!
Eileen

In response to Juicel, no you are not crazy. I too am a nurse and I am scheduled for a TVH on May 10. The subject of anesthesia has not come up yet for me but, I do know that I will be signing a consent for TVH possible TAH. My gynecologist is going to attempt to remove the uterus, both ovaries and tubes vaginally but, may not be able to accomplish this and will have to do a laparotomy. If you have discussed it with the doctor and he/she feels it is appropriate to have an epidural with IV sedation, I see nothing wrong with it. I personally prefer to be sleeping but, I am still open to the discussion if my gynecologist and the anesthesiologist determine this as the preferred method of anesthesia. I have had general anesthesia in the past and had very good experiences so I am not concerned. If you are sure this is what you want and the doctors are supportive I think it's a wonderful option for a speedier recovery. Remember you have options as we all do. Good luck and have a rapid, uneventful recovery. Suri

Hi,

I had a epidural with light general for my TVH. It worked well and I woke up not groggy, hurting or nauseated or scratchy throat.

The only thing is, about 6 hrs. back in the room, it had somehow worked it self out of my back and I couldn't figure out why when I pressed the button for meds, that nothing was working. The anesthesiologist came in and took it out. It seems once they come out 2% chance, they don't put them back in. I had to have meds in my IV and ended up having shots for my posterior repair because my back side hurt more that the TVH. I was disappointed that I had such a short time with the epidural it was working when it was in.

I would have an epidural again if it was offered for a surgery.

s

I, too, had an epidural and would recommend it to anyone. You can sleep through the surgery if you want, I chose to be awake so that I could drive the OR team crazy with my questions!

I am three days post op for my LAVH. I tried to get them to let me do the spinal, but they said they needed better control of my airway. They said that when they fill the abdomen up with the carbon dioxide, it puts pressure on the diaphragm, and can cause breathing difficulty. If they didn't have control of my airway, they would have to intubate me with any breathing trouble. So, I wasn't able to have the spinal.

I would think a TVH would be different though, since they don't use the gas to blow up the abdomen. I would have had the spinal if they would have let me, but it all worked out well. Three days post op and I am feeling well. Not taking pain meds any more (I haven't taken many since I got home actually), but I have to take it very easy.

My poor husband is up with my three year old who is vomiting. I can't do too much to help, as I sure don't want to catch what he has. Throwing up with having stitches and all can't be good for me.

I had an interesting outcome to my surgery, which I will post in a different post. I need to get back to bed for now. Thanks to everyone for all your support.

And don't be too afraid of the pain. I have had menstral cramps that were FAR more painful than my post-op pain...and I didn't have the benefit of the demerol pump back then ) I got some really good tips from this site and my stay in the hospital was actually pretty nice and quick too. It is not nearly as bad as I feared it might be. So, keep your chins up and hang in there. When you are on the other side, things definately look brighter. More on another post later...

I could not have returned full time at 3 weeks. i did go back part time, but i have a desk job and live 10 minutes from work. i was still needing naps in the afternoon at 3 weeks. i'm 50 and i don't chase little patients around every day, so you are probably in better shape than I!

nel