spinal, epidural vs. general anesthesia

Hi Ladies!

Just a question about what kind of anesthesia is best for TAH. I was telling my hubby last night that I'm afraid that they'll either give me too little anesthesia or too much!!

I've had 2 c-sections and have been awake for both. No pain from chest on down!

Would TAH be too much of an operation for the epidural, spinal?

Is it all in my head? Haven't set a surgery date yet, still on fact finding mission!! I'm having uterus and cervix removed due to fibroids. I'm 39.

Hope everyone is doing well and good luck to the ladies in waiting and those having surgeries this week!

Thanks for any input!

- Kim

I had general anesthesia for my TAH, but I wish I'd had an epidural like I did with my C-section. I'm not sure why, but for some reason my doc insisted on using general anesthesia. The problem with that for me was, I got very nauseated when I woke up, and it felt awful. My C-section epidural was much easier, as I remember. I've had both, and those were my experiences. I don't know what else to say, but good luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks for your , Zia!

That's something I want to talk with my doc about. I wonder if I have the epidural/spinal will I regret it in the middle of surgery??

I remember feeling sick and throwing up after my second c section because of the morphine I was given (I think).. It's been 11 years since the last c section. I remember feeling very nauseous after baby was born.

I think I feel I'd have a little more control w/ spinal/epidural than being put totally under.. I don't know.

I remember as a little girl, I had some teeth that needed to be extracted before I could get my braces on. The dentist I went to always put his patients under general anesthesia. I remember counting backwards from 10 and I was out like a light. Then later I would wake up in a recovery room.

It's funny, that didn't scare me then... Now I'm scared of being put totally under... go figure!

Thanks for your well wishes!

- Kim

I had a spinal for my SAH. They did put something in my IV that made me groggy too. About half way through the surgery, I asked if I should be feeling a burning sensation on my right side. After some hurried whispers, I woke up in recovery four hours later! Whatever they put into the IV to get me to sleep was not as bad as general anesthesia, and the spinal did help a lot with pain control for the first few hours I was in my room after waking up in recovery. There is something weird about my system and drugs. It always takes more than they think- for anything. Pain pills, thyroid meds, antibiodics. I am assuming its true with anesthesia as well! My doctor and the A man had NO problems with my request for a spinal and to be awake rather than general. Talk to your doctor about it. I bet they will let you.

I talked to my doctor about the same 3 options. She said she wanted me to have general anesthesia. It has been 10 years since I've had surgery but I always get extremely sick to my stomach-usually causing me to stay an extra day or two in the hospital. My doctor's husband is an anesthesiologist so I asked him. He said it was my choice but he would take the doctors recommendation about being asleep. He also said to be sure and tell the anesthesiologist that was assigned mysurgery about getting sick and they will start me on medication before surgery that should take care of it. December 7 I will find out how well this new medication works.

I have had a multitude of surgeries (20+) - corrective surgeries for cerebral palsy and a couple of other surgeries along the way. For the last 3, I have asked not to be put under general anesthesia because I get so sick I usually end up having to stay extra time in the hospital, too. I am hoping that even though my Dr. said I couldn't stay awake, that the anesthesiologist and I can work something out. Tell me your experience with the drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting. I always warn the surgical team of two things: I get extremely nauseated with general anesthetic and I am a very hard stick when it is time for I.V.'s. They never seem to take me seriously, though. I still get sick and they usually have to pull in someone from the ER or an I.V. nurse to stick me.

I've only had 10 surgeries in my lifetime but I'm with you on the spinal block. I wonder if it's because my family has a history of blood clots and the doctor wants me to be able to feel my legs and move them. I know I'll have those cute little white socks on when I come out. Just can't wait.

I think your sugery is before mine. Please let me know how things go. Us Okies have to stick together. I'm sorry you've had so many surgeries. Hopefully the anesthseologist will listen to your concerns. Good Luck!

Julie

Julie,
So, where are you from? You're right, we do have to stick together.
Just got the call from my Dr.'s office. I didn't have a time before, just the date. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM. Luckily, I just live about 5 min. from the hospital. Still DH, might ask that I drive myself and he will catch up with me later. Just kidding! He is definitely not a morning person, though. Funny how opposites attract. I am a morning person and start shutting down at 9 PM. He is an evening person and at his best between midnight and 2 AM. God must have a good sense of humor!
Ronda

I live about 20 miles west of Siloam Springs, Arkansas or 60 miles east of Tulsa. I'm glad you finally have your surgery time. Mine is 8:30. My DH is also not a morning person. We are supposed to be in Tulsa by 7:00 on December 7. I told my husband 6:30 so we would be on time. DH told me last night that he was sure I would be shaved for TVH and he thought it would be fun if he did it. I said sure but I get to do yours to so we can be miserable together. He didn't think that was such a good idea after all. I'm assuming that I'll be shaved but boy do I dread it. I know they're professionals but just thinking about it makes me feel violated. I also hate the idea of a catheter but I'm sure after the surgery I'll be glad I have one. Just hope it doesn't get kinked like I've heard happens sometimes. I think my fear come from that's an "exit only"

I am having an LSH, so I don't know about the shaving. Maybe they will do that while you're alseep?
My husband's family lives in Tulsa and Claremore. We've been through Siloam Springs. You live in a beautiful area. We're all plains around OKC.
Ronda