Can't have epidural with LAVH

Is this true? Had my pre-op yesterday and was told that you can't have an epidural or spinal with a LAVH because when they put in the gas you get too sick! That's what I was told. Also not sure on the whole thing that if my dr can't access everything I'll end up with a TAH instead. So how will that work exactly is the gas put in first and they take what they can and then go in abdominally to get whatever is left (if there's anyting to get that is)? Or does the dr do something that tells them which procedure they will be performing before they begin? The anxiety this is causing is driving me nuts, I have to contemplate both procedures, and general anaesthesia that makes me sick! Next Wednesday can't get here quick enough just want to be on the other side of all this!

Take a look at this link http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...al+laproscopic and read both my responses. My second response shares some things about laproscopic procedures. If you truly want a spinal and no general ask your dr. if he will just do a TAH instead rather than risking getting numerous cuts and then a big cut so you can have a spinal but again it's really up to the anethesiologist what type of anethestheia you get. As far as I know with lap procedures you are not able to get a spinal for during surgery although I've heard of sisters that have had an epidural put in place while they were out to manage their post op pain because the morphine used for post op pain in the I.V. made them sick. You may want to ask about that as an option if you can't get a spinal for anethesia. Ask about an epidural for post op pain management because some sisters do get sick from the morphine after surgery. Tell them you don't want to get sick from general. If they ask you if you've ever had surgery before and you say no they may not give you anything. Usually they only treat patients with anti-nausea meds that have a prior history of getting sick. Please ask about the drug zofran as it really helped a lot of sisters. Don't wait till they tried everything else. Read this link about nausea http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...ghlight=zofran as there are some really good and bad stories of how some sisters requested it and other drugs didn't work or the hospital refused because zofran is an expensive drug and they had to try other meds before giving them zofran. I had standing orders for zofran. Last time I had general anesthesia I had been given zofran and didn't wake up sick but I did have a lot of pain and was given morphine shots every three hours because it would last longer then a pump due to my pain med tolerance and I remember needing zofran because the morphine made me nauseated. Good luck.

I am certainly no expert... but this is my understanding of how things go...

When they do an LAVH the first incision is made in the belly button and the camera is inserted there. The doctor will be able to see whether or not he/ she can perform the surgery laprascopically or whether they will need to make an abdominal incision.

I had an LAVH in January. I did not have an epidural but they did do some kind of block (can't remember what they called it) where they injected something into each side of my back (into the muscle and not the spine) about 2-3 inches from my spine and about three inches below where my bra would be. This deadened my torso only and really helped with the post-op pain! My surgery was at 9:30 and I went home at 1:45 and this block really made the trip home easier as well. This might be worth asking about! I mentioned to the anesth. that I have had problems with nausea after past surgeries and he said it would not be a problem this time. Not sure what he used... but he was right... it was not a problem. And then they sent me home with an RX for phenagren (sp?). Never needed even one of those!

Just talk to your DR and the anesth. and let them know your concerns.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers! Next Wednesday will be here and gone before you know it and you will be here with all of us princesses on the other side!

Janette

Hi,
I'm scheduled for LAVH on 3/16 and when I asked my dr whether I would be put under or receive a spinal she said I would be put under, which was a toal relief, because I don't want to be awake! As far as LAVH and TAH, I have to be prepared for TAH because my 3rd child was a c-section. My dr feels like she will be able to do LAVH, but won't know for sure until she gets in there. (I had 2 VBAC's after C-section, that's why she's fairly confident she can do LAVH) I'm no expert, but a small incision is made and your stomach is filled up with gas to expand it in order to be able look around with the scope. Anyways, I don't know if this helps. But I'm right there with you!

Tracy

Beatlebug,

When I talked to my Anaesthesiologist before surgery I requested an epidural or intrathecal because I thought my surgery had a high chance of converting to TAH. He told me that since they were attempting an LSH that either of those methods would be overkill if compared to the risks of each. I can't remember everything he said but he did mention the risk of nausea, itching, nerve damage and that in a small percentage (25% ?) of women epidural doesn't even work. He told me the general would have fewer side effects and would be better suited for LSH (which I assume would be similar to LAVH). It worked out fine for me, but I have read about others who have successfully had both options. It's smart to ask a lot of questions like you are doing now. Good luck.

Linda