General anesthesia or spinal

My SAH is Tuesday morning I have to be at the castle at 6:00am. I found out yesterday at my preop that doctor wants to give me an epidural as part of my anesthesia and a heavy sedative which will feel like a general anesthesia. I'm concerned about that because I've heard people say that having that spinal could cause later back problems which I really don't want to have to deal with, especially since I already have back problems. I told my doctor that I would think about that over the weekend and let him know the morning of if I'm still not feeling comfortable about having the spinal. But I think the reason for having it would mean that I won't wake up with such intense pain like so many others I've read about since having the spinal would mean I won't feel anything for the first 24 hours. So should I have it and just postpone the pain or just have a general and deal with the pain immediately, either way I will have some pain. I'm so confused I don't know what to do, I've talked to a few people some who say go for it and some who say no, but of course the final decision is up to me.

Soooooooo confused now!!!

Hello msseh

I had an epidural when I had my daughter C-section, 20 years ago, and my back has bothered me ever since. I would rather be in pain directly after the surgery than the forever back problems from the epidural. But that does not mean you'll have the same problem alot of women are just fine. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I had a set of 3 epidurals to relieve back pain. I've not had any problems from them.

I think that it's a personal choice, one that you should make after considering all the pros and cons.

Best wishes.

I have had 2 epidurals for C-Sections and never had a problem. I do have problems with general, and if I could have an epidural, I would in a heart beat. It really does come down to personal choice.

I am almost 6 weeks post op and had general anesthesia plus the epidural. I was so glad I did. I've had no back or headache pain afterwards. I had to have a 7 inch vertical incision for my TAH/BSO and the epidural kept me comfortable during those first fews days after the surgery. I also had the option of a PCA pump with morphine once I got to my room and I took that too! I know you have to make the best choice for you, but I was glad to have the option of the epidural. Best of luck to you!

I too was reluctant to have the spinal, but I am glad I did it.

The morphine lasted 18 hours (at least), and I had absolutely no surgical pain whatsoever. Gas pain? Absolutely. But no incision pain, no headache, no back issues, nothing. Additionally, when I woke up, I had an IV, a catheter, and those things that squeeze your legs to avoid blood clots. I was connected to all that stuff until the following morning. I truly believe having that long-lasting medication kept me from losing my mind during that period of being immobilized.

They must have administered mine after I was already out, because I never saw/felt them do it. It all worked out well for me, and I am glad I finally relented and agreed to do it.

	Quote:
Originally posted by: sjvl I had absolutely no surgical pain whatsoever. Gas pain? Absolutely. But no incision pain, no headache, no back issues, nothing. Additionally, when I woke up, I had an IV, a catheter, and those things that squeeze your legs to avoid blood clots. I was connected to all that stuff until the following morning. I truly believe having that long-lasting medication kept me from losing my mind during that period of being immobilized.

I had the same thing happen to me, although I didn't realize I was getting an epidural before surgery. I had never had one, and they didn't tell me that I would be immobilized shortly after. I wigged a little bit.

I was scared of the epidural because I have heard so many women say they have back problems after having one. I had it done before I went into surgery. My anesthesiologist was talking to me and didn't even know when it happened. He just told me he was done and that it wouldn't be too long before they were wheeling me in. Next thing I know I am getting wheeled in and "rolled" onto the operating table. Few seconds later I was given general anesthesia and I was gone.

I have to admit, knowing what I know now from my personal experience, I would do it again, but that is my choice.

I opted to have the spinal and I believe it was the best decision for me. It lasted for about 24 hours after my sugery and I have to say it was better to me than being on a morphine pump. When it stopped working my DR had order only the vicodin and motrin for pain control and that seemed to work for me. My spinal was done immediately upon being wheeled into the OR I was awake and it was just a small sting.

I truely believe it is a personal decision and that you are the only one that can make that decision for you.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by msseh My SAH is Tuesday morning I have to be at the castle at 6:00am. I found out yesterday at my preop that doctor wants to give me an epidural as part of my anesthesia and a heavy sedative which will feel like a general anesthesia. I'm concerned about that because I've heard people say that having that spinal could cause later back problems which I really don't want to have to deal with, especially since I already have back problems. I told my doctor that I would think about that over the weekend and let him know the morning of if I'm still not feeling comfortable about having the spinal. But I think the reason for having it would mean that I won't wake up with such intense pain like so many others I've read about since having the spinal would mean I won't feel anything for the first 24 hours. So should I have it and just postpone the pain or just have a general and deal with the pain immediately, either way I will have some pain. I'm so confused I don't know what to do, I've talked to a few people some who say go for it and some who say no, but of course the final decision is up to me. Soooooooo confused now!!!

Melonballed has had it both ways, and I found that I enjoy a nice nap under general. It really isn't a big deal w/pain.
I went from waking up fully, coming home, walking up my 13 stairs ...then had an incident unrelated to anesthesia went back down to the car, rode to e.r. and was hooked up w/no pain meds till after midnite and I really only felt a twinge as I got up and down for pee pee myself.
I did throw up once but it felt good actually and just ask for anti nausea drugs in the drip.......I only let them give me half the morphine after midnite and took that twice then was released 15 hrs later to go home, where I took 1/2 a Vicodin every 4-7 hrs for only daytime....on and off couple of days. I am in day 10 and only taking 1/2 Vicodin usually in eve after I have been doing too much. I feel the spinals come along w/massive headaches and sometimes they
don't get them in right away, they hurt........a nap doesn't.
Just my 2 cents...I have back troubles too and scoliosis
and so I don't like anyone in my spine with needles.....
plus it feels hard to walk after and I had trouble w/my left leg for the longest and had to do a lot of squats......not sure that was the reason or the position in surgery .....again, you do what you feel less anxious about.
Remember this.......98 % of what we worry about never comes to fruition!! I was told that and when I look back at the stuff I worried about pre-op......it was the stuff I never even gave a tho't that came to pass.......not the worries.

You'll be better in no time flat, keep on posting, there are great babes on this site!!

I had an epidural before a caesarean and have been fine since. I had a general for my hysterectomy and athough I was nervous about being unconscious, I think I preferred the general. I did not have terrible pain afterwards and at least I could feel things. The bit I disliked the most after an epidural was when they removed the catheter and I did not quite have the full feeling back to pass water. I found that a bit scary but it soon came back. Good luck with your choice. There are pros and cons either way. Whatever you decide, try and be positive, it really helps. It's not nearly as bad as you think and the initial pain really does pass quite quickly and I found it quite bearable.