EPIDURAL or PCA Pump after surgery?

To All the Experienced Princesses:

I am going to the "castle" on Tuesday (9/18, 5am for 7am surgery). I will meet w/the anesthesiologist prior to surgery to discuss post op pain control. Since I don't do well w/anesthesia (I wanted to stop breathing in recovery after a hernia repair a few yrs. ago), my gyn said I may want to do an epidural instead of pca pump--less anesthesia, or whatever. Especially since I am having some abdominoplasty (esp. for muscle repair) along w/ TAH and possible BSO--therefore, the surgery will take about 5 hrs. total which equals a LOT of anesthesia (I'm a little nervous about it, to tell you the truth).

Just a side note: it took me about 8 wks. to finally bounce back from that darn hernia repair, and I was in a ton of pain. I just feel like I should expect this to be even worse, since the hernia repair was suppose to have been a minor/outpatient surgery. I found it much worse than my 2 cesareans put together--although, I am 16 yrs. older now!

Anyway, has anyone had the epidural post op, and what did you think? I would appreciate some words of wisdom from those who have been there.

Thanks so much!

~Geri

Hi Geri, prayers are that your surgery will go uneventful next Tuesday. I know you will be fine. I had my mind made up for the pump, but the aneth. guy talked to me and gave me my options and the epidural seemed the best and I am glad I went with that. I had no pain after surgery, was sick as a dog throwing up, sorry ladies, but never felt my tummy pulling. The next day was up walking, taking shower and feeling great. Only problem, the epidural gives you a false sense. When they took it out just before I went home, I was like, Oh my God. the pain was there. I had no side effects from it, as far as I know. I would choose it again if I had to. This epidural was different than the c sections one as to the location that it numbs. My prayers will be with you. Debbie

Of course, only you can make this decision. I personally opted not to have something stuck in my back. The thought scared me. Unfortunately, there was a communication error and they gave me an epidural anyway. After all that, the darn thing leaked and for 2 days I was in pain because no one could find the leak!! It just wasn't worth it to me!! I'd take the general any day!!!!!!

I had the epidural pump after surgery for pain. Anesth. doc told me he and my doc wanted me to be able to take deep breaths. Also, I had talked to anest. about being very sick with surgery in the past, but had no nausea after this surgery. The pump worked very well for me, almost no pain and I was able to puff into that gizmo that first night. It was taken out the next day and I started pain pills. After about an hour I was up and in the shower. I had a bit of numbness in my left knee so had to have help when I was up walking (now I suspect it was not the epidural but some kind of nerve tweeking during surgery. That spot still sometimes zings) That was better by the next day.

Thank you Ladies!

This is giving me a look from different angles. I will be done with my surgery in less than 48 hrs. and I am starting to think about the anesthesia even more. The surgery gives me no concern, as I know this is what is needed, but the anesthesia is stressing me out. I've had an epidural for my C-sections and have done well. But I didn't have one for my hernia repair and it was a much longer and painful recuperation period (although, I was a little older, also).

Well, I don't like the thought of something going into my spinal/central nervous system, but the anesthesia is going to affect my CNS as well.

One thing that keeps coming to mind is that my sister had a general during her C-section and felt the whole thing! But she was under just enough so that she could not move or speak to tell them so. Therefore, it makes me feel that, yes, I want the epidural, but what if they also use anesthesia--just enough to put me lightly asleep, yet, I could have the same thing happen that happened to my sister. You see, when I had the epi during my surgery, I told the anesthesiologist that I was beginning to feel the surgery (it was a burning sensation), so he just added a little more "juice". If I'm under just a little, I might not be able to "tell" them that. And I am having a 5 hr. surgery (includes abdominoplasty).

Decisions, decisions. I guess I'll talk to the anesthesiologist and make a decision on what is best for me. Thank you for your help. And please keep the comments coming--I think this has to be helpful to others as well.

Have a blessed day!
~Geri (a very blessed soul, indeed!)

I, too, had major concerns with anesthesia. Meeting with the anesthesiologist ahead of time really put my mind at ease. Talk about all your concerns, past history, etc. and ask what they recommend in your specific case. They did a marvelous job with me.
A word about the pain of TAH compared to an inguinal hernia repair I had a while back--the TAH was about 1% as painful, and I was thrilled with that. I don't know about your abdominal repairs and what is involved. If you haven't already, ask your doc (or anesthesiologist) about how much pain can generally be expected for this surgery compared to your past ones. Generalisations can be made, so you can have a better idea of what to expect.
Best calming wishes for you as you and all the other ladies prepare for your trip to the castle,
Susan