Epidural or General Anesthesia?

Hi, it's me again with another question for the Sisters...Did any of you have an epidural with sedation? I'm going in on Fri for a BSO and am concerned about this. I had general anesth. in 99 from TAH and I woke feeling horrible from it. I'm having second thoughts about going thur that again. Is this an option? Thanks Sisters s to you all. I can't believe I'm just as nervous and scared this time....I've done this before!!! Ugggh!!! I just hope this slab of fat has lots of estrogen stored up it it
Hats off to all those who braved thru a tummy tuck at the same time!!! I kinda wish I had done that now. Oh well....Take Care Braswell

Hi Braswell! I am your neighbor!!
I did have an epidural and although I had not had surgery before, I had been through two with my hubby and he didnt do so great with general anesthesia. I wasnt too sure about it when my doc first suggested it, but I am sooo glad I went that route and will do it again in a heartbeat if I ever have to have surgery again. I was awake when the surgery started (but semi out of it). They asked me if I was alright which I was, but didnt really want to be too aware of what was going on, so I asked them to send me into the zone. When I woke up in recovery, I could wiggle my toes. I never had nausea or headaches or itchy anything. I highly recommend having an epidural if you have the option.
Everyone is nervous about having surgery of any kind, so hang in there and think good thoughts. Its great to not have all that misery in my life anymore. I am very happy all that is behind me now. I have no doubts that going through with my hysterectomy was definiately a life changing experience for me.
Good luck and let me know if I can do anything to help!

Hi Marybeth42...yes we are real close neighbors. I grew up in Durham and am in Mebane now.How about that!!! And a Die Hard Duke Fan too!!! Thanks for your input on the epidural issue. I really appreciate it alot! I'm going to ask about it and see. I'll be at the Duke castle on Fri. I hope all goes well. Trying to be focused and positive but a little weepy at the same time . Thanks for replying . Let's keep in touch neighbor!! Braswell

Hi Braswell,

I highly recommend the epidural / sedative route. I had Laproscopic surgery to reconstruct stomach and esophagus in November 2001, with general anaesthetic. Puked intensively for 4 days, and my stomach still has not healed properly. 10 days after the operation I was still feeling weak and woozy, and having mood swings (like crying for 2 hours every morning). Very little pain.

Had hysterectomy (TAH) May 03, and am now 12 days post op, I have a scar from navel to somewhere in my pubic hair that I can only find with a mirror. I feel clear headed, and with achy and easily tired abdomen, but have been in very good spirits and with a fair amount of energy - I'm devouring mysteries.

Epidurals can hurt alot, but don't usually take long. The anesaesiologist froze my skin as I sat on the operating table, and a nice nurse came and put my head over her shoulder and held on to both of mine, chatting calmly. It took three tries to get to epidural in, and it felt odd (I imagined it was pushing through cartilage) and was rather painful, but not at all in the "Oh my god I'm freking out stage" I asked for mild sedation, as I wanted to see my uterus and insides, but apparently I tried to help the surgeon so they gave my some more. She did wake me up enough to show me my uterus - looked like a 10 lb roast or lamb shoulder - very cool. Next thing I knew I was pretty wide awake and very very chatty, but clear headed in post op. My legs were still totally numb one took about 2 hrs to 'thaw' (as expected) and one remained numb for nearly 24 hours (that was unusual). This was annoying but not bothersome.

The epidural was left in for 72 hours, at a very low dosage, so I had virtually no pain during that time. Occasionally, my blood pressure would drop, and the dosage was lessoned, and I was given Naproxen, so I was really comfortable. No vomitting, no fuzzy headedness, no extra drowsiness. And no issues with the catheter as the first night my genitals were still numb. (Couldn't pee when they took it out mind you, and the only relief I got was through a temporary cath, twice, then the bag for another 20 hours until I could go on my own - all because I was too numb). It was when they took out the epidural that the 'struggle began'. Even still, at home, the pain has not been bad. I don't get on well with morphine, but have had Naproxen and Tylenol #3 combined since with much relief.

I feel much better after this surgery than the last, although the last was supposed to be less damaging than a hyst. I believe it is due to the type of anaesthetic, and the fact this allowed me to keep me head on straight, relax and heal up afterwards. That's my two cents

All the best
Andi Mc

I had to have generally "a". If you have previous back problems you may want to mention to the "A" guy. I told him I have a spondylolethisis and he said he wouldn't have room to do epidural best to just do general and not risk it.

Anyway you decide I wish you the best of luck.

Tracy