Epidural is the only way to go!

This is day 7 of my recovery and all is well. My wonderful doctor is the only doctor in a very large hospital that exclusively uses epidural! How could this be? I was next to 2 different women during my stay, who were in so much pain, trying to figure out their morphine pumps. I felt embarrasses to say I had "0" pain when the nurses asked. Next door, the poor ladies were at 8 or 9. I would make a zero with my fingers rather that say it out loud.

The doctor kept the epidural going for 2 nights. I was numb from the upper thighs to my waist. I had wonderful "massaging leg things" on to keep my circulation going.

On the 3rd day, the doctor disconnected the juice, cath, & IV, which I was nervous about. All my plumbing was starting to work and my pain was about 4 or 5. Manageable.

My walking around was delayed for 2 days but so was the pain! Why aren't more doctors doing this?

Best of luck to all of you having to go through this necessary evil.

SuzyT
TAH/BSO for 16 week size fibroid 9/26/2002

Suzy, while I think the epidural is a great way to go( I had one for my c-section)....not all of us are candidates for one. I discussed anesthesia options with my Gyn before my TAH, and she preferred general anesthesia for my surgery because of the size and location of my fibroid. In her words, "You don't want to feel me moving around in there, and I know I need to be able to access high up in your abdomen." After my general, my pain was at a minimum, and stayed that way throughout my hospital stay....I was able to be comfortable mostly with ibuprophen, I used my PCA for a total of six hours......and I think I did it because the nurses kept telling me to use it. We all experience things differently, and it is nice to have several options available to us. I am happy to hear your surgery went well, and you are healing so easily! YEA! That is so encouraging for all these LIW!

FlossBoss/Molly

I also had the epidural for post op pain relief and spinal during surgery that was awesome. I agree that the epidural may not for everyone as dr's and anesthesiologist have the final say. The epidural can sometimes be put in while patient is still under general for after surgery pain relief. Suzy I'm so glad you had a great experience with your epidural. I also had 0 pain for the first 24 hours and no grogginess or that is sometimes associated with the morophine pump. I have heard of some women that had great luck with the PCA waking up with it already in place and some that have woken up in pain that had to wait till they got to their room to get the PCA. It's always a good idea to discuss the concerns with the anesthesiologist before going into the o.r. about what type of options for anesthesia used during surgery and post op pain relief you have. Remember to take it easy as you are still recovering and the anesthesia can stay in our systems making us think we are all better but we still have lots of healing to do.

Yes, that would be great to have the epidural for 2 days, but the main risk of a hysterectomy is a blood clot. And for that reason, getting the patient up and walking is the very best, even better than the leg compressions.

I've also read that for some surgeries the epidural does not cover the area needed.

I'm happy for you that it worked so well. Happy recovery!

When I returned from surgery, I had my morphine pump with me. I only clicked for my medicine when I was about the get out of the bed to walk (walk, I did a lot of). Sometimes I would wait until I got back INTO bed. But my anesthesia worked great. I would not have it any other way.

Isn't it great, that there are different things so that each individual case can be met with what is best fo her?

I'm glad you are doing so well.

Love and Hugs,
Terri

I had the "epidural"- you're right! Greatest decision! I was NOT awake - no one should fear THAT in making the decision! The anesthesiologist told me I'd still be asleep and I was. Woke up clear-headed, feeling very good. The version I had placed a form of morphine at the spinal sight which lasted 16 hours- nothing was "left in" such as an IV at the site. I DID receive IV pain medication but once the IV was out of my hand, pill form. Explore your options and ASK QUESTIONS!! I'd read about the "epidural" on this site pre-op and thought "NO WAY!" -who wants to be awake? Get the facts - I wouldn't do this surgery any other way!
Good luck!

You're right about not being awake. I remember rolling on my side into a ball to get the epidural and that's it until I woke up in the recovery room. As soon as I could wiggle my toes, about 15 minutes later, I was taken to my room. I couldn't feel me wiggling my toes, but they said they were. Later in my room, the feeling came back to my lower legs.

My doctor told me that many other doctors don't use the epidural because they think the patients might be awake, because we talk and say things. I immediately wanted to know what I had to say! He said he tries to set a good example for the other doctors.

I was glad I was referred to him by my regular gyn, who no longer does surgery.

Best wishes to all for speedy recoveries.

Suzy
4 Weeks, 5 days to go!