Epideral vs. General Anesthetic

Hi Everyone,

My doctor has given me a choice on the type of anesthetic I wish to have during my sugery. I can either have general anesthetic, or I can have an epideral with something to make me sleep, but not totally knock me out. I have never had an epideral before, so I don't know a whole lot about it. My doctor told me that with the epideral, I wouldn't have to have a breathing tube inserted during surgery. Since I am a smoker, I am wondering if this is the way to go. She told me that with general anesthetic, I would be put on a pain medicine pump after surgery. With the epideral, they would keep me on that until the next morning, then put me on oral medications.
Does anyone know the pros and cons of both types? If anyone has had both of these, can you tell me which you preferred?

Thanks for any info/input.

Take care,
Carol

I thought about an epidural for my second surgery because it seemed like the general just stayed in your system so long and he told me it was up to the anesthiologist but they prefered general. I asked why and he said it is because they have to sit and talk to you the whole time and you say REALLY stupid things from the drugs. I had already had an embarrassing experience with that and the hyst and I did not want to be even remotely aware of what was going on during the rectocele repair so I opted for general again. It was a very extensive repair and I am glad I was out! The down side was I was in ALOT of pain after and it was awhile before they got me in a room with a pump because I would not quit bleeding.

Just another one of those wonderful choices we have to make! Good luck!!!

Hi Carol,

I apologize in advance that I cannot offer experience directly related to this procedure. However, I did have an epidural (two in one day actually) during labor, and from what I remember it wasn't bad at all. I don't think it even hurt when the anest. inserted it - it was just a little bit of a strange sensation. And it was over quick. Everyone is different ... hopefully another Sister can give you more info! Good luck with your upcoming surgery!!