need answers-spinal shot for pain control?

My surgeon told me at my initial visit that in addition to using general anesthesia she likes for patients to receive a a small shot of morphine in the spine (sort of like an epidural but no catheter remains in the back). This allows for the surgical area to remain numb for about 24 hours decreasing the need for heavy sedating narcotics and allowing the patient to be able to move around better initially post op. I was all for it and yesterday the anesthesiologist confirmed they would give me medicine to relax me, do the spinal shot and then put me under for surgery. Of course, he had to mention the possibility of spinal headache and systemic itching from the morphine. I didn't have trouble with my last epidural so hoping this will be the same. Do any of my sisters have experience with this? Did you have problems?

sorry to say i have no idea what your talking about. but it sounds like your doctor has your best interests at heart. i wish i had at least heard of this pre-op. although i had a TAH/BOS and have to say i really didnt have very horrible pain. i was on a morphine drip after surgery but only for the first day or so. i had that self control button thing and doc said since i wasn't pushing the button much she took me off the morphine. i did use vicodin for about 5 days, but that was it. Good Luck to you!