Epidural or no?

I'm so glad I found this site! I was scheduled for a TAH on September 9, but it had to be postponed due to very high blood sugars (I'm diabetic). I've gotten those almost under control, and am now scheduled for September 23 at 12:30. I'm dealing with all the irrational fears of not waking up from the surgery, but reading about all your experiences has helped immensely. I do have a question, though.

How many of you had an epidural for pain relief? I'm leery of getting one....I have a pathalogical fear of nausea and vomiting, and am afraid that steady delivery of pain relief will cause that and be harder for me to manage. I'm also kind of squicked out by the entire process. Stories? Recommendations? Thanks!

hi, I am also scheduled for the 23... what my anesthesiologist said to me was she did not recommend the epidural because it can cause vomitting following surgery and that it put more strain on an already tender abdomin. She said because the hospital uses the self administered pain rellief pumps that my pain could easily be managed without the epidural. Hope it helps and good luck !

I had an epidural on 9/05/2008 and have had almost a painfree experience.When I came out of the anesthesia I was pain free.The epidural was not removed until the following afternoon.I feel the epidural really kept my pain level down.I recommend it for good pain mgmt.

TAH/kept ovaries

I also had the epidural and it was great! I woke up in recovery painfree and with no needles in my back! I was never nauseus, my doctor said I couldnt get our from bed the first 24 hours to avoid spinal headaches and the next day I left the hospital.

I can't take 99% of pain meds, so I requested an epidural. Anesthesia guy talked me into a spinal w/duramorph instead which is shorter acting. I did not do well. I needed that longer pain relief. I am not eligible for the PCA pain pump, can't even take strong oral pain pills, so I was a weird case. I say, if you are having a lot of work done, like I did, go for the epidural. Less nausea and vomiting.