Epideral or PCA pump ?????

I will have surgery July 20th and have to decide whether I want an epideral or PCA pump. I thought I was dead set on the PCA pump but the anthesiologist made some good points about the epideral, so now I'm confused. Any experiences with either one would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I had an epideral while in labor and I swear to you, my back has never been the same. I don't think I would ever get one again. But I don't know what a PCA pump is either. Sorry but my vote would be for the unknown. No epi's here. Melissa

Why do you need either? I was managed with toradol piggybacked on morphine...but quit the morphine after the first night. Maybe you're being done open and it's different that way?

My opinion.... The PCA pump is the way to go. You can hit that button every 10 minutes and you don't have to wait for a nurse to come in and give you a pain shot. I know several people who said the epidural is nice the first night, but its hard to get your "sea legs" back once you start walking. Plus I've heard of LOTS & LOTS of people who suffered headaches for months after having epidural (from those who had surgery and those who had the epidural for labor/delivery). Good luck to you. I will pray for a quick and uneventful recovery for you. Peggy -94lbs