Question:
To epidural or not to epidural?

I am a self pay patient. There is a flat fee for the hospital and anesthesiologist. I was told for $500 more I could have an epidural for pain. What experience do you have with or without epidural following open RNY?    — Brenda G. (posted on December 28, 2002)

December 28, 2002
I had an epidural and loved it. They put it in about 1 hour beofre my surgery, so that it would be in for recovery. They gave me Versed prior to insertion, so that part wasn't bad at all. When I woke up in recovery, I had a control box. I was getting a certain amount but could supplement if I needed (similar to PCA). I was not completely numb, but pretty much from about under my arm to the top of my thighs. I found the pain to be very tolerable w/ this and it enabled me to be more awake and able to function than the narcotics would have. I did have some itching with it but they gave me medicine for that too. I was very pleased w/ my choice. The hospital that I used also delivers babies so, they were very experienced w/ epidurals and that helped me to make the decision to use epidural as opposed to PCA. Good luck with your surgery and God bless.
   — Leigh S.

December 28, 2002
I don't think you'll really need it. I had an open RNY and was on IV morphine for approximately 2.5 days after my surgery. Then, at home, I continued on percocet for another few weeks ... then nothing. I didn't find the pain unbearable, except for the 20 minutes right after I woke up from surgery and before the morphine had started to work.
   — Terissa R.

December 28, 2002
I've had them for other surgeries and it was great. Did'nt have it for the Open RNY and I did have alot of pain. So I guess it helps.
   — Danmark

December 28, 2002
If you have any back problems or spinal abnormalities (scholiosis for example) I would highly advice against it. For one it can seriously delay the surgery - they guessed with my curvature it would add at least an hour to the pre-op prep and an uncomfortable hour at that while I hugged my knees and they manipulated the cathater. Also if you have any previous issues with nerve problems in the back or legs you really should discuss whether it's worth it with your surgeon or the anesthetist. I hope you study the risks of this procedure before you decide to do it. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 29, 2002
Hello I was self-pay too (bummer, huh?)I opted to have the epidural because thats what the anesthesiologist said he would have if it were him. While they may have given me Versed, it hadnt kicked in yet because I remember it was quite painful going in. Plus I was quite nervous because I have had back surgery before. Other than that I dont think I had much pain. I did have itching but they gave me something for that. There were no beds in the ICU so they had to put me in the Burn Unit where they keep the temperature really hot. That made me more miserable than anything. When the drs. took me off the epi meds (after 2 days) they told me they would be back to check on me in a couple hours and they didnt. 6 hours later I was raising he## till I got a shot for pain. I was more pissed about being lied to than in physical pain. Sorry to ramble on but be aware of what can happen. Good luck to you!
   — Marilayne M.

December 29, 2002
heya .. i did not have an epideral ..and i did just fine..my biggest problem i think was the horrible gas..but that has went away by now..lol.. any way.. just do your research and decide what is best for you..*huggles and bb*
   — johanna F.

December 29, 2002
My experience with the epidurial is NOT good! It hurt going in, and did NOTHING for the pain afterwards! Maybe they didn't have it in the right spot, I don't know. It was my first one, I had natural childbirth TWICE, and the pain after wls was worse, and like I said the epi didn't do a thing! Good luck, if I had to choose again, I would refuse the epi.
   — Tammy .