Question:
Does every surgeon give an epideral before WLS?
I just found out that I will have an epidural before surgery and go under general anestesia also.Is this normal?I thought that is was "one or the other"? — natalie J. (posted on November 18, 2003)
November 18, 2003
I had no epidural before surgery. Just woke up with the pain pump.
— Delores S.
November 18, 2003
I had major abdominal surgery for something other than WLS and had both an
epidural and general anasthetic. I was told that the epidural was for pain
control after the surgery not during but the epidural tube had to be put in
the back prior to the surgery because it would be too difficult afterwards.
I've had surgery with an epidural for pain control and surgery with the
pain pump. The epidural is constant pain relief and I was up and walking
the day of surgery. That didn't happen for me with a pain pump. I would
chose an epidural for pain control again.
— kathy W.
November 18, 2003
No, every doctor DOESNT. Ive had 'two' and neither surgeon used an epi...
I would ask why???? I certainly woulnt want one....
— star .
November 18, 2003
I've never heard of that. You may want to double check. Maybe you are
just getting banded? RNY I doubt would ever be local.
— mrsmyranow
November 18, 2003
Actually from what I have seen there are more surgeons not using them
anymore, but some still do. I guess it is better for pain relief but then
you stand the chance of not being able to walk for a bit.
GOOD LUCK!
— Saxbyd
November 18, 2003
I didn't have one.
— RebeccaP
November 19, 2003
I was given the option for only the general or the general and epidural.
After it was explained I opted for both. The epidural helps with pain
control after coming out of the general, although I also had a morphine
pump. The epidural is placed after you're unconcious. I had no problems
with walking post-op. Leslie, Open RNY 6/17/03, 265/182/?
— Leslie R.
November 19, 2003
I had an epideral and anesthesia. I would not have done it any other way.
I felt no pain at all for the first 3 days in the hospital and I never had
a problem with walking, in fact it helped me walk more because I was not in
pain. On day 3 when they took the epi out I had a real problem with pain
and it took them a while to find a pain med that would work for me.
— Tami S.
November 19, 2003
I was given the option of both...I took the general and with my docs
agreement because I have scholiosis and it can take anywhere from one to
two hours to insert the cath correctly if your spine isn't healthy :>(
Frankly, it wasn't worth it to me. UGH! I felt pretty darned good postop
without the epidural, but definitely stoned out of my goard LOL
— [Deactivated Member]
November 19, 2003
I have had major surgeries and never had the epiderual until I had the Open
RNY and I would say definately do the epi. It makes a world of difference.
DebbyB/IA 320/240/140 7/28/03
— DebbyB
November 19, 2003
I had an epidural for my RNY and did not have much success. Unfortunately,
for some people the epidural just doesn't work and I was one of them. I
suffered in excrucitating pain for about 36hours until the nurse finally
suggested that I switch to the pump. Alahh...much better. I also had a
revisional surgery just five weeks ago and didn't bother with the epidural
and the pain control was much better than the first surgery. I've heard
many people have great success with an epidural but I would just keep in
mind that if it isn't working and you are having terrible pain, you have
the option to ask for the pump instead. Good luck!!
— denisel
Click Here to Return