Question:
Can I have an epi instead of anesthesia?

I have had anesthisia during a hysterestomy. I did not like it.. Can I please have an epi? I have had an epi with two of my children being born. It worked good for me! I will be in San Francisco on Dec. 13, 2004. <P> Moderator note: I removed her personal phone number for your ownb safety its NEVER good to post it on the net.......... bob haller    — Carol F. (posted on December 11, 2004)

December 11, 2004
Sorry the bad news they cant use that for WLS. They always use a general anthestic. The GOOD NEWS! Tell them of whatever problems you had with previous surgery NOW, so they can get your old records, and prevent a reoccurence. Previously I had nausea, vomiting, and quit breathing in recovery along with panic attack. Armed with what went wrong previously I had NO problems at all. Geez all that worry for nothing.....
   — bob-haller

December 11, 2004
Sadly it is NOT possible to have the epidermal with WLS. Why? Stop to think about what is in our stomach area...... our lungs. Should they numb that area with an epidermal... our lungs would also be numb. Yes, I did ask hoping I could to. I puke violently after general anesthesia, plus get hives. I always tell the anesthesiologist that and "sometimes" they put something in that helps. Well I was REALLY SCARED about general anesthesia for WLS! What if I puked my guts out and ripped something! Well I stressed over and over again to the anesthesiologist, how bad the hives and puking gets. She put something in there, so I didn't even have one little hive anywhere on my body. And better than that, I still can not believe, I NEVER puked once after surgery! About 36 hours after surgery I had the dry heaves. I kept gently trying to puke and decided in case they can do something, I'd better call the nurse. She came in and gave me a shot. (I don't remember what it was). And the heaves went away. So PLEASE stress HIGHLY to them, whatever problems you have. Should you get a caring anesthesiologist, they CAN help you. Good luck!
   — Danmark

December 14, 2004
If by "epi" you mean an epidural, no, that is not possible. General anesthesia has changed a lot in terms of after-effects and problems. When I had my tonsils out in 1992, and another surgery in 1993, I spent plenty of time hovering over the toilet bowl or a trash bag! But nowadays, talk to the anesthesiologist about your fears and prior experiences and they will set you up with the right "mix" of anesthesia that will prevent you from throwing up afterwards. Many, many anti-emetics (anti-nausea) meds can be given prior to and during anesthesia so that your recovery isn't complicated by throwing up.
   — lizinPA