Question:
My surgeon told me that I would have an epidural

because of my breathing problems,Ok posties what can I expect from an epidural, does it hurt having it in your back? not the actual inserting it but after. can you lay on your back? whats to keep the needle from moving and damaging spinal cord? how long do they usually keep it in? and how is the meds delivered, is it by a machine, a pump or does a nurse come in and inject something in it when you need meds? Does it cause a headache, my aunt always got headaches from an epidural and can you sleep alot with an epidural? tell me everything so I know what to expect. either answer here or email me at [email protected]    — Grace H. (posted on June 21, 2002)

June 21, 2002
an epidural is a needle that is placed in your lower back and threaded up thru your spinal cord. The anesthesiologist (SP?) pumps the pain meds into the needle. It stings (the needle) but I don't remember it hurting. You can sleep with it in your back because it is is taped down securely. I don't know if you're surgeon is planning on keeping it in even after surgery to help you control your pain, but the idea of the epidural was to give it to women who were in labor and it blocks the woman from feeling the severe labor pains. It is also given to a woman who is going in for a C-Section. It blocks any and all feeling from under the breasts to your toes and your legs , well you don't feel them, they're like giant logs that you once could move but can't. It does wear off after awhile, and the nurse would bring pain meds every few hours to help with the pain from the C-Section and the epidural was taken out in recovery. Ask your surgeon if he is planning on giving it to you just during surgery or to keep it in during your stay at the hospital. And it doesn't hurt when it is taken out either. Don't be afraid, it's a good pain blocker. The thing to do when they put in, is to focus on a happy place, like a nice warm beach, or imagining yourself in a nice slimming outfit.If you don't focus on the thing you're afraid of and replace it with something that makes you happy, then you're fear will disappate. Easier said then done, I know, but it does work. Good Luck!
   — Jena C.

June 21, 2002
Jena explained it so well! I had 2 epidurals in my lifetime; 1 during child birth, and 1 for pain management after my open RNY. There were a few differences. 1.) When I had it for childbirth, I was Completely numb---I couldn't move by myself---when I had it for pain management, I could move, feel someone touching me...I just didn't feel pain. It was explained to me that the needle isn't inserted as far as the one for childbirth. 2.) The one for childbirth was removed after I had my daughter and was all stitched up "down there"---yet the one for my RNY stayed in place for 3 days. <br> Here's how it went for me. When I had my daughter---I felt nothing! I wanted the epidural SO badly! When I had it for my WLS, they did it in the Pre-op holding room. The numbing shot stung. As he was getting ready to actually stick me, they gave me the happy shot--so I don't remember much pain. It didn't hurt while it was in at all! I slept, walked, went to the bathroom, by myself. I had a pump just like the people that were on morphine. I got a continuous dose through the epidural...but yet when I wanted or needed more (say if I knew I was going to get up), I could press it. I see people on morphine...they're tired, falling asleep mid sentence--with the epidural, I was normal! Now, I do have a dear friend who's epidural was placed incorrectly and she was experiencing discomfort---she later opted for the removal of the epidural and took the morphine. Most all of us that had the epidural, loved it! You'll be fine! As for headaches...I heard they can happen (though they are very rare)...but I heard they were a different kind of thing...like a spinal block, or something like that---my mom had one with her first child and had a headache...but I don't (personally) know anyone that has had a headache from an epidural! Good Luck to you!~
   — Kristin R.

June 21, 2002
I am going to have an epidural with my surgery in August. I am a RN, and have taken care of people who have epidurals for pain management. First, I must tell you that they DO NOT LEAVE A NEEDLE in your back. They use a needle to get into the spinal space, and then thread a small plastic catheter to the level desired. Once it is in, it does not hurt, and is a great way to provide pain control. You won't mind doing your cough, deep breathing, and walking near as much. Mine is supposed to stay in for 3 days, then I will switch to oral pain medication. I have given pain medicine through an epidural to my patients, had a continous med infusion, and have even taken epidurals out. It does not hurt, just the tape coming off your back. Even though I have not ever had an epidural, I am glad that me DR. will be using one. Good Luck!!!!! Stephanie
   — januaryrn