Question:
Does the epidural just numb you, or is there pain medication in it also?

I have read all the Q & A's on epidural vs. the morphine pump. I was leaning toward the pump, but now I am not so sure. I do not have sleep apnea that could put me at higher risk w/ the pump, but from what I have read, people seemed, overall, to have less pain w/ the epidural. The only problem is that I am TERRIFIED of them sticking a needle in my back- that scares me worse that anything. So, back to my original question- does the epidural conatain pain meds or does it just numb you? Thanks.    — Julie M. (posted on July 6, 2000)

July 5, 2000
I just had my consultation with my surgeon last week, and I raised a question regarding the use of an epidural. I don't really know the answer to your question, but I am also afraid of a needle in my spine. Who knows if there could be any damage done?? Anyway, my surgeon told me the use of an epidural was up to me, but that it is common for epidurals to become dislodged after surgery. He said that since you are laying on your back, it may come out, and then you wouldn't have any medication in you!! I have decided to go with the PCA morphine pump because I don't want to risk being in any kind of pain. Good luck
   — enjo4

July 6, 2000
I had my surgery three weeks ago and I opted for the epidural even though my doctor likes to use the PCA I had an epidural with a previous surgery and I thought it worked well. I have read so many posts where people complain of waking in the recovery room with tremendous pain I didn't feel any of this, not that i remember. I had some trouble with hallucinations with a morphine pump so I didn't like it. They kept the spinal in for two days until my IV site collapsed so they just took me off of it and put me on pain pills which I did fine with. i did have some problems with headaches for a little while the doctor thought the spinal caused it but I am not sure about that I did go cold turkey on caffiene and not eating also gives me a headache. So you will have to make your own decision you can talk with the anethesiaologist about your choices maybe they can calm your fears. Good luck
   — Diane S.

July 6, 2000
I had both. I've had surgery without the epidural and waking up in the recovery room was EXTREMELY painful. This is the first surgery where I woke up gently and quite comfortable in the recovery room. I too, had concerns about a needle in my back. I even chose not to have one during child birth. I had no complications with the epidural and would STRONGLY recommend it.
   — Dawn M.

July 17, 2000
Usually there are both types of medication mixed in the Epidural solution: Bupivacaine 2% (a numbing agent) and Dilaudid/Hydromorphone 15 mcg/ml(a narcotic analgesic/pain reliever) is a typical Epidural order. One other note: "failure" of an Epidural is usually due to incorrect placement of the epidural catheter - it's quite difficult to get a good placment on very large people. Dr. Welker at OHSU has gotten around that problem by sending his patients to the Pain Management Clinic IN ADVANCE of going to the OR... There they can place the catheter by guided Fluroscopy (not available to the anesthesiologists in the OR) and be 100% certain of perfect placement and .... NO PAIN! Having had both an Epidural AND IV analgesia, I highly recommend the Epidural!
   — Gayle H.