Question:
do you get a epidural while awake ?????

I had an epidural when I was giving birth to my first child, it hurt worse then the child birth. Does everyone get a epidural ? Do they give it to you while you are awake or after they knock you out ? I don't know much, help me out.. thanks !!    — KAREN M. (posted on August 11, 2002)

August 11, 2002
I believe that an epidural MUST be given while the patient is awake. I had one with the birth of my first child and one with the surgery. The location of the one for surgery is much higher and since you don't have the pain of labor contractions to distract you, in my opinion, hurt MUCH worse. They will give you something to calm you which I am sure helped but it still hurt. However it didn't take long and there was NO pain after surgery.
   — Virginia N.

August 11, 2002
The epidural is given while you're awake. My surgery was Aug. 2 and I was terrified of having one. But I'm so GLAD I did. I also had the morphine pump but it burned my hand every time I pushed it. After 2-3 days they remove the epidural and I could tell the difference in pain. They do give us something to help you relax and it's really not painful. GOOD LUCK!!!
   — jojo63

August 11, 2002
Karen, I don't know if the epidural is ever given while you are asleep , but I assume not. The epidural requires your cooperation in leaning forward and arching your back so it can be placed properly. I was given the option of the epidural. They cannot make you have one if you refuse. I am so sorry that your last one was painful. I have had two, and the only discomfort was the tiny needle sticks on my back, and the ache in my hips as they threaded the catheter into the dural space outside my spine. I will recommend this to you though. You can and should discuss your anxiety with your anesthesiologist. You may have just had an inexperienced person inserting your last one. They are wonderful to have post-op. Good Luck in whatever you decide.
   — Tina B.

August 11, 2002
They gave me mine while I was awake. Right away when you get to the hospital, tell them that you want a good healthy dose of Lorazapam (anti anxiety) or some good stiff pain killer well before the epidural. Tell them you are afraid of the epidural. I'm sure they'll hook you up. My epidural was removed on the 2nd day post op and...OH YEAH, I could feel the incision then. OUCH!
   — Carolynn J.

August 11, 2002
Karen, I also had epidurals with my last two children. I also have had a few others with back problems over the years. It hurts a lot to have an epidural when you are having contractions and are in pain anyway. Normally, it's a prick and pushing pressure. Not great, but not so bad. I agree with the last post, be sure and ask for something to calm you. Explain you had a bad experience before. Good luck.
   — Pam G.

August 11, 2002
thanks everyone for all the advice !! I just had such an awful experience and I guess it didn'thelp that the guy missed on the first 2 times and got it in on the third. I will say something to the drug guy when the time comes. Thanks a bunch !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   — KAREN M.