Question:
Does BTC give an epidural before surgery?

I've seen quite a few questions about epidurals lately and I know it seems to depend on who your surgeon is as to if you recieve one sooo for those of you who have had your surgery done at BTC do they give you one? If soo why do you get an epidural? I'm just a little confused and nervous..Thanks!    — Rebekah A. (posted on August 16, 2002)

August 16, 2002
BTC IL does not give epidurals. I know your nervous, but just try to stay positive!! I am 6 weeks post op (Open) and only had a IV pump. Since I had mentioned to my doctor that I didn't do very well on morphine after my C section, they gave me a Demoral pump. My pain management was excellent in and out of the hospital. On my third day in the hospital they removed my IV and began giving me shots and oral pain meds. They have you rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 and I never made it past a 4. Getting in and out of bed at first was my only real painful experience...my suggestion is to WALK WALK WALK!! Limber yourself up, the more you move the better you feel...stiffness equals pain. Definately talk to your doctor if you've had prior surgical experience, if a pain med or plan worked or failed you before he will most likely take that into consideration when deciding how to manage your post op pain. I've said it a MILLION times, the MOST painful part of this entire surgery is the WAITING FOR SURGERY!! =) Good Luck to you!!! Tonya
   — Tonya H.

August 17, 2002
BTC in Michigan Does not and the reason is because during surgery you are totally sedated and during your post op recovery you are on a Morphine Pump (or Demeral) and oral muscle relaxers for the cramping which does subdue the pain and comfort very well, the main reason why an epidural shouldn't be used is because you need to get out of bed and walk approx 4 hours after you wake up from surgery and then like every 2 hours your suppose to walk the halls to prevent Blood clots and respiratory issues. The epidural is placed in your spine, to my knowledge it is difficult and discuraged to walk until 8 hours after it is discontinued. It is hard to turn and get up let alone having a catheter in your spine with tubing coming from it. Try not to worry!
   — Rebecca B.