Re: Upcoming myo ... general vs. spinal anesthesia?

September 3, 2002

, This is an interesting question. I'm having my (2nd) myo on

September 12th. I had general anesthesia (was told it was really the best

choice, but I don't remember questioning exactly why) the first time. And

this time, my gyn told me that an epidural wasn't advisable because I would

very likely move around on the table and he wants me to be perfectly still

while he cuts (and so do I!) I also had the impression that when having

such deep cuts into the uterine muscle it's also preferable -- for

pain/discomfort -- to be out cold. Also FYI - I had a bad experience with

nausea with general anesthesia in 1977 and another operation I had in the

early 80s, so I was very anxious about this for my first myo, but with the

newer drugs they used 8 years ago I had no problem at all. And my gyn said

the drugs they have now are even better still. Loretta

PS Technically, I don't believe I spinal & an epidural are the same things.

But I was under the impression that they don't really do spinals (at least

not for pain management) anymore, so maybe that is your other choice?

> wrote:

> I recently learned that I have a choice regarding anesthesia for my

> myomectomy scheduled for September 11. My doctor told me that I can

> have general anesthesia or a spinal (I guess that would be an

> epidural?) with sedation (as I don't want to know what's happening

> during surgery). I'm planning to call the anesthesiology group out

> of which my anesthesiologist will be assigned to discuss these

> options and the relevant pros and cons. But I'd love to hear from

> some of you who have recent experience with one or both of these

> choices. I know about the potential nausea problems - possibly with

> both methods? If you could share with me your experience with

> either of these (or if you've had both and can compare/contrast),

> I'd love to hear from you.

September 3, 2002

Hi!

I am responding to your email regarding your surgery on Sept. 11. I didn't

even know we had a choice about the type of anesthesia we can receive. Also,

I am comforted to know that I won't be the only one having a myo on Sept. 11.

Good luck!

September 3, 2002

In my case, my doctor is giving me a choice. I haven't yet called

the anesthesiology group, but if I learn any additional info

regarding these options that I think would be helpful, I'll

certainly post it.

Good luck to you as well on the 11th - perhaps we can exchange e-

mail in a couple weeks to exchange notes on our recoveries!

Many thanks to all of you who responded to my inquiry about the

choices in anesthesia .... I'm leaning towards having the general,

in part due to your input. Thank you!

> Hi!

>

> I am responding to your email regarding your surgery on Sept.

11. I didn't

> even know we had a choice about the type of anesthesia we can

receive. Also,

> I am comforted to know that I won't be the only one having a myo

on Sept. 11.

> Good luck!

>

September 4, 2002

I had a general - was not given a choice. I had a little nausea about 36 hours

after surgery but none

beyond that. Post op is extremely vague and I sort of remember being wheeled

into my room. I think my

surgery was over around 2:30 and by 4:30 I was pretty much awake. This was my

first experience with

anything other than a very local anesthesia and it wasn't bad at all.

mlm9863 wrote: