I'm going in for some cervical surgery and have the option to have an epidural. I think I'm going to take this over local shots in my cervix.
How bad is the pain when they put in the epidural?
2006-10-21 14:59:08 · 19 answers · asked by Loon-A-TiK 4 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Have you ever had a Novocaine shot at the dentist office? It stings for a few seconds and then is completely numb. We numb up the skin and then place s small needle in the back. When it is in the 'right' place, we thread a tiny catheter and then pull the needle out. We can put the medication to keep you numb over the abdominal/pelvic region. The medicine can be continuous or intermittent but will not be painful.
Another alternative, depending on the length of surgery, is to have 'spinal'. The difference is a much smaller needle, but no catheter, so it is time limited. It can be quite powerful and we often use this for C-sections, so you know it works well!
Both have their own issues, which are rare, but should be talked about with your anesthesiologist before you decide. Good luck!
2006-10-21 15:35:17 · answer #1 · answered by N T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had an epidural during labor and I was very surprised that it didn't hurt - it was more of a hot sensation and then all of the pain melted away. I would imagine that the skill of the person administering the epidural can influence the level of pain much like it would with any shot. I've had both painful and painless experiences with blood being drawn and with shots. The epidural was certainly not any more painful than shots I've had in the buttock and arm. I hope all goes well with your surgery.
2006-10-21 15:06:43 · answer #2 · answered by finchfrii 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've had both, but because the circumstances were different in each case it's difficult to compare. I remember the cervical shots feeling like pinches. I had two epidurals, both for emergency c-sections during childbirth. Neither epidural hurt that much, and they were infinitely less painful than labor. One thing to consider is that wiith the epidural, you have the potential to lose cerebrospinal fluid, and you have to lay flat on your back and not move for awhile after you have it. Otherwise you get one giant headache.
2006-10-21 16:04:59 · answer #3 · answered by wq.alpha 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In your case they can prescribe some valium to help ease the epidural. Don't get me wrong, those bad boys hurt, but only for abut 15 seconds or so. Local shots in your cervix will be hell, I've been there and will never go back.
2006-10-21 15:02:57 · answer #4 · answered by J 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The epidural can take away the pain of having a baby...it can help your surgery too. It does not hurt as they give you a local first.
2006-10-21 15:01:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ugh, I've had the epidural and it's uncomfortable yet only for a few seconds, it's the pounding headache that bothered me the most. I'm not familiar with the alternative though,sounds like it could be more painful! Good luck with your surgery, went through something similiar recently myself.
2006-10-21 15:02:57 · answer #6 · answered by lcsotter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a few minutes of having to sit or lay very still and a poke like getting a shot or giving blood. otherwise, having an epidural is a wonderful thing. i got one with both of my labor/deliveries and it took the pain away so effectively, i actually proposed to the anesthesiologist (this didn't please my ex-husband). i just wish i could have kept the epidural going for when my kids become teenagers
good luck on your surgery!!
2006-10-21 15:10:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You feel sort of a little pinch or a twinge and then just a tiny burn. After they get it in (usually about a minute) you don't feel anything below the point they gave it to you at. Its nice, trust me. Watch out for, and tell the doc, if you get a feeling like static zaps on your legs, any shooting pain, or numbness that lasts for more than four hours after they remove the epidural.
2006-10-21 15:02:39 · answer #8 · answered by lilia_164 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have had 2 epidurals and they don't hurt, they apply a local to your back its just a little uncomfortable, but its not painful!
2006-10-21 16:25:52 · answer #9 · answered by jencymercado 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an epideral with my first son, and it really wasn't that bad. The situation was very different, and the pain of the shot was much better than the pain of the contractions I was having. I think you'll be just fine. I don't heard many women complain about the epideral.
Good luck with the surgery!
2006-10-21 15:01:52 · answer #10 · answered by Jennalove311 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋