I need to have minor surgery, and they offered to anesthetize me via a "spinal." (epidural) Is getting the needle as painful as it sounds? Can anyone describe their experience with it?
2006-12-22 08:16:52 · 5 answers · asked by ♥ Jenn ♥ 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Unfortunately, I have had many of these done. Believe me, I have ZERO pain tolerance! But, they do not hurt. You only feel a little prick, it's not even as bad as a bee sting would feel. And besides, once the needle stick is over, you feel nothing else. Please don't worry about it! And, if you are really nervous about this procedure, just ask your doctor and maybe he can prescribe you a pill to calm your nerves to take before you go in for the procedure. My doctor did before the first time. He gave me a Valium and something else (I can't remember the name of it), I took it before I left the house and by the time I got to the procedure place, it had kicked in, and I didn't care what they did to me. Best of luck to you and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
2006-12-22 12:14:19 · answer #1 · answered by country girl 006 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had it during childbirth, so EVERYTHING hurt then. But I'm pretty confident that the actual needle didn't cause much pain. I did have trouble with the procedure, however, as the technician "spilled" some of my spinal fluid. I had a HORRIBLE headache/stiff neck for days, for which the treatment was drawing blood from my arm and injecting it into my spinal column. Twice. So, there is that danger. I probably moved, though, during the epidural procedure, since I was having strong contractions every 2 minutes, and bending over as I was required was very painful in that situation. I'm sure it's very rare to have that "spillage" complication. And, compared to general anesthesia, which I've had a couple of times, I'd rather have the epidural. I don't deal well with the anesthesia.
Good luck to you!
2006-12-22 08:29:31 · answer #2 · answered by Ruth E 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, I had an epidural when I gave birth to my daughter, and after 17 hours of labor without drugs it sure seemed like the right decision to me. :-)) (I was in labor for 10 more hours after the epidural, and I don't know how I would have gotten through the labor without it.)
It was not painful to get the needle. They numb the injection site up pretty good with novacaine or something similar before giving you the epidural, and you'll probably be pre-medicated with something that makes you feel very happy about everything going on around you before you get into the surgery. Talk to your doctor about it and if you aren't happy with the thought of an epidural, tell him and discuss alternatives.
2006-12-22 08:27:41 · answer #3 · answered by Karin C 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A "spinal" is not the same as an epidural. With and epidural they do not go as deep but it's still into your spine a bit. I had an epidural and it was like a bee sting and then no pain. It was not as painful as it sounds but it was scary. They tell you not to move and it's really hard not to move when you feel that. I was very nervous about the whole thing. I would prefer an epidural to a spinal. A spinal is more dangerous and possibly more painful. Ask which they want to do.
2006-12-22 08:49:15 · answer #4 · answered by Jinx 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I had one for my cancer surgery. It didn't hurt going in. But they can bad or move which can hurt. Ask your anestheologists about the risks and keep her/him informed of any changes you are feeling.
Mine went bad and started pinching a nerve. I had pain in my leg so severe I nearly passed out. When the epidural was removed, the pain dropped considerably.
2006-12-22 08:51:20 · answer #5 · answered by Diana D 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When I ahd an epidural, I felt a little pin prick, but it didn't really hurt, plus you go numb super fast.
2006-12-22 08:24:37 · answer #6 · answered by missyhardt 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It hurts for a few seconds (which of course seems like a few years). But then all the pain goes away.
2006-12-22 08:25:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Done well, all you will feel is a pinprick. Work with them well when you position your back. It makes a big difference.
2006-12-22 08:24:43 · answer #8 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋