Question:
General AND Epidural???

My doc says he likes to use both a general and an epidural. Then, for the first day or so post-op, he likes to leave the epidural in. Now...having had two c-sections, one with an epi and one with a spinal, I know that I won't be able to walk. I seem to recover rather quickly from abdominal sugery (after 2 c's and my gall bladder removal, the longest I was ever in the hospital was 48 hours). I am worried about blood clots...any suggestions? Anyone else been through a similar situation?    — Suzanne S. (posted on April 29, 2002)

April 28, 2002
I have had 2 epidurals also. 1 for childbirth, the 2nd for pain management (open rny). The one for childbirth completely numbed me. I needed help moving my legs and I didn't feel anything past the waist. The one for pain management doesn't numb you. I had one person explain it like this (and I'm not totally sure if this is a good medical explination~ so bear with me!). The one for childbirth is deposited directly into the spinal column. The one for pain management isn't inserted as deep. So, you can still feel, move, walk...you feel normal. You just don't feel much pain. Hope this helps. I LOVED THE EPIDURAL FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT (and childbirth :o) !
   — Kristin R.