Who has had an epidural as well as general anesthetic for lumbar surgery?

[trkdoc714]

Bob, every one of my Stenum friends have raved about how well the epidural worked on them, how they were almost pain free afterwards. I really want to push for it. But here's something that has been in the back of my mind....if the pain is greatly reduced after surgery, how do you deal with the drop in the level of narcotics? Do you not go into withdrawal when you don't need as much? Even with the little I've dropped back, about a third of my normal dose, I am experiencing sweats, etc.

And you didn't mind the 'hammering' feeling while under twilight? I remember 'Lurinda' from Stenum talking about it, and it made me lightheaded Although I would probably be fine with it if I talked myself into it. LOL, I love your comment about bubbles

Katie,

I didn't have a problem with the reduction in pain meds. Like you, I had already reduced my dosage prior to surgery. The staff at Stenum was very concerned with the pain levels experienced by the patients and made every effort to keep our pain at a minimum.

The epidural was left in for 2 days after the surgery (I checked the hospital bill). The drip was reduced after day one and on Monday morning, it was removed completely. Although I was prepared for a major episode of pain, it never occurred. They kept me on 10mg X 2 Targin (Oxycodone) daily for my entire stay in Germany. They asked me daily if I needed more pain management but as I was in less pain than before surgery, I declined.

The stay in the hotel was basically the same. I was concerned about the pain getting ahead of me with the walks I was taking but it never did. Stenum had given me a weeks worth of Targin for my stay in the hotel. Targin had an anti-constipation medication incorporated in it which is important (I found this out after returning home). I ended up with 7 or 8 doses of Targin left when I returned home.

As far as the "hammering" feeling, I was aware of it but knew before hand how the discs had to be implanted. If I recall correctly, the only time I was aware of the "hammering" I think I lifted my hand to wave and said "hey" before I returned to my nap. The next thing I can remember is the recovery room. The experience was made pleasant by the entire Stenum staff, from the cab driver to the surgeons to the PT crew, everyone was concerned with me as a person and a patient.

Bob

[Justin]

Bob,

Thanks for sharing the details about your pain management while at Stenum. This information is helpful for many Spine Patients. :thumpup:

[Katie]

Yes, if for nothing else than pain control, I wish I could go to Stenum. I will mention having the epidural both during surgery and post-op for two days, without saying it is from patients who went to Germany and see what reaction I get.

I have found that all doctors here are a bit touchy about comparisons to treatments overseas, so I don't want to get his back up. (No pun intended )

Thanks for giving us your experiences at Stenum. My friends have had the same and are still very happy with their outcome, after two years.

Has anyone here heard of surgeons on this side of the pond using an epidural as they have in Stenum, post op too?

[Nairek]

After my surgery, I had an "On Q Pump" which helped with my abdominal incision. Basically a catheter was inserted where the incision was & "soaked" the area with pain medicine for a few days. I have to say, this was wonderful as I had basically no pain.

I only wish they had used something like that for the 2 incisions I had in my back. That was the WORST PAIN I have ever had in my life.

[dalhousie]

Katie,

I was under the impression you were considering going to Stenum which a lot of people give a good write up but if you're having surgery more locally I can understand you're concerned about your anaesthetic history. You're doing the right thing though by researching the anaesthesia side of things as well as the op itself. I hope you reach a plan you're happy with when it comes to op day.

Good luck with your decision making.

[Katie]

Thanks for those words of wisdom Ruth. Yes, I was originally trying to get to Stenum, but am having great trouble on the insurance end, for either going there or to the wonderful surgeon in NYC because I cannot get out of country insurance coverage.

Thankfully I have recently found a Canadian doctor who does ADR and we seem to mesh well. My greatest concern is the lack of options when I am in the OR. No matter how much we have discussed things, I am ultimately in their hands in there. If they decide to change their minds about our agreement, there is nothing I can do about it at that point.

I hope we can have a frank discussion beforehand about all this, as one of my problems here is having enough consult time in order to get all my concerns in the open.

I think after my last bad reaction, he and the anesthetist may go gently.