Would anyone who has had a hystercomy comment on whether it is normal procedure that it is always an epidural please. Information either way has not been given as yet and would like to hear about other experiences.
Hi Emma, i had a hysterectomy last year but i had an general anaesthetic. Each case is different but with an epidral it should help you to recover quicker than being put to sleep. How are you having it removed i.e keyhole or a cut in your stomache? Either way it is a big operation and they will give you painkillers after make sure you take them. You should allow yourself plenty of time to recover get has much rest as possible, no lifting, no washing, no ironing put your feet up and rest rest rest. I hope everything goes ok.
I had a hysterectomy with a G A and keyhole surgery and, apart from the painkillers admistered after the operation I never took any others. My surgeon said to give it 10 days before driving and just not to lift anything heavy. After a couple of days I did short walks etc and because I live alone I had to do all my household chores. I did sleep a lot, and fatigue was pretty awful but generally I was fine.
I must admit I have never heard of a hysterectomy with an epidural. Please let us know how you get on andif they do, in fact, do this procedure.I
Thanks for replying Pauline. I read on line (the dreaded place of course) about people who had had an epidural and it made me wonder if this was the normal way of doing things.I am pleased to hear, so far, that it is not. Phew!
Just following on from what others have said. My Mum had her hysterectomy some time ago and it was also by GA. However there was another lady on the ward who had an epidural procedure (very early days in this being an available option I think). In her instance it was because having a GA would have been of higher risk due to other medical problems so think this may where the difference lies. Good luck with the procedure. My Mum was advised not to do any heavy lifting for around six weeks and was back to full time work by then (all be it a sitting down job). Best regards Jules
Thank you for posting a question. I am one of the nurses and Lucie our moderator wondered if we might like to reply.
I think most women would have a general anaesthetic ( GA) when having a hysterectomy. But if someone was very nervous about having a GA, or if their anaethetist felt that health problems would put them at risk of complications, then an epidural would be considered.
I am back after a hysterectomy with a GA. Thank goodness. Managed to have keyhole surgery too.
Slow progress with tiredness, but improving each day. No pain relief required after day 3. But, the wind. Oh the wind. Who knew that was so painful. Nothing helped. Then a brainwave, gripe water for babies. Wonderful stuff. Worked a treat.
Hi i had a total hysterectomy and vaginal cuff and finally after a long chat with the Gyni and gave valid reasons why i wanted an epidural i had one. I had my op at 9.30 and was having tea and toast three hours later. I went home after 2 days. Highly reccommend it
