Question 1

does a epidural hurt ?

Accepted Answer

Not very much!: The anesthesiologist will use local anesthesia to numb the area where the epidural needle will be inserted.  If you are having the epidural for surgery or pain management, you may also receive some sedation or IV pain medication at the same time to help you relax.  When an epidural is placed for labor or c-section, usually sedation is not given.  If needed, ask for more local anesthesia!

Question 2

can men have an epidural?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Epidural steroid injections for problems in both cervical and lumbar spines can be employed to quell pain, and control discogenic issues.  No sexual restrictions.

Question 3

can epidural cause a parralise?

Accepted Answer

It should not: An epidural injection or catheter should not cause paralysis.

Question 4

what is safer--general or epidural?

Accepted Answer

Depends on situation: Both general anesthesia and epidural anesthesia have risks and benefits. In obstetrics, epidural anesthesia has a long record of safety for labor and c-section. In other types of surgery, general anesthesia may be preferable for a number of reasons. Consult an anesthesiologist for information about your specific situation. Both types of anesthesia are safe in experienced hands.

Question 5

how does an epidural affect your back?

Accepted Answer

Blocks pain response: Works well during labor and delivery to decrease pain, and can be used well to control symptoms from a lumbar nerve compression (radiculopathy).  Unfortunately temporary, but can help diagnostic management, in both cases.

Question 6

can i use an epidural when i have kids?

Accepted Answer

Most do: Ask your OB doctor.  Most deliveries now include an epidural for pain management.

Question 7

what can be used instead of an epidural?

Accepted Answer

Depends: On what the epidural was offered for. See your doctor who examined you and treated you for an answer.

Question 8

what are the chances of epidural failure?

Accepted Answer

Low: Epidural anesthesia is used for a wide variety of procedures: labor and delivery, steroid relief of neurological symptoms, as a diagnostic aid, and for comfort during many different kinds of general surgery. Rarely does an initial placement of anesthesia require a re-placement. But, it does sometimes. Your provider will want to assure your comfort before proceeding. Not to worry!

Question 9

what does an epidural actually feel like?

Accepted Answer

Like an injection: The epidural injection is often done with some mild sedation so there should not be significant pain or discomfort during the procedure. When the needle is introduced or the medication is injected, you may feel increased pain in your extremity which is usually temporary. The medication may take up to 1 week to take effect and decrease your pain.

Question 10

will i feel any pain if i have an epidural?

Accepted Answer

No: The best epidurals are when the patient is not experiencing pain but is still able to push effectively. The anesthesia provider will work with you to get your pain under control, but the amount of pain relief can vary from person to person. Sometimes patients are not pain free. Sometimes patients are so numb they can not push very well.

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Doctor answers about:

Epidural

A member asked:

Does a epidural hurt ?

A member asked:

Can men have an epidural?

A member asked:

Can epidural cause a parralise?

A member asked:

What is safer--general or epidural?

A member asked:

How does an epidural affect your back?

A member asked:

Can i use an epidural when i have kids?

A member asked:

What can be used instead of an epidural?

A member asked:

What are the chances of epidural failure?

A member asked:

What does an epidural actually feel like?

A member asked:

Will i feel any pain if i have an epidural?

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