A friend of mine is having a repeat c/s tomorrow and we were talking a few weeks ago about recovery and things like that. She said her dr said she could get a walking epidural from the time she checked in to the time she checks out!!! Can you have an epidural in for 3 days??? Plus a walking epidural cannot possibly be enough anesthesia for surgery. It sounds very wierd and kind of creepy to me, but she thinks its the greatest thing ever.

I don't know if it's really allowable - but it's certainly a bad idea! The best way to recover quickly from a c-section is to get moving. Pain relief is great and all, but there are much better ways than a continuous epidural. I hope your friend is just misunderstanding things.

sounds like she misunderstood her physician... I don't believe an anesthesiologist would leave an epidural catheter in her spinal space for any longer than absolutely necessary because of the risk of infection.

She is probably referring to an iv pain management technique, though, which they quite possible will provide her with.

peaceful birthing vibes to your friend...

warmly,
claudia

Actually, Turboclaudia, an epidural is NOT in the spinal space, spinal canal, spinal fluid, or anywhere in the spine itself. It is in the epidural space that is closer to the outside of your body.
Epidurals were originally used for postoperative and intraoperative pain control for sugery anywhere on the body below the spine. Once doctors figured out that it could be used for labor and delivery, it became very popular.
I worked on a medical/sugical floor prior to labor and delivery, and epidurals were used ALL THE TIME! Most often we would see them used for very painful procedures such as major abdominal sugery, knee and hip replacements etc... and YES they can be left in for a total time of 72 hours before they must be changed. They actually provided excellent pain control, while still allowing patients to be up walking and moving.
THe pain medication given through the epidural can be changed and altered for whatever pain level it is needed for. In labor, lidocaine is added to increase the 'numbness' that women feel. With this drug, an epidural can be used for sugery such as c/s or whatever.
In a 'walking' epidural, usually just fentanyl is used, a pain reliever, but not a numbing agent. After sugery for say a knee replacement, a fentanyl epidural could be in place allowing for immediate movment of the new joint.. with no pain. Also, an epidural is a running infusion that can be increased or decreased as needed and the patient is not left with a sedated mind, or the systemic effects of IV or by mouth narcotic use.
I however, have NEVER seen this used for post operative c/s for 3 days!! For a scheduled repeat c/s, most anesthesiologists much prefer a spinal. Less medication is needed to give a good numb feeling. Also a spinal is easier for them to place and provides more consistent pain control.
I have taken care of soooo many c/s in my 6 years on L+D, and have found in my experience, that moms do just great with oral pain medication after sugery. We get them up out of bed 6-8 hours after surgery. They are given percocet by mouth, and are weaned off as soon as they can tolerate it.
I just don't see a need for that magnitude of pain control for 3 days!
I bet that this person misunderstood this doctors comment. I am sure he was trying to be funny and sarcastic. Technically, it is true that an epi could stay in that long.. but not needed!
Also, in terms of infection.. an epidural is no different than an IV line, or any invasive line. Pretty much the standard for any invasive line is 72 hours and then it must be changed. Again, an epidual does not go into the spine, so you are not introducing germs right into the spinal canal! In actuality, an IV is more invasive IMO, since it goes directly into your bloodstream!

If your friend is so keen on no pain/less pain, tell her to have a natural birth
unless it is a medical reson. but a repeat cb is not a "medical" reason
I was up and in the shower in 20 mins and no pain :thumb

tell her to have a natural birth


HAHAHAHAHAH yeah right. I tried to talk her into a VBAC early on but you know, "it's so dangerous"...I didnt have the energy to argue with her. Her OB saved her baby's life you know, so she trusts her fully. Even though her OB told her that after 40 weeks apparently people with previous c/s are just rupturing all over the place. :eyesroll

Good grief, get a new DR! My DR is great and mentioned VBAC to me before I could even bring it up. I'm excited to have my all natural VBAC and I don't plan on rupturing. ;)