Re: Re: To Anyone Who Can Help Answer This Concern

[Guest guest]

,

The epidural works to block the ascending pain impulses to the brain during

surgery. This apparently means that the brain has less pain memory to use

when interpreting the post op pain. Research indicates that this results in

less pain post op. And yes, there are many great combos of meds given via

epidural that can be less sedating. Patients need to discuss their

wants/concerns with their anesthesiologist and surgeon.

Medicine is changing so fast that keeping up is impossible. We each have our

little area of interest or expertise and have a general idea about other

stuff. I learn something new here all the time. I thought about expanding my

scope of practice to include a pain specialty. But I really don't want to

deal with the FDA and the junkies.. rotten, huh. Still awaiting that

substance P blocker. The magic pain pill.

Re: Re: Re: Re: To Anyone Who Can Help Answer This

Concern

>

> In a message dated 12/17/00 2:19:22 PM, duodenalswitchegroups writes:

>

> << My information is based on the current literature, pain control as a

>

> professional (and personal) interest, and discussions with other medical

>

> professionals. Over the past 2 years much research and innovation has

been

>

> going on in the use epidurals for other than anesthetics.

>

>

> I can come up with lots more references.. and am willing to do so off list

>

> if anyone wants to do that-- not sure it matters to most of the 800+

people

>

> on this list. Right now my 9 year old granddaughter insists that I put up

>

> the Holiday Village with her. She thinks medline searches are boring..

so

>

> what can I do? Off to put up the village.

>

>

> More later.. hope this helps.. you had me thinking I was hallucinating

there

>

> for a minute.. (well who knows, maybe I was...lol)

>

> >>

>

> I am sure there has been much innovation in the field and I would never

> claim to be a professional on the subject. But, when an epidural is

> administered, it is not always narcotic in nature (although the sources

you

> quoted do mention morphine in particular). It's advantages are that it

> acts as a local anesthetic, and provides pain relief as such.

>

> I will check to see what the actual makeup of the epidural is that each

person

> will receive -- whether it is morphine or other meds. It would be

> interesting

> to see if the morphine epidural does have the same sedating effects

because

> every experience I've read about someone having an epidural with the

surgery

> have been positive in that the person was more mobile immediately after

> surgery.

> They were not as sedated as someone who received a morphine pump or IV

meds

> directly into the bloodstream (if the epidural wasn't kinked, was working

> properly and/or

> the person did not experience a headache/nausea from it -- which can be a

side

> effect of an epidural).

>

> I would not necessarily want a morphine epidural because morphine does not

> work for me well -- that is why I would chose an epidural over a pump in

the

> first place.

> If they had a pump with a narcotic that would reduce my pain enough,

believe

> me

> I would chose that (less invasive) anyday over a needle being stuck in my

> back!

>

> Got to read some of the resources - interesting. But, once again, I do

not

> think all epidurals are composed of morphine??? If so, thanks for the

> warning! I'll insist on other stuff! LOL

>

> all the best,

>

> laparoscopic BPD/DS with gallbladder removal

> Dr. GAgner, Mt. Sinai, NYC

> January 25, 2001

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

i'm going to be sorry i did this, but hey,knowledge is power, and

power is corrupting, live dangerously-(G)

deb

http://www.virtual-anaesthesia-textbook.com/

have at it people, more than you ever want to know