Re: Nasty epidurals!
cairns_vl@mercer.edu
Fri, 29 Mar 1996 08:26:34 -0500 (EST)
I think the success of epidurals depends greatly on the anesthesiologist
you have. Two friends of mine had BAD epidural experiences. I
delivered at the same hospital just a few weeks later and had a different
anesthesiologist and I swear that the epidural was one of the best things
I have EVER had in terms of medical care. The anesthesiologist was calm,
patient, caring and explained everything he was doing to me very clearly.
I was practiacly hysterical with pain at the time and he managed to calm
me down enough to get the needle placed correctly the first time. I then
had this magical little pump on my pillow to administer the meds a little
at a time 'til Katie was born. I had labored off and on for nearly 3 days
and had had MUCH trouble dilating (3 days to get to 4 cm!), but after the
edipural, I was able to relax enough for my body to take care of the
dilation and Katie was born a mere 6 hours later.
So, not everyone has a nasty experience with epidurals. I rate it as one
of the best decisions I ever made. But I do understand that many people
have bad luck with them.
Virginia Cairns (912) 752-2102 office
Reference, Interlibrary Loans and (912) 752-2252 fax
Electronic Resources Librarian
Mercer University Main Library cairns_vl@mercer.edu
Macon, GA 31207