TRAM and Thoracic Epidural

I had had a choice, I would have demanded the thoracic epidural. I did not know they could do one. YES get it! You will need it, hopefully it can be in for a few days...ASK that question. I did a bilateral tram.

Hope all goes well!

Deb

Hi

I had a bilateral mastectomy and tram last year. I was offered the spinal for pain management,but, I did not do it for a couple of reasons. I needed the meds to help me relax. They told me if they gave me that as a pain mgmt option, then, I could not take anything else, including zanax, etc. For me, I needed the meds to help me cope as much as for the pain. I was in the hospital for 8 days, both my lungs collapsed at the bottom, which is not uncommon when you lay on your back for a time as I did.

I loved my demerol pump. It was perfect. If I had to turn over, I clicked it first and could manage. The thought of being numb was not a good one for me. It was ok when I had a baby, but, not for days. I think that would bother me.

Good luck. Before you know it, you will be past this part and on your way to better health and days.

Jan

docholly said:

I am scheduled for bilateral TRAM on 2/24. I consulted with a pain management physician because I have difficulty taking medications like morphine (they make me throw up). He recommended that I request a thoracic epidural. They can dose the epidural so that you experience "pins and needles" rather than a complete lack of sensation below the block. The pain guy recommmended that I use a combination of the epidural, lower doses of opiates (delivered via the pump) and acupuncture (both for pain management and nausea). That's my plan. Incidently, I don't know of any reason why you can't combine medications like xanax with an epidural should one need an antianxiety medication or a sleeping pill. If I'm coherent enough after surgery, I'll let you know how it goes.

I can't say exactly why, but, the anesthesiologist told me the I could not have anything else on top of the epidural. She said that the epidural was delivering a med that I could not have anything on top of. That really was a deciding factor for me. Perhaps what I was offered and what you are going to do are different things. I just know that I knew I was going to be nervous and upset and that I wanted the zanax and the klonipin if I needed them and she said no. I, too, do not do well with morphin, it makes me itch like crazy, but, I do with demerol. The pump was a God send. Good luck. Jan