epidural vs. general anesthesia

[Briza]

Has anyone ever had a hydrodistention performed using an epidural instead of general anesthesia?
The anesthesiologist gave me the option, said the epidural had fewer risks, but since my doctor had said it would be under general and hadn't mentioned epidural, I went with the general. I did overhear while I was waiting for the surgery, however, that most of the other patients waiting for below the waist procedures were using the epidural.
It would be good to hear from anyone who has had a hydrodistention with an epidural and how it compares to general anesthesia.
Thanks in advance.

[ICLori]

I've only used epidurals for my hydrodistentions, although I did use general anesthesia for an endometriosis operation.

I would MUCH rather have an epidural. I HATE HATE HATE HATE general anesthesia.

I hate it because 1) I get sick to my stomach from it afterwards and 2) it makes my throat sooo sore and scratchy and dry feeling, and I feel hungover the rest of the day from it or something.

An epidural is so cool. You don't pass out, you can stay awake if you want, you don't feel a thing - all around great experience.

If I am ever given any choice in what anesthesia to use, I will pick an epidural every single time, no fail.

Blessings, Lori

[Rosalie]

I had my cysto/hydro done with an epidural in Dec. I have always reacted badly to general anesthetics, affects my stomach. Because I had a operation 18mths ago to repair a hiatus hernia, I can't vomit so it was recommended that I use the epi.
I also asked for something to keep me calm. No probs! except that I was feeling so great, I forgot to ask questions during the procedure.
The only thing is that it takes a few hours to wear off and you can't feel anything.
The hospital wouldn't let me go until I had had a pee. I kept going to the toilet but said nothing was happening until I realized that I just couldn't feel it!
I found it difficult to walk for quite a while and had to be helped to the car. I kept singing "Lean on Me" to my hubby but he wasn't amused. I think that people we passed in the street thought I was drunk. As if!
Rosalie

[ICNDonna]

I choose spinal anesthesia for hydrodistentions. I get horribly nauseated with general anesthesia, plus I hate the sore throat from intubation.

Donna

[callie0767]

i had always done general(as least 5-6 ) times but just in october i had an epidural. i never had trouble with the general and was a little scared of the epidural but it was fine. the anesthesiologist ended up re-dosing the epidural too much and was numb until midnight and stayed overnight in the hospital which was a first for me. a little scary to be numb but otherwise not bad. its a personal choice for everyone to make with their doctors advice. it was interesting to be awake for the first time and see my bladder live rather than pictures. it all depends on how you tolerate a general.