What was your experience with recieving an epidural during delivery?… by Ani
My second son is due in November. With my first pregnancy I did not have any pain medication. I don't think I can handle it again but I am curious to see what other people have encountered during their labor while having an epidural. How long did labor last and did you have any side effects? Thanks.
Best Answer:
I had been given pitocin by the doctor to speed up my delivery, and the contractions came so hard and fast and unpredictably that after a certain number of hours I begged for the epidural. I don't remember the pain from the shot… I'm sure it hurt, but the pitocin induced labor was far worse.
The worst side-effect was being unable to move my legs… at all… meaning that I was paralyzed from the waist down and the nurses/hubby/whoever was there had to move me when they wanted me to move. That was very scary. I remember sitting up and feeling like an egg, I couldn't balance at all, there was just no sensation at all.
The funniest moment was when I asked my mom if she would mind hitting the nurse call button, and her seeing the epidural button and thinking that was it (it looked like the old fashioned call buttons…) and she hit that almost 3 times before we figured out what she was doing. Egads I was out of it for a while…
I felt her coming out, and my pushing wasn't interfered with at all (which they worry about with a first baby and medicine.)
My labor lasted about 36 hours if you count from when my water broke. I did close to 20 hours without pain medicine, got the pitocin about 10-12 hours into it. I got the epidural when the contractions/back spasming/etc were 1-5 minutes apart (some were right on top of eachother…. I HATE pitocin) It was horrible.
Afterwards, my back was understandably sore and I had horrible spasms up and down it, but I'm not sure if that was the epidural or just labor. 
However, my baby was very tired and lethargic, and we didn't bond as well immediately not to mention she had a harder time latching for a while at first. Then they gave me a medicine for the pain that went through my milk to her, and that only made it worse. If you're confident in your ability to nurse and nursed your first with no problems, then the rest isn't that bad.
Add: Just a note, in the US, insurance and medicaid and everything has to allow you to stay in the hospital for 2 days after giving birth. Insist on it! Especially if you're getting an epidural, then it's a good idea. I know I will with my next baby.
Powered by Yahoo Answers
What is the name of that over the counter pill for quitting smoking?… by Giana Ro
The one I am talking about is one where you gradually quit smoking. You take the pill each day, then eventually your taste for the cigarettes goes away and you don't want them anymore. You are allowed to smoke while you're taking them (if you so desire, but eventually you won't want to smoke)….Anyone know?
Best Answer:
I am guessing you mean Chantix, if this is the one PLEASE DON'T TRY IT.
I have heard so many horror stories that I can not believe that people would even suggest it as an option.
Check out this link for some such horror stories
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/comment…
Chantix has many side effects. These include nausea (30%), sleep problems (insomnia, nightmares, strange & vivid dreams), constipation, gas and vomiting.
Because Chantix works on the brain there are many cases where people who take the drugs report strange behavioural changes. People have known to become depressed, agitated, aggressive, angry and even suicidal. Some have taken their own life or have died as a result of behavioural changes due to taking Chantix.
Smoking is more of a psychological addiction than a physical one. If you really want to quit you must discover the reasons why you smoke and then eliminate or change these thought processes. Trust me, you do not need to take drugs to achieve this. Once you deal with the psychological side of smoking it makes the quitting process easy.
Visit our site to join our inspirational 12 day e-course. You can also download our free book '36 Powerful Superfoods' to help fight weight gain and start mending damage caused by smoking. For more information and to post your opinion about the products you have tried, visit the following website.
Good Luck and Good Quitting
Powered by Yahoo Answers
Recent Questions
Has anyone heard ANY info on the drug TALWIN and or a replacement for it ?… by Deece
I have not heard anything about the drug being available again what is a good substitute?
Best Answer:
Pentazocine is a synthetically-prepared prototypical mixed agonist-antagonist narcotic (opioid analgesic) drug used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. Pentazocine is sold under several brand names, such as Fortal, Talwin NX (with naloxone), Talwin and Talwin PX (without naloxone) and Talacen (with acetaminophen). It should be noted that this compound may exist as one of two enantiomers, named (+)-pentazocine and (-)-pentazocine. (-)-pentazocine is a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, while (+)-pentazocine is not, instead displaying a ten-fold greater affinity for the sigma receptor. Talwin PX is the main pentazocine pharmaceutical in Canada, where laws and regulations prohibit the addition of naloxone to the formulation for non-therapeutic purposes.
Without knowing your ailment, I cannot suggest an alternative means to address your problem.
Powered by Yahoo Answers
What exactly happens when you are induced?… by Malloo
What do they give you to start you? How long after you get it do things kick off? I may be facing this so I'd like to know whats going to happen. I've learned more from Yahoo than I have from my own doctors
Best Answer:
It depends on the situation, and the state of your cervix going in for the induction.
If your cervix is not ripe (soft, starting to efface), then they will bring you in the night before for a cervical ripening with either a prostaglandin gel, Cervidil, or something similar. They usually leave the med in the vagina overnight, then recheck your cervix in the morning. If the cervix has ripened, then you would be started on an IV drip of pitocin, or have your membranes ruptured if the baby is low enough and you're dilated a few cm, otherwise if your cervix is still not ripe you might need another dose of ripening meds.
Inductions can be a long process if your cervix is not ripe. Many women expect to have their babies within 12-24 hours once the induction starts, and it often takes longer than that - sometimes two to three days in all. So don't get discouraged if this happens to you.
If you aren't learning enough from your doctors, it's your job to be asking questions of them and demanding answers. This process isn't a passive one - you have to participate in your care in order to have control.
Good luck
Powered by Yahoo Answers
What are the benefits or side effects from taking Zoloft?… by hillaryc59
My husband has been depressed and is considering asking a doctor for a prescription for Zoloft.
Now, we've heard both good and not so good things about Zoloft.
I'd appreciate any feedback from anyone out there, including physicians on Zoloft. How long before it starts to take effect or you notice any results. Drug interactions etc.
Thank you!
Best Answer:
Zoloft is an antidepressant and it didn't do much for me.
According to Drugs.com: http://www.drugs.com/zoloft.html
“You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Zoloft is FDA-approved for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is not approved for treating depression in children. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking Zoloft, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor….
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
* seizure (convulsions);
* tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching;
* problems with balance or coordination; or
* agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat.
Less serious Zoloft side effects may include:
* drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
* nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight; or
* decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect….
Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
* tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER, Ultracet);…
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems
What causes uncontrollable shaking and shivering after anesthesia?… by Lies
After my epidural for a ceserean section I had awful shaking and shivering for about an hour or so (it's foggy- but about that long). What caused it? I am getting a general anesthesia for oral surgery in a week and wonder if it will happen again. It was terrible.
Best Answer:
I believe it has to do with the autonomic nervous system. It's very common after anesthesia and also after extreme stress such as a delivery (even without drugs). A small dose of IV demerol will stop it. Many times, a doctor just doesn't think to order something for it since it's common, not harmful, and passes on it's own. Discuss your experience with your doctor before surgery and ask him to leave an order for demerol (or other drug he may choose) if this should occur again.
Good luck, hope this helped…
Powered by Yahoo Answers
What would happen if a boy consumes calcium tablets meant for women?… by Topiwa
A friend of mine consumed Calcium Sandoz tablets meant for women…..He came to know this after consuming nearly all the tablets……what would be the effects of it in him?
Best Answer:
These drugs may interact with calcium salts
How is a Hydrometer used to measure the alcoholic content of something?… by faller2
I know that a hydrometer is used to measure alcoholic content, or proof, but how is this done? Is there an easier way to do this?
Best Answer:
All you need:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrometer
http://leebrewery.com/hydromet.htm
http://www.grapestompers.com/articles/hydrometer_use.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVi4r2lAxx8
Powered by Yahoo Answers
What is the most effective and quickest way to get rid of acne?… by emmyg
im suffocating here 
every time i talk to someone, or make eye contact i feel like they're staring at my blemishes.
i do my best to cover up, and im pretty good at it. but you can still see the texture of my skin.
so please, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Best Answer:
* Aloe vera: there are treatments for acne mentioned in Ayurveda using herbs such as Aloe vera, Haldi (Turmeric) and Papaya. There is limited evidence from conventional medical studies on these products. Products from Rubia cordifolia, Curcuma longa (commonly known as Turmeric), Hemidesmus indicus (known as ananthamoola or anantmula), and Azadirachta indica (Neem) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, but not aloe vera.[37]
* Azelaic acid (brand names Azelex, Finevin and Skinoren) is suitable for mild, comedonal acne.[38]
* Heat: local heating may be used to kill the bacteria in a developing pimple and so speed healing. [39]
* Naproxen or ibuprofen are used for some moderate acne for their anti-inflammatory effect.
* Nicotinamide, (Vitamin B3) used topically in the form of a gel, has been shown in a 1995 study to be more effective than a topical antibiotic used for comparison, as well as having fewer side effects. Topical nicotinamide is available both on prescription and over-the-counter. The property of topical nicotinamide's benefit in treating acne seems to be its anti-inflammatory nature. It is also purported to result in increased synthesis of collagen, keratin, involucrin and flaggrin.[citation needed]
* Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) dissolved in a carrier (5% strength) has been used with some success, where it is comparable to benzoyl peroxide but without excessive drying, kills P.Acnes, and has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory in skin infections.
* Rofecoxib was shown to improve premenstrual acne vulgaris in a placebo controlled study.
* Zinc: Orally administered zinc gluconate has been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne, although less so than tetracyclines.
Powered by Yahoo Answers
Kids' Vaccinations
Dealing with drug side effects - Part 1
How to get a second opinion
How to Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse
Symptoms of Serious Health Conditions
Caregiver Stress
Raising Children, Again
Tips for Talking to Your Doctor
What are cosmetics? How are they different from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?
What is acne?
Menstruation and the Menstrual Cycle
What is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
Stress and Your Health
trinessa side effects
My sister is currently in the geriatic psych...
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
FDA to Post Quarterly Report of Potential Safety Issues
Good Health to Go - Eating Smart at School
Potential Signals of Serious Drug Risks
Matching Genes and Vitamins
How the Arts Affect Your Health
Living with Food Allergies
Saving Your Life Can Be a Race Against the Clock
What Makes Your Head Hurt?
Keeping Off Lost Weight
Are Your Wrists at Risk?
FDA Issues Health Information Advisory on Infant Formula
Hair Dye and Hair Relaxers
What is a mammogram, and why should I have one?
When should women start getting pap tests?
What are the different types of sleep problems?
What is Botox™?
Depression
High Blood Pressure
USE MEDICINES WISELY
High Cholesterol
What are dietary supplements?
LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
Liposuction
Menopause and hormones
Menopause: Medicines to Help You
Cholesterol
Depression
Back Pain
Handout on Health: Osteoporosis
Heart Disease in Women
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
HPV (human papillomavirus)
What is osteoporosis?
Sound Advice About Age--Related Hearing Loss
Alzheimer's: Searching for a Cure
Urinary tract infections
Many adults die from strokes.
Helpful Treatments Keep People With Arthritis Moving
Joint Replacement: An Inside Look
Sound Advice About Age-Related Hearing Loss
When Snoring Isn’t Just Snoring
How Ya Doing?
LASIK: To See or Not To See, That is the Question
Good Reading for Good Eating
'Nutrition Facts' to Help Consumers Eat Smart
'Daily Values' Encourage Healthy Diet
Ingredient Labeling: What's in a Food?
Mirena side effects
Exercising with Gadgets, Gizmos, and Computerized Thingamajigs
Cancer Treatment Scams
Is it Mammogram Time?
Infertility: Part 1 - Diagnosis and Treatment
Antibiotics
Vitamin D
Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age
Hey, Parents: It’s a Noisy Planet
Worried About Plastic Bottles?
Keep Your Kidneys Clear
Watch Out for Kidney Stones
Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays
FDA Warns Bayer About Two Unapproved Aspirin Products
Using Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Products in Children
Is It Really FDA Approved?
How can I use the food label to reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol
What is the difference between 2% milk and skim milk?
Can vegetables prevent cancer?
What are the facts about weight loss?
What are some of the questionable weight loss products?
Do diet programs work?
What are some clues to weight loss fraud?
What are sensible weight maintenance tips?
Why should older people be concerned about nutrition?
What are some tips to reduce fat and cholesterol in my diet?
What are some tips in choosing a snack?
Are there nutritional differences between fresh foods and canned foods?
What are tips for getting more fiber in your diet?
Why is fiber important to your diet?
Study compares year-long effectiveness of four weight-loss plans
Whole Medical Systems: An Overview
An Introduction to Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Study Results
Acupuncture May Help Symptoms of Posttraumatic
Acupuncture Shows Promise in Improving Rates of Pregnancy Following IVF
B Vitamins and Berries and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders
Can We Prevent Aging?
Tai Chi May Help Maintain Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women
Pilot Study Provides New Insight on Effect of Ginkgo Extract on Dementia
Health Quackery: Spotting Health Scams
Aloe Vera
Alopecia Areata
Grape Seed Extract May Help Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's
Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
Kava
Kava Linked to Liver Damage
Lavender
Mind-Body Medicine: An Overview
Self-Hypnosis Beneficial for Women Undergoing Breast Biopsy
St. John's Wort
Valerian
Questions and Answers About Aromatherapy
Astragalus
Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction
Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too
Spinal Manipulation for Low-Back Pain
Bio-Identicals: Sorting Myths from Facts
Bitter Orange
Black Cohosh
Drinking Black Tea Shows No Impact on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE
What Dietary Supplements Are You Taking?
Tips For The Savvy Supplement User:
Tips for Older Dietary Supplement Users
How do I know if I need a dietary supplement?
How can I get more information about a particular dietary supplement
Where can I find information about the use of dietary supplements
Where can I report a complaint about a particular dietary supplement?
Which brand(s) of dietary supplements should I purchase?
How do I know if the supplement that I purchased contains the ingredients
Who is responsible for overseeing the regulation of dietary supplements
Dietary Supplements: Background Information
What's in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements
Botanical Dietary Supplements: Background Information
How To Evaluate Health Information on the Internet: Questions and Answers
Calcium
Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Chromium
Folate
Iron
Vitamin A and Carotenoids
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Zinc
Bilberry
Black Cohosh
Cat's Claw
Chamomile
Chasteberry
Cranberry
Dandelion
Echinacea
European Elder
Evening Primrose Oil
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
Garlic
Ginger
Ginkgo
Asian Ginseng
Goldenseal
Grape Seed Extract
Green Tea
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Horse Chestnut
Licorice Root
Milk Thistle
European Mistletoe
Noni
Peppermint Oil
Red Clover
Saw Palmetto
Soy
Effects of Soy on Health Outcomes
St. John's Wort and Depression
Green Tea
Tea and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
Thunder God Vine
Turmeric
Valerian
Yohimbe
Questions and Answers About Mistletoe
Tips For The Savvy Supplement User
Choosing a Safe and Successfull Weight-loss Program
Key Weight Loss Recommendations
Accessing Your Weight Risk
6 Tips to Avoid Medication Mistakes
Weight Loss programs
FDA Warns Consumers and Retailers of Botulism Risk from Ungutted, Salt-Cured Ale
FDA Requires New Safety Measures for Oral Sodium Phosphate Products to Reduce Ri
December 2008 FDA New Drug Approval Report
FDA Announces Class I Recalls of Two Unapproved Devices
Generic Drugs
What is the difference between prescription drugs and OTC drugs?
Be An Active Member of Your Health Care Team
Think It Through: A Guide to Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines
Tips for Talking with Your Pharmacist
Drug Interactions: What You Should Know
Preventing Serious Drug Interactions
Driving When You Are Taking Medications
As You Age...A Guide to Aging, Medicines, and Alcohol.
Over-the-Counter Medicines: What's Right for You?
Drug Interactions: A Word to the Wise
The best way to take your over-the-counter pain reliever? Seriously.
Aspirin for Reducing Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: KNOW THE FACTS
Five Steps to Safer Health Care
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors in Children
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Part 1
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils General Information
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils History
Aromatherapy and Human/Clinical Studies
Aromatherapy and Adverse Effects
Overall Level of Evidence for Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
An Introduction to Acupuncture
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Energy Medicine: An Overview
Manipulative and Body-Based Practices: An Overview
Insomnia solution
Insomnia a Herbal Remedy
The Sustainable Path
Why Detox?
Different Aspects of Magnetic Mattress Pads
Magnetic Therapy for Pain Relief
Controlling Intestinal Gas Naturally
The Roots Of Alternative Medicine
Relieve PMS With Alternative Treatments
Paying For Alternative Treatments
Natural Remedies For Common Ailments
Blood Pressure Basics
Facts To Know About Perfume
Hair Loss Remedies for Men and Women
Hair Loss in Women, Could Stress Be The Culprit?
Scalp Massage to Improve Hair Loss and Stimulate new Growth
The Truth About Hair Loss
Hair Loss - Tips for Success
Memories and Emotions can Colour our Awareness
Anxiety Treatment With Drugs
Causes of Stress
Top 5 ways to stay calm and reduce stress
A Different Picture Of Heart Disease
Mammograms Are No Joke - They Can Save Lives
Kidney Risk Spurs Warning on Bowel Cleansers
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Diet Pill Warning
Vaccines Licensed for Immunization and Distribution in the US
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Diet Pill Warning
Child Vegetarians
Food Allergies: Reducing the Risks
Understanding Antidepressant Medications
Bipolar Disorder
Can Drug and Food Interactions Be Fatal?
Is It Really FDA Approved?
Urinary tract infections
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Potential Signals of Serious Drug Risks
Dealing with drug side effects - Part 1
Depression Medicines To Help You
Many adults die from strokes.
HPV (human papillomavirus)
Top 5 ways to stay calm and reduce stress
How Do I Find Out if Foods React With Drugs?