Abdominal surgery epidural and pain med questions

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I have read several pages of your posts and respect your professional demeanor, as well as your obvious knowledge.

I'm scheduled for a total abdominal hysterectomy, possibly BSO as well, depending on what condition the ovaries are in.

I'm trying to educate myself enough to speak intelligently with my surgeon and anesthesiologist and would appreciate your input. I would also like to have Plan B (and maybe Plan C) on my chart as backup before someone has to be called.

I am unable to take morphine, codeine or anything even remotely related. I also have a very strong reaction to epinephrine. I've also become allergic to most antibiotics I've been given. My primary care says we're down to just one or two now.

My pain plan so far, is ON Q placed in the OR, along with Toradol IV. My understanding is the epidural itself is usually something like Fentanyl, sometimes mixed with other drugs. Obviously I'll have to pass on the Astromorph dose just before the epidural is removed. I'm hoping the ON Q plus Toradol will be sufficient for the after-surgery pain.

I welcome any suggestions or comments as to what else might be good alternative choices in view of my limitations listed above. Of course, I will discuss everything with my doctors and make a joint decision with them, but appreciate any education you can provide. Thanks a lot.

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