Remifentanil??

[k4th]

Just wondered if anyone has any experience with this?

Apparently it was introduced after my first was born in our local hospital - but is still used very sparingly as a choice after both pethodine & epidural.

I have a medical condition meaning I'm advised against pethodine & may not be able to choose an epidural depending on factors on the day of birth that I have no control over.

I just used gas & air with my first & hope to do the same again. But as it looks like remifentanil is my back up - I'm just looking for some stories /experiences of it.

Thanks

 

[Gucci1owner]

I had Remifentanil with my first child. Got to say it didn't do anything for me.

I spoke to an anaesthetist a couple of weeks ago regarding my pain management this time, he told me that Remifentanil is similar to co-codamol and is not very strong. I didn't know that at the time.

If you have been taking co-codamol for pain relief such as for PGP or back trouble, it will be even less effective. It is an instant relief for pain but it does not take the "pain away."

I found with it being a pump device (you control it) I couldn't use it once to got to a certain point when I was it too much pain to search for the "clicker." I gave up at 10pm and I had my baby at 3.15am with what I found out is now, zero pain relief (I was induced.)

The specialist said that if a patient finds co-codamol very effective in day to day settings then it should be ok, but an epidural is the only way to eliminate the pain.

Hope that helps!

 

[k4th]

That's great! Thanks so much for replying!!

I don't ever really take any pain relief except the very occasional paracetamol - and that's probably only a couple of times a year total. Very interesting to know what your anaesthetist said though.

When are you expecting your next one? Just out of interest - what would you ideally want next time for pain relief? Just curious

 

[Maggs]

I used it with my first. If you are giving birth in a midwifery suite, you'll have to be moved to the medical side for this drug so if that matters to you, keep that in mind. I was at transitional stage so was desperate for something more than gas & air but in the end I found it didn't make much difference and it just made me feel a bit spaced out, like I had been drinking. I had no after effects though so it was better than an epidural because I'm petrified of that. I think if you already have pethidine, you can't use the remyfetinal after that.

 

[Gucci1owner]

Hi,
I'm actually having an elected c-section.... TOMORROW! I'm scared but I have Pelvic Girdle pain plus I've been told by the anaesthetists that it will be a far nicer and calmer experience.

Yes, the Rmifentanil does mean that you are in the delivery ward and not a nice "homely" environment plus it does make you spaced out but not really relieved of the pain. I was opting for an epidural this time, but the PGP has overtaken this choice.

Good luck with your labour and birth, it will be fine!

 

[k4th]

Had my little boy last night with no time for remifentanil!! Just used gas & air!!

Good luck with your section tomorrow gucci1owner!

 

[Gucci1owner]

Brilliant news!! Congratulations!! So lovely to hear everything went well!