Ok, guys...I have a thing about needles. I have had two babies both through c-section and the only thing I was worried about both times was the iv and the spinal tap. I found out today that while in the hospital I will get pain meds in my iv and then a shot in my shoulder at night for pain. I am not scared as much of the pains from surgery as hard as that is to believe as i am of getting the actual iv and the pain med shot. So i guess what i am wanting to know is...how much does the pain shot in the shoulder hurt? I don't really know if the needle thing is as much fear of the pain as some sort of mental fear. I mean... had my stomach cut wide open and a baby taken out so you would think a needle wouldn't be an issue...idk. thanks in advance for the info. Just want to mentally prepare myself. I like to know what to expect lol!

So, there's no getting away from the IV, that's a given. Be sure to let them know how you feel, and ask for what you need (someone to hold your hand, cover the site with gauze, etc.) Yes, they do hurt initially, then you don't feel them anymore, and remember it is not a metal needle in your vein but a pliable tube. As for the pain med, mine was IV Dilaudid, and not just at night. You should not have to receive IM (intramuscular) injections for pain if you have an IV in place and you are needle phobic. Pain Management is a specialty and there are options. You or your family may need to negotiate this. Believe me, I am a nurse, and you are not the only person afraid of needles! How much a shot hurts depends on a lot of things, and the shoulder is not the only place where it can be given.

Good luck, and think beyond the needles to the future that is in store for you!

Most likely you will not be effected all that much. You will still have the effects of the anesthesia in your system. My surgeon had me hooked up to a pain medication via the IV. Honestly, I very rarely pushed the button. Best Wishes