Are you editing field characteristics from the Field List or fields in records?
If Field Characteristics - filter your field list and then use the right-mouse to open the field in a new window so that you are making the changes and leaving your "list" in a static window.
If Records - create a custom report showing only the fields you need to edit and then use Grid Edit. If Search & Replace works - you could use that with the right filtering.
Finally, if Records - export a report of fields to excel with your Key Field (usually Record ID#) out and then make the updates in Excel and import the data back into the table.