has anybody got any advice on whether to choose between the epidural injection or the general anesthetic for my hopefully soon upcoming hip replacement surgery ? thanks
Hi. generaly anaesthesist s make an Spinal Anesthesia and Lombar Plexus block for the post op analgesia ( some time sedation if thepatient d ont want to hear any things or if stressed)if the patient condition permitted it
I had my left hip replaced on dec. 5. and had the spinal and was sedated as well. it went fine I was asleep did not feel or hear anything and recovered quite well. the weeks you are waiting before surgery are stressfull due to you are over thinking the whole procedure I can relate to this. They told me the spinal is better there is less blood loss and you recover better due to the fact you are breathing on your own during the procedure, I didn't need a blood transfusion they said my blood loss was very low. Im now 3 weeks post surgery and i feel good, still have some pain mostly muscle related been doing therapy and walking without any aids most of the time, hip joint pain is completely gone! Hang in there don't over think it too much you will be fine they are good at this procedure.
Merry Christmas Betty...what a gift you are getting as we all have received.
I opted for the general, I'm TOO chicken for some reason they don't give me enought sedation and besides I was too afraid I would hear or feel something...as you can see I'm a BIG chicken....Here in Toronto 99% of the time they want you to have the epidural and only if you have no other health problems, etc. will they give you a general...so I got lucky....I had no problem coming out, so I think it is a personal choice whatever makes you feel most comfortable is the right decision.
Wishing you much luck in your recovery, I'm 5 months post of my right hip and did not have any pain or complications (yes one of the lucky ones)....let 's hope my luck continues next summer when I get the left hip done.
Patricia from Toronto
I had an epidural for my THR and it was wonderful 
. I went down to theatre at 9am and woke up in Resus at 10:30 and I never went back to sleep again (well until the next night!). For previous operations, I had spent the day of the op going in and out of conciousness - this time around I felt normal as soon as I woke up - mind you it took a while before I could feel my legs again! I would always choose an epidural if given the option .
Betty,
I am 12 wks post minimally invasive THR. I had the spinal and sedation. I didn't hear or see anything and woke up right after the surgery. I was still in the operating room, in fact, ready to be transfered to recovery. I was really worried about this as well, I was scared to death I was going to be awake, but now I wouldn't have it any other way. Just make sure they offer sedation with the epidural. I have heard of people chosing to be awake. Yikes!
Good luck,
Kathee
Hi Betty, I had my THR 2 weeks ago. It is generally accepted that an epidural & sedation is preferable to GA. Recovery is quicker with less likelihood of complications. I never heard or felt a thing & an hour after the op I was back on the ward with a cup of tea & sandwiches. Go for it you will not regret it. All the best for Christmas & the New Year.
Hi Betty
I've had 2 THR's and had neither an epidural or an anaesthetic.
I had a spinal block and light sedation....it was great
GA it takes a long time for you to come round and get moving so I would say the epidural {although I havent had one} but if they dont offer the spinal injection thats your next best bed
Love
Eileen UK
I had the epidural and it was much better then being put totally under. I woke up feeling alert.
I had anterior replacement 12 days ago. I asked for epidural but it was explained to me that my own surgeon preferred that I was up early from the surgery and that it takes a while with the epidural to be able to feel the leg and walk. I don't like General anaesthetic but it was not long lived. They gave me an anti nausea patch and I was up almost as soon as I woke up. In fact Foley catheter was removed in the afternoon and I was out of bed using the restroom...I had a light liquid based diet that day and slept well that night using pain meds supplied and in the morning I had a light breakfast followed by pain meds and physio before being discharged in the afternoon. My stay was 36 hours.
hi betty
i had my THR in april and i had a GA, i wasnt able to have epidural due to back. however i had my operation on the friday was up on the saturday walking on zimmer frame and the crutches. on the sunday was discharged from the hospital, it was a very short stay but everything went very well.
my advice is talk it thru with your surgeon as he is the expert and will advise you. wishing you lots of luck for your upcoming operation and wishing you a very speedy recovery.
let me know when you have had operation
all the best and a very happy new year
denise