Indecisive about which anaesthetic to have

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Due to have op on hip next month and I'm not sure whether to have a general anaesthetic or epidural. Part of me would like to be knocked out for the whole procedure, but I want to be up and about as quickly as possible.

2

That was not up to me. Totally up to the surgeon, I had an Anterior THR on the Hanna Table, and he wanted me completely out.

3

u dont get the choice, but if you hear anything or are not too happy they can up the juice if the need arises, I had both sides done, first I was out, second I sort of semi consious, best not to have a general, as it takes so long to come round afterwards Epidural is fine and an odd sensation when your legs go numb...Dont worry, it is easier than going to the dentist...Ian +++

4

Hi, I had my THR on Tues 15th. I was going to have the GA but I spoke to my daughter who is a trainee nurse and she told me to go for the Spinal which I did. I also opted for a light sedative to go with it. After having it and before I was given the sedative the anaesthetist said if it was him he would've gone for the spinal. I honestly didn't feel a thing, I can't even remember going in to theatre. I apparently said after having the sedative ' I'm off to the pub now for a pint'! I woke up in recovery about 15-20 mins after surgery and back in my bed after 1/2 hour. 

i was walking on crutches yesterday evening and had a shower and walked around this morning. I believe the spinal has a slightly better recovery rate than the GA but it's ultimately up to you. 

Hope this helps a bit, good luck with the Op,

regards 

Mark

5

I was knocked out with a sedative and had an epidural. I never knew a thing about it until it was over. 

 

6

They encouraged you to have epidural at my hospital but I do know 1 patient was adamant to have a general because of her fears and they did give her one. I had epidural having previously many years ago had general and epidural and you certainly have an initial quicker recovery after the op. I was awake but you do have the choice to be sedated with it if you are worried about hearing and smelling what's going on. You can sense movement in your torso during the op but can't feel any pain at all. I preferred it to the general even though I had initially wanted to be out!

7

That sounds ideal! Thanks Laura

8

thank you that's very helpful. Plenty to think about.

9

Hi Mark, thank you so much for replying. You have definitely helped me make up my mind. Good luck with your recovery.

Steph

10

Thanks Ian

Steph

11

My surgeon liked a light general with a light epidural so that is what I had . Very quick , back on ward , epidural wore off within an hour and I was up on my feet . No sickness etc 

i knew nothing lol

12

hi

I was given choice and went for epidural with no sedation. I took in some headphones and I pod but anaesthetist had Spotify and put the choices to me on his I pod. definitely recommend

maggie

13

I wasn't hiven a choice but had epidural and a light general.  Epidural good as no pain for 12 hours..need a cthaeter though which I had never had but was fine.

​Ali 2

14

I had an epidural and an sedative.  I didn't know anything until I woke up in recovery.  I've had general anesthesia for other operations and I prefer this route.

15

Hi

i was petrified about the epidural as my operations before were all GA. however they like epidurals as they lower the blood pressure and that's what you want when doing an operation of this type. So I said to the anesthetist I don't want to hear it, see it or smell it!  She said she would put a sedative in and she did and I woke up in bed. brilliant! 

Good luck

hilary

16

Thanks Hilary, sounds great.

Steph

17

Hi Loral

I am very keen on the idea of an Anterior procedure as I understand recovery is quicker with less danger of dislocation.

Could you please explain what is the Hanna Table?Where and at which hospital and by which surgeon was your THR carried out?

From an anxious and cowardly potential patient!

Many thanks and best wishes for your own recovery

 Joy 

 

18

dear stephie

I might be one of the few who prefer general anaesthetic.

just take a deep breath and then I wake up.

so far so good. .no bad side effects.no vomiting, no catheter. .

it is all good what ever your decision darling. ..

warm hug

Renee

19

Hi Gloria, Are you in Michigan PM me...

The hana table enables the surgeon to replace the hip through a single

incision, anterior approach without detachment of muscle from the

pelvis or femur. The table allows hyperextension, abduction, adduction

and external rotation of the hip for femoral component placement.

Hope this explains it.

a positioning option not possible with conventional tables. The lack

of disturbance to the lateral and posterior soft tissues provides

immediate stability of the hip after surgery

 

20

Hi Stephie,

I had the spinal block with a sedative for both of mine and they were amazing! Having had several generals over the years for different ops I would go for this option any time!

It has a lot to do with age, general fitness, body size etc which the anaesthetist would rather opt for but its all with your input, whichever way they go. You'll be fine whatever you go for, I'm sure.

Take care.

Ali xx