My hip op anaesthetic

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi there,

I'm having a THR in 3 weeks time.Told that they are keen to do a spinal with sedation at the clinic I'm booked into rather than a General anaesthetic. I'm a fit and healthy 53 yr old, apart from the hip, obviously.

Feeling very scared that I'm going to hear,smell, see etc too much!!

Anyone else had this?

Thanks x  

2

My husband had a spinal and sedation and did not see or hear a thing. I was so scared that I requested aGA both at preop and on the day. They agreed and I was very relieved, you can only ask

3

Hi, they were the same when I had mine done, I don't know why they were so keen but I went with it. I was so nervous and it was so freezing in the pre op room that I was extremely uncomfortable. However after it worked the op was fine, although I was frozen and shaking afterwards. Then my blood pressure was so low for 24 hours post op that I passed out twice when I lifted my head and was sick as soon as I tried some soup. So next time I'm definitely having the general as I don't want to know anything about it and I haven't had that reaction to a general before..   Might not be the same for you, but that was my experience. Good luck"

4

Btw unlike Maggie's husband I was awake throughout and could hear all the sawing etc!

5

I had a general , they didn't give me a choice . It was great no side effects was eating  half an hour back on ward . Others say spinal was great ax well . 

Good luck

6

Thanks Maggie. Wish I could have spoken to the anaesthatist at my pre assessment rather than on the day of the op!

7

Thanks Penny and OMG. Think you've just confirmed my decision to demand a GA!!

8

Hi there!

I had a spinal, fine for op, but knocked out my ability to wee for 24 hours, and to poo for a week. They said later they should have fitted acatheter but didn't and did to 6 hours post op. Never peed so much in my life, a litre of pee!

I should have thought about it earlier, as I over-react to the dentist.

Anyway, hope you get the evidence and make the right choice for you

Bestest

Mic

9

I did not see an anaesthetist at the preop, just asked the nurse to be sure it was in the notes. Adobe restively forceful when talking to the anaesthetist on the day, and in the anaesthetic room checked with nurse that they were setting up for a GA and not a spinal. Recovered well in at 0830, came round at 1145, lunch at 1300. Good luck and stand yourground

10

I would advise you to go for it.  I too was freaked out about not having general but the epidural was amazing.  I asked for deep sedation and so did not hear smell anything at all.  The best part is that you are still frozen when you wake and that last a few hours so you are pain free for awhile.  I would do it again in a heart beat and actually will when I have the other hip done.  Good luck with your surgery.

11

Hi

Some people are talking about an epidural and a spinal block as if there are one and the same thing.  The epidural means you have a catheter.....I had a spinal block. Basically I sat on the edge of the theatre table while they gave me an injection in my spine {and a light sedatation} I heard noting at all.  I was awake and knew things were happening but didnt really know what ...That must have been the sedation....so just general noise in the theatre. I didnt hear any sawing or any noises, and didnt feel anything at all....I recovered much quicker that with a GA {apparently} and they had me up and walking shortly after it.....no catheter, no bother with the waterworks etc. I've had 2 THR's and they've both been done under a spinal block.  I would recommend this to anyone.  I know we are all different but thats my opinion.

Love

Eileen  UK

12

Hi

I am 6) had spinal block with sedation. Did not see or hear a thing. Due to numbness I was pain free when I came to less than 2 hours later. No sickness and very alert. Yes needed a catheter but 2 others on my ward did not need one. Less dangerous than a GA and I would opt for a spinal every time. Glad I had a catheter as I did not have to make loo trips for 24 hours. Only you can decide. Someone once told me when choosing your surgeon make sure this is only 20% of the decision the other 80% shod be choosing the anaesthetist as he/she is the one that kill you. Voice your concerns and go with an open mind they do not want you to be uncomfortable and want the best for you

13

Hi I was down for a spinal! But had a complete meltdown with anxiety as I was sooooo scared! So they had to give me ga! I would always opt for a ga! As I am very scared! But that's me! You will be OK but please make sure that you have help as you will need it! Regards Amanda

14

Sorry I am 66 not 6)

15

Hi Ann

Nice reply...hope u recovering well.

Must say for someone aged 6 you do write remarkably well!

Mic

X

16

Thanks Isabelle. Sounds good the way you put it!

17

Thanks Eileen x

18

Very true. I've met my surgeon often but not the anaesthetist!!! X

19

Thanks Amanda. I am also veery scared. I've been googling too much!!!!!

20

See what the sleepless nights do to your brain. No nap this afternoon and more energy today think it is due to return of appetite. Hoping sleep will now return. Almost 5 weeks in

Keep happy