At the hospital today I was told that often on a second knee op they don't sedate unless the patient requests it, because they've had the first op so roughly know what's what and tend to be less anxious. I'm quite happy to be awake while they're doing the op BUT my only worry is IS IT COLD?????? I know they put a heat filled tube over me before I zonked out last time but don't know if it's even colder in theatre than the room outside where I 'lost awareness'. I quite fancy being awake, but don't fancy being cold LOL! I found out the reason why it's cold in the room before the theatre - bugs don't multiply so fast in colder areas! It's to keep infection down.
Yes, operating theatres are cold! But I had a lovely heated air blanket on when I had a TKR recently, with a spinal and light sedation. I hate being cold and was miffed I could not keep that heated cover when back in recovery.
You are usually kept warm as it is better for the body while under the stress of surgery. So, all should be well. If concerned about hearing anything you don't want to hear, I guess you could ask to take music and headphones. If very nervous, surely they would give light sedation. A nervous patient will have higher blood pressure etc and they will not want that. Mild sedation was fine for me, relaxed and sleepy though awake enough to be able to talk to the staff.
Good luck for your procedure!
Cynthia - thank you! That was just what I wanted to know:-)))) I'm quite happy hearing what's going on (I'd watch it if I could!), but that sounds ideal. If I wanted sedation, light or heavy, I can just ask for it - it's up to me, apparently:-)))) I'm not nervous about the surgery at all - that bit isn't my problem LOL! Many thanks - just waiting for the date now which I should hear within the next week or so. It's likely to be 8 - 12 weeks:-))))
No way! Cant even REMOTELY imagine this. ...
LOL! But then I'd guess you might not be keen on watching it on you tube? LOL! I'm not squeamish at all - was delighted many years back when my dentist let me watch a root canal being done in my mouth. My husband wanted to watch his carpal tunnel op being done but they wouldn't let him!
I watched my sigmoidoscopy last week!
Hi Chris, Imhad my right knee done in November, no sedation - was given the warm air blanket (I dont usually like being hot as I'm always hot anyway but it was lovely and cosy! Operation was absolutely fine, like you I would have watched it if I could as I find it fascinating. All the best - you will be warm.
You guys are bigger people than I 😳 I would not want to be awake. Good luck though.
It's fastinating stuff!:-)))))
Aha - thanks Jan - you've reassured me! I'll go for it:-))))))
It's probably just that I want to keep an eye on them Suzanne LOL!
Never heard of anyone being conscious during a TKR. Not what I'd want to experience. Good luck!
There have been others on here Lyn, who have been conscious. I remember someone saying it was awfully boring and they kept watching the clock. I'll be wanting to know what's going on at each stage to see if it matches what I saw on you tube. They'll probably shove a sedative in to me to shut me up LOL!
If you do decide to stay conscious some notes so you can tell us all about it here afterwards Chris!
It is indeed, saw the inside of my bladder as well.
They knocked me out for my knees :-(
Will do!:-))))) I'll go in with my notepad and pen LOL!
How amazing to see that! (I'm assuming all was well though!?????). My vet let me watch two cats being neutered once - that was fascinating too. Anything medical fascinates me really and I like to look it all up and learn as much about it as possible.
Me too! Second one looked like being on the moon landing, sig, well ok till they removed a polyp, instruments looked gigantic.
I bet! But how wonderful to see it! I wonder if they'll let me bring my knee home LOL!
I made the mistake of watching a knee replacement on utube. Didn't watch it all. Scared me half to death. I insisted on general anesthesia for my surgery. I even asked to be sedated before I went to the operating room. You are very courageous!