Type of anaesthetic
Posted , 10 users are following.
Two problems needing help please:
I sometimes have pain down the whole of my leg, especially the outside below the knee. Is there any way of knowing if this is due to the hip or back, as both are dodgy?
I am due for a hip replacement on 9 June and the bit I have been scared stiff of is getting in the skin to start it. I felt I could only cope with a general anaesthetic but could not persuade him to give me anything other than a local. Please can anyone help?
1 like, 16 replies
Guest Herbo
Posted
I had nerve pain in the buttock, back of knee and outside of leg below the knee and have since had a total hip replacement (nearly 14 weeks ago). I still have the pain on the outside of the leg above the ankle, not as often, and doesn't last for very long and tends to occur if I do too much or move my leg out to the side. I still have some swelling from my ankle to hip so hoping the pain is associated with the internal swelling. Saying that I do have issues with my back: OA, bulginging discs, curvature, but as the nerve pain has decreased from down the leg to above the ankle only, I am hopeful that the pain was from the hip.
The surgeon who performed the operation only uses general anaesthetics, so I had no choice.
renee01952 Herbo
Posted
Not sure how to answer your first question ... You are scheduled to have THR on June 9, so I am assuming that your hip is bad -
What is your diagnosis ?
Interesting ... I know that local, epidural etc. is preferred however I was free to choose and preferred general and got it, twice ...
I don't think anybody can do something against your will ...
please have a look at
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147, scroll down to
the web site created by one of our members, Graham, aka Rocketman - you will find a chapter explaining the difference between them ...
Welcome to this forum -
big warm hug
renee
suzie56 Herbo
Posted
I do have bulging discs and was worried I wouldn't be able to have the spinal but this wasn't an issue for the anethasist. After about 4 weeks my back start to readjust to new posture and still is 7 weeks on but is getting better - not disc pain, just across the bottom of the back, I am sure this is due just to bad posture pre op to deal with the pain. Hope this brings you some reassurance it really was a breeze for me and so glad all the worry came to nothing. This is my experience and others may have had a different experience.
tony68114 Herbo
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linda38528 Herbo
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The pain could be many things but many of us have problems with our IT band which runs from the hip down on the outside of the leg to just past the knee. When pain restricts our movements and activity levels for extended periods, it is not unusal for this band of connective tissue to tighten up get very very painful. Check this out with your PT as it can be resolved fairly easily but needs concerted effort with some simple exercises (a quick Google will identify plenty as well).
Good luck with your operation - don't sweat it. It will be over before you know it and a chat with your anaesthetist will help - s/he can give you something to calm you and I think conscious sedation is used quite commonly now. If so, you won't remember a thing.
A THR is a big operation but it gets rid of the bone-on-bone pain right away although the pain from the operation and tissues affected by it will 'complain' in various ways after. This period is not fun but soon over and one can usually see progress gained each day - even when it is miniscule. Just be committed to the exercise/activity routine recommended by your surgeonand PT and a good high-protein diet post-surgery and that will help immensely. A physician friends also suggested protein shakes or meal supplements (Ensure, etc) if you don't have a good appetite. And ... lots of water and enriched fluids to keep your electolytes in balance.
Good luck with everything and don't be shy to come back for a chat if you need 'company' or advice. This forum is supper at that as our membership crosses several continents, so someone is usually on-line.
L
Rocketman_SG6UK Herbo
Posted
I opted for no sedation, and was wondering when the surgeon would 'get going', when I heard him say "so that's his hip dislocated now" - he had not only opened up my leg, but had managed to dislocate the joint without me feeling a thing.
Just ask for maximum sedation, you'll be fine.
Graham - 🚀💃
Herbo Rocketman_SG6UK
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Rocketman_SG6UK Herbo
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Herbo Rocketman_SG6UK
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9th June it is!
Rocketman_SG6UK Herbo
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Graham
bini31328 Herbo
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its hard to say re the pain and you probably wont know till you heal from your hip op to be honest.
The spinal/ epidural involves momentary discomfort - honest. I opted for being 'proper unconcious' as well by choice , but i know a large number of people who had light sedation and had no memory of the op - im a nurse and used to work in orthopaedics so have seen the op being done on people - usually very drowsy and mumbling away to the anaethetist about their holidays so please dont worry - you certainly wont feel them cutting your skin if that is what is worrying you . Do have a chat with your anaethetist before the op and they will do their best to reassure you , I promise - they want it to be a positive experience as well as a safe one for you. Big hug xxx
Herbo bini31328
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Jacquijill79 Herbo
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i am recovering from thr two weeks ago.
i was disturbed to think about a spinal and sedation method as I have only had general before with no problems.
i opted for a general even though I was told it would hurt more afterwards.
they were correct......in recovery I had much pain, much morphine and was
subsequently very sick afterwards.
all the other patients in the ward had the spinal to numb below the waist and a full sedation to get completely knocked out and had no problems whatsoever, recovered their senses immediately with less pain.
On reflection I know which one I will choose for the other leg! Hope this helps.
linda38528 Herbo
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L
Herbo linda38528
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