Posted , 14 users are following.
I'm having a THR at the end of this month and have been told that they will be using an epidural as my anaesthetic. Has anyone else had this and experienced any pain or discomfort during the surgery? I'm really worried about being awake and hearing bone crunching and drilling!!
0 likes, 34 replies
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dpedronwestie Gemini8
Posted
I had my most recent THR in Aug 2016 in NYC at the Hospital for Special Surgery the #1 orthopedic hospital in the US. My surgeon did this with epidural instead of general anesthesia. It was amazing. You go into the OR in twilight sleep, so I remember wheeling me to the OR and that was it. The anesthesiologists--they focus on numbing the area completely where they are operating and that is why they find this approach better outcome for the patient. It's less risk than general OR. I woke up as they wheeled me out of the OR so I remember nothing of the surgery. I was alert and in abolutely NO PAIN during or after. I was in the ICU recovery for 24 hrs due to needing blood transfusions due to loss of blood. I usually feel awful coming out of anesthesia but this was an amazing experience. Highly trained Drs involved between orthopedic surgeon and the anesthesiologist. I recommend it and think it is the way to under such an invasive surgery. That was my experience. My first THR was in 2010, that was a different doctor and done at home, as I don't live in NY. It was a lengthy recovery, done the standard way including posterior approach. My new hip THR was done anterior approach, no staples or stitches- used a special glue, very small incision compared to posterior first surgery.
anneee95728 Gemini8
Posted
I had exactly the same and slept like a baby. Was wide awake less than 2 hours after epidural and sedation with no postop nausea or sickness. Back to room where family were waiting and was awake rest of day. With pain relief of course but major pre-op pain GONE. Now actually looking forward to have other hip op and actually getting full life back. Good luck to you. It's a dream. Very best wishes.
terrie_77563 Gemini8
Posted
I had the epidural &I felt nothing woke up with little pain,which was controlled soon after.
However I did end up with a spinal headache, which is from the epidural injection site a small hole which spinal fluid is leaking out.
They recommended a blood patch be performed after a week of the headache.