Epidural with AS

Posted , 2 users are following.

I have to have knee replacement surgery in a few months and the surgeon is leaning towards a general anesthetic rather than a spinal block due to my AS. But I have breathing issues too, so I'm reluctant to go with a general anesthetic. I've also read about something called a caudal block, but the surgeon did not mention this option.

I will ask the Rheum for his opinion, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience with an epidural and AS?

Thanks

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    hi BILL

    just had a hip replacement surgery . I had both an epidural and anesthesia. the anesthesiologist wanted both for me . Everything went smoothly.

    no problems even with my bad back from As. please make sure you tell both the anesthisiologist and surgeon that you have As and do they know what that is? AND TO PLEASE BE GENTLE WITH YOUR BODY!!!

    • Posted

      Thanks,

      The surgeon actually raised my AS before I did. I guess there are some benefits to integrated health care. I read a lot of nasty stuff about epidurals and AS, but I'll see what the Rheum has to say.

      This guy also does the minimally invasive hip surgery, if I ever need that done.

    • Posted

      I finally had my surgery pre-check a few weeks ago and surprisingly they were fairly organized and thorough. I had to wait forever for the anesthesiologist, although he seemed to know his stuff. He took x rays of my lower spine and neck. Not too keen about a spinal block in the neck. I phoned the office a week later to see what they had decided based on the x ray, but they had no notes on the x ray diagnosis. I said you're performing surgery, how can you not have a plan? I don't want to find out the day of surgery what you have in mind. A general will probably mean a two night stay, while a spinal will be one.

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