GA versus Epidural
Posted , 19 users are following.
For those of you that know me I had my operation cancelled at the last minute a few weeks ago. I am just thinking through my options for my next one and wanted to ask you all a question please?
My anaesthetist told me just before my operation before that there is a small risk of getting blinding headaches with the epidural. Having had these 'headaches' before from a lumbar puncture I know you can not lift your head much less walk, do you know of anyone who has had this reaction? Maybe it is unlikely to happen in this situation ( mine was an emergency at the time) .. Would much prefer an epidural but really would prefer not to contend with the agonising headaches as well which would hamper recovery.
Please tell me your experiences good or bad. So I can decide before I get there this time. I think my operation is going to be just after Christmas now... Just seen my new consultant don't know whether to laugh or cry (a lot)
2 likes, 34 replies
carole49258 rose0000
Posted
Good to hear from you.
I had a spinal anaesthetic with sedation for my THR 10 weeks ago without any headache.I thought this was amazing especially compared to GAs I have had before. I normally suffer badly from migraines and headaches and actually had the worst migraine ever about a week after my hip replacement. However this was a reaction to the strong meds and not the anaesthetic.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
Carole
rose0000 carole49258
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Hailea rose0000
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Sorry you got canceled. I hate it when that happens
I can't have epidurals and I wouldn't want one any way. I find I recover quickly enough from GA's so I am happy to go with a GA every time.
I hope your op happenes for you soon
rose0000 Hailea
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maggiefabrianne rose0000
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maggie
rose0000 maggiefabrianne
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DaleB rose0000
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rose0000 DaleB
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sassybees rose0000
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rose0000 sassybees
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annone70291 rose0000
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rose0000 annone70291
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alan23497 rose0000
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Sorry to hear you had a cancellation. I had my thr 11 days ago and so far so good. I went for a general anaesthetic and suffered no ill effects and was discharged on 3rd day.
The main reason was a chat at hospital whilst at occupational therapy with lady that had had 2 replacements and was going for a revision. She said the spinal was alright but didn't like hearing all the hammering and noise. That convinced me.
I have had an epidural for a different procedure with no headaches or other side effects.
I was able to stand on the afternoon of op as I could feel my legs OK. Pain management was not an issue either.
Good luck in whatever you choose, either way will be fine. Pre op these things seem like a bigger deal than they acally are so dont stress either will be OK.
Regards
Alan
rose0000 alan23497
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linnet2015 rose0000
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I was nervous at first at having a spinal anaesthetic but it was fine and didnt really hurt at all. I have heard that headaches after a lumbar puncture are fairly common but dont think they are so common after an epidural. You will get the chance to talk to your anaesthetist before your operation.
Hope that helps?
Linnet x