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GA versus Epidural

Posted , 19 users are following.

rose0000
rose0000

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

34 Replies

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  • linnet2015
    linnet2015 rose0000

    Posted

    ps rose with the sedation I was out like a light and didnt wake up until I was in recovery x
  • Swindon60
    Swindon60 rose0000

    Posted

    Hi Rose hope feeling bit better after your stressful time !

    Is it epidural or spinal block as they are different !? An epidural has a catheter in for top up ,a spinal is just single injection lasts about 2 hours ! . I assume it will be spinal so I would check what you had before ! Obviously general can leave you tired and take a while before you feel yourself . You may have to just decide headaches v fatigue . I had spinal and apparently "light anaesthetic " which I think is just heavy sedation and spinal block and I was fine as I too was pooping my pants !

    Take care

    Denise

  • vicki00016
    vicki00016 rose0000

    Posted

    It is a spinal block that is used and the risk of headache afterwards is extremely small. The anaesthetist will know once he's done the procedure if your likely to have a headache afterwards and will be able to remedy it if needed after your op. It's the preferred option to GA as the recovery is usually much quicker.
  • christine86413
    christine86413 rose0000

    Posted

    Hi Rose I had spinal block with sedation and was sat up chatting to visitors 2 hours later. No headaches, worked brilliantly for me. Good luck with your op when you finally get it x
  • ian97093
    ian97093 rose0000

    Posted

    I was not given the choice, I had both hips replaced this summer, and was OK even though I was sort of awake on the second one, I knew I was being moved about but did not feel a thing...It was interesting....in an odd way....
  • marilyn_92910
    marilyn_92910 rose0000

    Posted

    I had the spinal and light gas and air didn't feel a thing, also had no headache would definitely have it this way again xx
  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 rose0000

    Posted

    I had a GA by choice, very happy with it, but had no other medical conditions that needed to be considered

    I assume LP was for ? Meningitis or a ?SAH in which case you could have had a bad headache anyway. However I think you need to speak to the medics to help with your decision

  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h rose0000

    Posted

    Hi Rose,I had GA.I was down for an epidural, but had a complete break down in pre theatre so the next thing I knew was I was back in bed.This was back in march.!I will have to have my knees done & other hip! But leaving well alone as I am so scared.And suffer from chronic stress.Also I am a full time carer.regards Amanda
  • Kikeena
    Kikeena rose0000

    Posted

    Hi Rose

    There is a big difference between a spinal and an epidural. A spinal uses a much smaller needle, a little bigger than a hair, whereas an epidural has a much thicker needle. The risk of a headache are about 1 percent but it's supposed to be bad if you do get it.

    My surgeon wanted me to have a spinal but I wanted a guarantee that I wouldn't hear anything. So the compromise was spinal with general anaesthetic, but without the paralysing drug. So I was still able to breathe and wasn't intubated. Worked for me but obviously that's not for everyone. I didn't know about the headache risk at the time.

    So now you have to wait and wait. Poor you. It's could be a very frustrating time.

    Keena

  • Shortz
    Shortz rose0000

    Posted

    Hi Rose, just to put in my 2 cents worth 😊 I had an epidural and sedation for my THR 6 weeks ago. Was sedated before the epidural and went out like a light; woke up back in my room a couple of hours later. No headaches or nasty after-effects. Good luck with your op.
  • ginger54698
    ginger54698 rose0000

    Posted

    I had GA with my first- it was fine but the recovery and hospital stay was way longer... Six weeks ago I had my left hip replaced under an epidural ... So much better! Out of the hospital faster- up and going faster... Overall easy breezy. Do it!
  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 rose0000

    Posted

    For me here in Australia, Spinal block is all they use, with top up of sedation, or so they told me. Very nervous about that idea but no problems with both hips. I woke up in the middle of 1st hip replacement, rather noisy the surgery, but I remember somebody realising I was awake, in no pain. and a masked face in mine asking if I was awake, yes I nodded, he said to me well we are putting you back to sleep. 2nd hip, not aware at all, until I woke up in recovery. In my case they did leave me connected up to the spinal until the next day as a pain killer. Really good first nights sleep afterwards. No headaches at all, but I do remember them warning there may be.
    • Kikeena
      Kikeena lyn1951

      Posted

      Hi Lyn, I'm in Australia and was offered a choice. They pushed spinal pretty strongly though.
    • lyn1951
      lyn1951 Kikeena

      Posted

      Kilkeena - I felt as thought I was given no choice, "thats the way we do it here" at Prince Charles in Brisbane.  If I remember correctly the 1st THR, Oct 2013.  I was part of a study group on the benefits. I assume one of surgeons was doing a paper on the plus and minus benefits. The senior nurse who was about my age, and involved told me the benefits of SBlock far outweighted the  GA.  recovery time, puenomia cases, general unwellness. I don't know if she was supposed to share the info, but I did ask.  I am one of those that If I know what is going on, and they are truthfull with me I cope alot better. I know for others knowing all only makes it worse for them.
  • jane26071
    jane26071 rose0000

    Posted

    Had a spinal and ..chose not to have sedation but it was available if I wanted it....it can be given in large amounts so that you hear nothing....  I "enjoyed" the whole experience...I know that sounds a bit weird, but the staff were so lovely, the anaesthetic room experience was good...chatty, amusing staff...almost forgot what I was there for! 
    • maggiefabrianne
      maggiefabrianne jane26071

      Posted

      hi Jane

      I can relate to your comments too. I had epidural and no sedation and it was interesting to hear everyone chatting. They can sedate you any time if you are not comfortable but I was fine.

      maggie

    • rose0000
      rose0000 jane26071

      Posted

      Gosh how lovely!! It makes such a difference to have such a kind team looking after you , I hope I am just as lucky!
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