GA versus Spinal. I have my right THR 2nd November

Posted , 17 users are following.

And I'm still toying with the idea of a spinal, I'm really scared as I don't want to be at all aware of any sensation, or smell or noise, is it possible to be completely out of it, eyes closed etc? If not I'll have to have GA, even though I know the recovery is better with spinal. Any info gratefully accepted.

Veronica

0 likes, 44 replies

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  • Posted

    Spinal with sedation is the best way to go..... I heard nothing saw nothing and felt nothing. I was brilliant straight afterwards and would go that way again. Hope this helps Love Gillxxx
    • Posted

      Thanks gillcat, so many have said the same, it's put my mind at ease, see you the other side!
  • Posted

    I felt very strongly that I wanted a GA, the thought of being aware at all was total anathema, even though I knew that 99.9% of people who opt for sedation are totally unaware. I asked, had a GA and a nerve block in the groin to help post op, recovered well, had lunch as soon as I got back to the ward. However it is not for everyone.
    • Posted

      Thanks Maggie, that sounds interesting, having a nerve block in the groin, I guess that means no pain for a while when you wake up, and no hearing or seeing anything with GA.
  • Posted

    Totally agree with Gill I had spinal with sedation for both my hips and all fine both times. I was a little apprehensive the first time as had never had a spinal before but hardly felt a thing and the next thing I remember was waking up in recovery looking forward to a cup of tea.

    Linnet x

  • Posted

    If you dont mind then ask your surgeon if she or he has a preference. Thats what I did and I went with that. My mother in law heard a lot of sawing and drilling with her spinals - thats not for me - however I recover well from anaesthetic and enjoy the guilty pleasure of escaping from life completely. 
    • Posted

      Thanks Christine, I don't know if I will recover well from GA, my surgeon said, when I asked for GA, 'why would you want to wake up feeling sick and in pain :-(
  • Posted

    I had spinal with sedation. No recollection of going into the OR and woke up in recovery. Felt great. Much preferabled to a GA.
    • Posted

      I don't thinik so. It was enough to send me to sleep and have no awareness of the op.. I'm in Canada,by the way, and didn't have a choice. But having had GA for other procedures, there is no doubt in my mind that you fell much better after sedation/spinal. After GA you feel groggy for a week at least. 

      Wishing you well on Monday!

      xx

    • Posted

      Thanks Anne, that really helps, someone who's had both and can compare.

      I can't wait until it's all over.

  • Posted

    I have had both and the spinal was so much better! I was TOTALLY freaked out too.. But I didn't hear, see or smell a thing- it was perfect! I highly recommend it!
    • Posted

      Yes.... They gave me something to relax me prior to the spinal... Might have been the start of sedation? Then, I remember going into the ER - sitting up for the spinal and that's it- later I woke up feeling fine and asking for an iced coffee smile
  • Posted

    hi veronica,

    general anaesthesia for me too ...

    take a deep breath, and wake up in recovery room. .

    I am lucky that I had no problems or side effects. ..I am a coward and don't want to smell or hear anything.

    It is personal

    big warm hug

    Renee

    • Posted

      Thanks Renee, sounds like GA is better than it used to be, with side affects etc. I only had one when I was 12.....50 years ago!

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