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

Posted , 17 users are following.

veronica58657
veronica58657

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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  • Guest
    Guest veronica58657

    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
    • veronica58657
      veronica58657 Guest

      Posted

      Thanks gillcat, so many have said the same, it's put my mind at ease, see you the other side!
  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 veronica58657

    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.
    • veronica58657
      veronica58657 maggie93798

      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.
  • linnet2015
    linnet2015 veronica58657

    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

  • christine2107
    christine2107 veronica58657

    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. 
    • veronica58657
      veronica58657 christine2107

      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 :-(
  • anne57454
    anne57454 veronica58657

    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.
    • anne57454
      anne57454 veronica58657

      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

    • veronica58657
      veronica58657 anne57454

      Posted

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

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

  • ginger54698
    ginger54698 veronica58657

    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!
    • ginger54698
      ginger54698 veronica58657

      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
  • renee01952
    renee01952 veronica58657

    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

    • veronica58657
      veronica58657 renee01952

      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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