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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

44 Replies

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  • Shortz
    Shortz veronica58657

    Posted

    Like sassybees, I'm in Melbourne, Australia, and wasn't given a choice. Had spinal with sedation, didn't feel a thing and went out like a light as soon as the sedative was injected. Easypeasy!
  • sassybees
    sassybees veronica58657

    Posted

    Just want to clear something...... when prople say spinal.....a sedation is always given as well.... how much will depend on your anethasist. ...he saw i was a lost cause coward terrified beyond words.....he just sedated me. I dont remember the spinal op or recovery. .. i woke in the ward
  • ann60013
    ann60013 veronica58657

    Posted

    Hi Veronica 

    I had my op just a week ago I has Spinal with sedation was great was so relaxed first thing I Knew was them telling me they was putting the last stitches in I was back in my room within the hour having a coffee and a sand which and no pain either hope this helps xxx

  • renee01952
    renee01952 veronica58657

    Posted

    dear veronica -

    so curious which one you will choose ... eek   

    not easy, is it .... seems that each of our choices were right -

    take care and keep on breathing - it is all good !

    big warm hug

    renee

  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 veronica58657

    Posted

    In my case they give you a tiny needle of local, then they do your spinal block. Turn you around and lay you flat on the operating table. At that point the Dr, said we are going to put you to sleep now, that was for my first THR, during the second they kept me awake a long time after they did the spinal, someone kept asking me or the dr, not sure, if I was OK. As I was not spiking high blood pressure they continued with my prep, inserting cathether, bolting me down to operating table, (frame that holds your pelvis), and also using something like gladwrap for my upper body and wrapping me down firmly again to the operating table. I don't suppose they want you moving about as they do the surgery.
    • veronica58657
      veronica58657 lyn1951

      Posted

      oh er, I had no idea that they bolted you down to the operating table, it's looking like I may go for GA just in case I have to experience that !
    • maggie93798
      maggie93798 veronica58657

      Posted

      Well when you think about it when you saw a price of wood etc you hold it down in a vice to keep it still. Part of the op involves sawing of the top of the bone to enable them to fit the new ball and socket joint. They have got to be very accurate so bolted down it I'd!
  • janeylady
    janeylady veronica58657

    Posted

    Hi Veronica, I'm still deciding whether to have hip replacement (surgeon is giving me 6 weeks to decide) and I came on here last week and got some great advice. I didn't realise there was an option for spinal block or GA.  I'm worried about being put to sleep and reading everyones comments, I think when I do have my op, I will go with spinal block.  Wishing you a speedy recovery x
    • veronica58657
      veronica58657 janeylady

      Posted

      Thank you janeylady I've know for ages that I would eventually have to have a hip replacement, but I could see no reason for doing it until these last few months when I've become much worse and can't walk around like I used to. If you are not in pain then you could wait. Yes it's great to get all those replies and info on general a anaesthetic versus spinal.

      Good luck with your decision.

  • linnet2015
    linnet2015 veronica58657

    Posted

    Best of luck for Monday veronica with whatever anaesthetic you decide to go with.

    Let us know what you decided and how it went.

    Take care

    Linnet x

  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 veronica58657

    Posted

    Re bolting you down to the operating table, think about it, they have to dis-locate the biggest joint in your body, that would be pretty rough I would think. I think I would prefer to be bolted down rather then slipping and sliding all over the operating table. the bolting down is something like a bar stool under your bottom, and a mushroom like device against the front bone of your hip, that pulls you tight against the bottom piece, maybe bolting down is a little strong, but I couldn't think of a better description, thats exactly what it is.
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